Awarding The Future of Music

Battles of the Bands and music contests of all kinds seem to be here to stay. Inspired by movie story lines and popular television shows that pit musician against musician, local 'Battles' are one of the most visible ways for young bands to find an audience. And, according to the music parents I've talked to, an audience is what these musicians really crave.

In an effort to provide a platform for young musicians (under 21), the music nonprofit, Pavoh.org has teamed up with The New England Music Awards to present The New England RADAR Award, a new award that will give up to three talented young musicians or groups an opportunity to perform at select gigs and performances throughout the year. The New England RADAR Award process is purely a celebration of young artists. It is not a ‘Battle.’ To emphasize this celebration, they are choosing a “RADAR Class of 2014” – celebrating the group of potentially varied genres and styles as a whole. The hope is to strip away the hype and neutralize the inequities of battles and online contests.

Designed by seasoned music parents at Pavoh.org in association with experienced music professionals at the New England Music Awards, The New England RADAR Award was created to identify and celebrate young artists making music of uncommon quality with significant promise. The intent of the award is to provide these artists with greater visibility so their music has a better chance of being heard by the audience it deserves.

Beneath the surface of this award lies a belief that in the absence of significant financial backing or a stroke of luck, much of the best music being created by young artists today may never see the light of day.

Pavoh.org and The New England Music Awards want to recognize the best music with the greatest potential for its own merits then elevate it so it gets heard. All submissions are free and more information is available at www.pavoh.org or www.nemusicawards.com.

 Judging Requirements and Criteria:

A volunteer panel of qualified New England music professionals from varied music backgrounds and industries are charged with selecting their top three honorees individually based on the following requirements and criteria:

• All musicians must live in New England.
• All musicians must be under the age of 21 as of October 1, 2013.
• Submissions must be made via www.pavoh.org using the provided submission form.
• While recording quality should be strong, professionally recorded submissions will not carry more weight than amateur recordings.
• All genres will be considered.
• All song lengths are accepted.
• Song submissions will be judged based on musicianship and originality.

And the winner is...

We can't end the Battles - besides, who doesn't love that Jack Black movie? But, if we provide more opportunities that support the music and the performance, we can promote the art and the creativity - not the winning or losing.