CCMA Awards Rules and Regulations (2017)
Click here to view the FAQ and to download a complete copy of the 2017 CCMA Awards' Rules and Regulations.
ARTIST AWARDS (15 Awards)
These awards are presented to an act (solo, duo or group) for their excellence during the current eligibility period.
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This award is presented to the act (solo, duo or group) for a Canadian country album, which was released for mass public consumption in its entirety, within the current eligibility period. An album is defined as a collection of several pieces of music made available as a single item. The album can be a special project or commemorative package. Voters and jury members should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to, market impact (e.g. sales, spins, YouTube views), artistic performance, production, design, art layout and liner notes. This award is for an album as a whole unit. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Album of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to one act (solo, duo or group) that participated in the current year’s CCMA Discovery Program. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS
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This award is presented to the act (solo, duo or group) displaying the greatest achievements, in all aspects of the entertainment field, within the current eligibility period. Voters should give consideration to all aspects, including, but not limited to recorded performance, video(s), social media presence, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership and overall contributions to the Canadian country music image. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Fans’ Choice Award follows a two (2) step selection process:
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This award is presented to an individual female artist in the Canadian country music industry displaying the greatest achievements within the current eligibility period. Voters should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to success at radio, sales of pre-recorded music, live concert ticket sales and vocal performances. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Female Artist of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment.
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This award is presented to a group/duo (defined as an act comprised of two (2) or more people, all of whom perform together as a collective group) in the Canadian country music industry, displaying the greatest achievements within the current eligibility period. The act may include an individual who has, or currently does, perform as a solo artist under a name different than that of the group/duo. This award is based on the performance of the group/duo as a unit, either on record or in person. Voters should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to success at radio, pre-recorded music, live concert ticket sales and vocal performances. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Group or Duo of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment.
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This award is presented to an act (solo, duo or group) in the Canadian country music industry who participates in meaningful digital interaction with fans within the current eligibility period. Voters and jury members should give consideration to all aspects of an act’s interaction with fans – including, but not limited to, quantity and quality – via social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) and website (content, graphic design, layout, etc.). Consideration will be given to campaigns/initiatives/focuses that showcase an act’s innovative, original and engaging thinking. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Interactive Artist or Group of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to an individual male artist in the Canadian country music industry displaying the greatest achievements within the current eligibility period. Voters should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to success at radio, pre-recorded music, live concert ticket sales and vocal performances. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Male Artist of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment.
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One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. |
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This award is presented to an act (solo, duo or group) who had significant success during the current eligibility period, and who has not been previously nominated in a number of CCMA Artist Award categories (detailed below). ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Rising Star Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
These results will be compiled by Nielsen Entertainment;
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This award is presented to an act (solo, duo or group) in the Canadian country music industry whose music is based on traditional country styles, but through innovations and originality is different from what is considered “mainstream country”. Roots music embraces a multitude of musical styles, including but not limited to Alternative Country, Bluegrass, Celtic, Country-Blues, Folk, Gospel, Hillbilly, Honky Tonk, Rockabilly and Western Swing. Voters should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to success at radio, pre-recorded music, live concert ticket sales and vocal performances. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Roots Artist or Group of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to the act (solo, duo or group) for a Canadian country music track, which was released as a single to Canadian county radio within the current eligibility period as defined below AND amongst the top spinning singles within the current eligibility period. Voters should give consideration to the impact of the single on consumers and the Canadian country music industry. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Single of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to the songwriter(s) of an individual country music song released to radio or available for purchase within the current eligibility period. This award is based on an individual song and not on the songwriter(s)’ body of work. Voters should give consideration to all aspects of the given song, if applicable, including but not limited to lyrics, music, success at radio, record sales, success in digital media and impact of the song on consumers and the Canadian country music industry, with emphasis on the creative integrity of the song. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Songwriter(s) of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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One (1) award is presented to (each of) the songwriter(s), courtesy of the CCMA. |
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This award is presented to the act (solo, duo or group) of a country music album, based upon record sales in Canada, including physical, digital and streamed, within the current eligibility period. An album is defined as a collection of several pieces of music made available as a single item. The album can be a special project or commemorative package. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS
CCMA AWARD
One (1) award is presented to the act, courtesy of the CCMA. In the case of a group/duo, one (1) award will be presented to each core member of the group/duo. |
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This award is presented to the act (solo, duo or group) of a Canadian country music album, based upon record sales in Canada, including physical, digital and streamed, within the current eligibility period. An album is defined as a collection of several pieces of music made available as a single item. The album can be a special project or commemorative package. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS
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This award is presented to the act (solo, duo or group) of a Canadian country music single, based upon sales in Canada, both digital and streamed, within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS
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This award is presented to the act (solo, duo or group) for a Canadian country music video, released for broadcast within the current eligibility period. This award is for an original audio visual program. Voters and jury members should give consideration to all aspects of the given video, including but not limited to creativity, production, visual appeal and impact on consumers and the Canadian country music industry. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Video of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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MUSICIAN AWARDS (7 Awards)
These awards recognize individual instrumentalists on record, or stage and who are known primarily as instrumental performers. Only eligible CCMA Members, listed as a Musician, Artist, Producer or Songwriter as their primary membership category, are eligible to vote on the seven (7) Musician Award categories. A musician is only eligible to win five (5) times, within the same Musician Award category, before being added to the category's honour roll making them no longer eligible in that category. To view the Musician Hall of Honour, please click here.
