"MELT " Makes Edmonton Music Prize Long List

The Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) and Alberta Music, in collaboration with the Edmonton Arts Council, are pleased to announce the 2020 Edmonton Film Prize Short List & Edmonton Music Prize Long List.

This is the ninth year that the Edmonton Music Prize has been offered, and it awards $12,000 in prize money to Edmonton-based musicians or musical collectives who have released a full-length recording in the past 18 months. The award is sponsored by the City of Edmonton through the Edmonton Arts Council and administered by Alberta Music.

Alberta Music assembled a jury of industry professionals, who reviewed the 27 nominations that were submitted and selected from among them a long list of 10 artists. From this list, the jury will be selecting the 3 finalists who will receive prize money and be recognized by the Edmonton music community. In addition to the primary assessment of the musical component, the jury also takes into consideration how the artists have made a unique contribution to the city. The top 3 finalists will be announced on March 22nd and the winner will be announced virtually on March 22nd fromThe Starlite Room and broadcast on Alberta Music’s Facebook page.

Edmonton Music Prize jury member noted that, “After a year of next to no concerts, it was a joy to meet virtually to select this year’s short list. Discussions were spirited – we were impressed by the vibrancy and vision of Edmonton’s artists.”

Edmonton Arts Council Executive Director, Sanjay Shahani says “This year’s nominees demonstrate the rich diversity of form, genre and style of Edmonton’s music and film communities. All the nominees show great dedication to their artistic practice during a time of uncertainty and disruption and this list captures the creativity, resilience, and innovation present in their works – they are a source of inspiration and hope for us – and continue to demonstrate the positive impact of the arts on our city. The scope and scale of works created by these shortlisted artists are helping to build an Edmonton that is a vibrant hub for extraordinary creation and reputation.”

The first place winner will take home $10,000, and two runner-up prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded. The three finalists will be announced virtually on March 22nd.

This year’s Edmonton Music Prize Long List, (in alphabetical order) are:

Bad Buddy

Beppie

Farhad Khosravi

Joe Nolan

Lucette

Lyra Brown

Mac MillOn

Marlaena Moore

Nuela Charles

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