15/08/2024
How Independent Artists Can Get Nominated for the 2025 GRAMMYs
As you watch the GRAMMYs each year, it might seem like the only people who win are the industry giants like Kanye West and Beyoncé. However, what many don’t realize is that there are countless other winners who aren’t shown on television—many of whom are talented independent artists working just as hard as mainstream acts. If you’re a skilled musician, it’s not as difficult as you might think to get nominated for a GRAMMY, and it’s definitely possible to win as an independent artist. Here’s how you can make that dream a reality.
Understanding the GRAMMYs Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a GRAMMY nomination, your release must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Release Date Requirements
For the 2025 GRAMMY Awards, your music needs to be released between September 16, 2023, and August 30, 2024. This time frame is crucial, as any release outside of these dates will not be considered.
Album Length and Format
Albums: To qualify as an album, your submission must include at least five different tracks with a total playing time of 15 minutes or a total playing time of 30 minutes with no minimum track count.
Singles: There are no such requirements for singles, making it easier for independent artists to submit standout tracks.
Your music must also be available for sale, either physically in stores or digitally online. This includes recognized streaming platforms. Additionally, your recording must meet industry standards (16-bit, 44.1 kHz), and each song must have proper metadata credits, including songwriters, producers, and ISRC codes for each track.
Original Material Requirement
Starting with the 2023 GRAMMYs, to qualify, an album must contain more than 75% of newly recorded material. This means the majority of your album needs to be fresh content, recorded within five years of the release date.
Who is Eligible for a GRAMMY Nomination?
Not just the primary artists are eligible for GRAMMY nominations. For the 2025 GRAMMYs and beyond, all credited artists, including featured artists, songwriters of new material, producers, recording engineers, mixers, and mastering engineers, are eligible for nominations in the Album of The Year category. This change expands the pool of potential nominees, giving more recognition to those involved in the creation process.
The GRAMMY Submission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Become a Member of the Recording Academy
To submit a recording for GRAMMY consideration, you must be a member of the Recording Academy. This membership grants you access to the Online Entry Process (OEP), where you can submit your entries during the designated submission periods.
Step 2: Submit Your Entries
Once you’re a member, log in to your account on the GRAMMY website and submit your entries. The Online Entry Process for the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards opens on July 17, 2024, so mark your calendars and prepare your submissions accordingly.
Step 3: The Voting Process
The GRAMMY voting process consists of two rounds:
Round One: Voting Members vote on the entries they believe should receive a nomination in their respective categories. Each category has only five slots, so even getting nominated is a significant achievement.
Final Round: Once the nominees are selected, Voting Members vote again to determine the winner in each category.
While only the categories with broader popular appeal are televised during the ceremony, many other awards, often in more niche categories, are announced off-air. This is where many independent artists can shine.
Latin GRAMMYs: A Parallel Opportunity
If your music caters to a Latin audience, you might also consider submitting to the Latin GRAMMYs. The process is nearly identical to the standard GRAMMYs, with entries being submitted by members of the Latin Recording Academy. The voting process follows the same two-round format, with winners announced in a final televised ceremony.
Debunking the Myths: Independent Artists and GRAMMY Nominations
One of the most common misconceptions is that GRAMMY nominations are reserved for industry giants. In reality, independent artists get nominated—and win—every year. With hundreds of categories up for grabs, there is ample opportunity for indie artists to make their mark.
Success Stories from Independent Artists
Independent artists have consistently proven their worth at the GRAMMYs. For instance, Catherine Russell was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal in 2019, while Stewart Copeland & Ricky Kej won a Grammy for Best New Age Album with "Divine Tides." Steel Pulse, another independent artist, has been nominated nine times, winning Best Reggae Recording for "Babylon The Bandit."
Final Thoughts: Aim High, Shoot Your Shot
If you’re an independent artist working tirelessly to perfect your craft, you owe it to yourself to aim high. The GRAMMYs represent the pinnacle of music industry recognition, and your work deserves to be in the running. While awards don’t define the quality of your music, there’s no denying the boost a GRAMMY win can give to your career.
So, whether you’re submitting an album, a single, or a collaboration, follow the steps outlined above and get ready to enter the GRAMMY race. Remember, as a member of the Recording Academy, you have the unique opportunity to shape the future of music by honoring the best of the best.
Key Dates for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards
Product Eligibility Period: September 16, 2023 – August 30, 2024
Media Company Registration: July 8, 2024 – August 23, 2024
Online Entry Period: July 17, 2024 – August 30, 2024
First Round Voting: October 4, 2024 – October 15, 2024
67th GRAMMY Awards Nominations Announcement: November 8, 2024
Final Round Voting: December 12, 2024 – January 3, 2025
67th GRAMMY Awards Telecast: February 2, 2025