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ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Bass Player of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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SELECTION PROCESS The Drummer of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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SELECTION PROCESS The Fiddle Player of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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SELECTION PROCESS The Guitar Player of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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SELECTION PROCESS The Keyboard Player of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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SELECTION PROCESS The Specialty Instrument Player of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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SELECTION PROCESS The Steel Guitar Player of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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RADIO AWARDS (6 Awards)
The CCMA will present awards to Radio Station of the Year, On-Air Personality(ies) of the Year and Music Director of the Year in both large and medium or small markets. A large market is defined as a city with a population over 150,000. According to Statistics Canada 2016 census figures, cities with a population over 150,000 (in order of population) are: Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Brampton, Hamilton, Quebec City, Surrey, Laval, Halifax, London, Markham, Vaughan, Gatineau, Saskatoon, Longueuil, Kitchener, Burnaby, Windsor, Regina, Richmond, Richmond Hill , Oakville, Burlington, Greater Sudbury, Sherbrooke and Oshawa. A Medium or Small Market is defined as a city under the population of 150,000 and is not listed above. For verification purposes, the CCMA will use the CRTC and Numeris as reference points to determine where a station is being broadcast from when reviewing the Radio Awards category.
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This award is presented to Canadian country music radio Music Directors who exemplify the development and airplay of Canadian country talent through his/her radio station within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Music Director of the Year (Large Market) Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to Canadian country music radio Music Directors who exemplify the development and airplay of Canadian country talent through his/her radio station within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Music Director of the Year (Medium or Small Market) Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to Canadian country music on-air radio personalities who exemplify the development of Canadian country talent through his/her/their presentation on-air for a Canadian country radio station within the current eligibility period. Jury members should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to the personality(ies)’s on-air presentation, market share/ratings information, community service, industry involvement and charitable contributions. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The On-Air Personality(ies) of the Year (Large Market) Award follows a two (2) step selection process:
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This award is presented to Canadian country music on-air radio personalities who exemplify the development of Canadian country talent through his/her/their presentation on-air for a Canadian country radio station within the current eligibility period. Jury members should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to the personality(ies)’s on-air presentation, market share/ratings information, community service, industry involvement and charitable contributions. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The On-Air Personality(ies) of the Year (Medium or Small Market) Award follows a two (2) step selection process:
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This award is presented to Canadian country music radio stations, who exemplify the development of Canadian country talent through a presentation of the music on their station, within the current eligibility period. Eligible terrestrial country radio stations must be licensed by the CRTC. Jury members should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to community involvement, promotions, leadership and recognition. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Radio Station of the Year (Large Market) Award follows a two (2) step selection process:
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This award is presented to Canadian country music radio stations, who exemplify the development of Canadian country talent through a presentation of the music on their station, within the current eligibility period. Eligible terrestrial country radio stations must be licensed by the CRTC. Jury members should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to community involvement, promotions, leadership and recognition. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market) Award follows a two (2) step selection process:
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One (1) award is presented to the radio station in each market, courtesy of the CCMA. |
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INDUSTRY AWARDS (14 Awards)
These awards honour individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to Canadian country music within the current eligibility period.
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This award is presented to a booking agency that procures employment for a Canadian country act(s) during the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Booking Agency of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a Canadian establishment, which regularly employs Canadian country artists, within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Country Club of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a Canadian festival, fair or exhibition, which utilizes Canadian country artists as an element of the event and presents country music in a positive manner while attracting a large and diverse audience, and has displayed professional organization, management and production during the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to the production company of an original Canadian-produced country music program or special whose original airing on television or radio (including network or cable) was within the current eligibility period. A special is considered to be a one-time production and a program is a collection of individual episodes. Therefore, individual episodes of a program are not eligible. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Country Music Program or Special of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a management company that oversees the career of a Canadian country act(s) during the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Management Company of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a Canadian publishing firm which published original country works by Canadian writers, within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Music Publishing Company of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a record company which has released Canadian country product for sale within the current eligibility period. A record company is defined as a company or label that makes and sells musical recordings independently, in partnership with, and/or operates with full services as a division of a multinational company. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Record Company of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to one (1) individual employee of a record company, displaying excellence within the current eligibility period. A record company is defined as a company or label that makes and sells musical recordings independently, in partnership with, and/or operated with full services as a division of a multinational company. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Record Company Person of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to the design team who has created a physical album (CD, EP and/or vinyl) or single (digital), as listed within the album’s liner notes or as listed on the completed submission form (single), featuring original artwork, released within the current eligibility period. Voters and jury members should give consideration to all aspects of the given recording package, including but not limited to the strength and cohesiveness of the design concept of the whole package (including the disc), typography, materials used, marketing potential and connectedness to the music and/or recording artist.
ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Recording Package of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a Canadian recording establishment that facilitates the production of Canadian country music product released within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Recording Studio of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a producer(s), primarily involved in the recording and/or mixing process, for selected project(s) released within the current eligibility period. Voters should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to a commercially released single, album or EP crediting the producer, and chart status. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Record Producer(s) of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a music retailer; either a digital or a physical store, displaying outstanding support of Canadian country music within the current eligibility period. A music retailer is defined as a company which actively sells Canadian country music, either through a store location, online purchase of digital downloads, online purchase of a manufactured CD or subscription-based streaming services. Voters should give consideration to all aspects, including but not limited to the retailer’s sales service, promotions and support of Canadian country talent. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Retailer of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to one (1) individual talent buyer or promoter, who presents and promotes Canadian country acts within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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This award is presented to a video director, displaying excellence in the area of Canadian country music video direction for selected project(s) released within the current eligibility period. ELIGIBILITY
SELECTION PROCESS The Video Director of the Year Award follows a three (3) step selection process:
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