I think we’ve all come to realize that a ton of the best artists in country music will continue to get left out of the conversation when it comes to big time country music award ceremonies, such as the ACMs and CMAs.
Although we’re seeing more and more pure country artists make their way into nominations, such as Cody Johnson and Zach Bryan due to their massive success in the independent country music scene, there is still a lot left to be desired, as these award ceremonies continue to worry more about putting on a show than recognizing the much more deserving artists.
Hell, Ed Sheeran is making a damn appearance at this year’s ACM Awards, and the likes of Tyler Childers, Cody Jinks, Turnpike Troubadours, and many more didn’t even get an invite.
However, there are other smaller award ceremonies that are dedicated to recognizing the artists that continue to put out incredible music, such as the Americana Music Association Awards.
With that being said, a ton of incredible artists and bands are up for several nominations for this year’s ceremony.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
“Big Time,” Angel Olsen; Produced by Angel Olsen and Jonathan Wilson
“Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven?,” Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers
“El Bueno y el Malo,” Hermanos Gutiérrez; Produced by Dan Auerbach
“The Man from Waco,” Charley Crockett; Produced by Bruce Robison
“Strays,” Margo Price; Produced by Margo Price and Jonathan Wilson
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Charley Crockett
Sierra Ferrell
Margo Price
Allison Russell
Billy Strings
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
49 Winchester
Caamp
Nickel Creek
Plains
The War and Treaty
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Adeem the Artist
S.G. Goodman
William Prince
Thee Sacred Souls
Sunny War
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Isa Burke
Allison de Groot
Jeff Picker
SistaStrings – Chauntee and Monique Ross
Kyle Tuttle
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Change of Heart,” Margo Price; Written by Jeremy Ivey, Margo Price
“I’m Just a Clown,” Charley Crockett; Written by Charley Crockett
“Just Like That,” Bonnie Raitt; Written by Bonnie Raitt
“Something in the Orange,” Zach Bryan; Written by Zach Bryan
“You’re Not Alone,” Allison Russell featuring Brandi Carlile; Written by Allison Russell
