New categories for The Age Music Victoria awards, nominations now open

In its 13^th year, The Age Music Victoria Awards in November have announced changes to their categories to give more styles a look-in.

A new Best Rock/Punk category is introduced, allowing Best Heavy Album to more specifically celebrate metal and hard rock subgenres.

Best Global/Reggae is now separated into Best Reggae and Dancehall and Best Global making each stand-alone category.

Best Solo Artist will replace Best Male and Female Artist to include gender non-conforming artists. Ten artists will be nominated, and Music Victoria’s 40/40/20 gender diversity quotas will apply.

New categories for Best Female Musician and Best Male Musician have also been introduced.

Best Aboriginal Act is renamed The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent, and will now come with a cash grant and mentorship as part of the award.

"After each awards, we survey the industry and judges to make sure the categories best reflect what is happening in Victoria in the year and the most deserved contributors to the industry are acknowledged," said awards executive producer Patrick Donovan.

“We are confident these changes to criteria and judging panels will result in awards that are more inclusive and better reflect outstanding achievements.

“Stay tuned for an announcement in October with details about a new structure for this year’s event.’’

Submissions are now open until midnight Friday, August 31, head here to nominate.

The categories open for submissions are for regional and outer suburban venues (under 50 and over 50 gigs a year), best venue (over and under 500 capacity) and best festival.

For the full list of categories, see here.

Victorian artists, venues and festivals can nominate themselves, or others they believe should be considered.

All nominees will be announced Wednesday, October 11.

The awards are held as part of Melbourne Music Week and co-presented by community radio stations Triple R 102.7FM and PBS 106.7FM.