I have issues with award systems. I never seem to be in the loop and every time they're on I spend half the time going 'WTF!' and the other half saying 'who the hell is that'. I suppose I'm a bit out of the mainstream, but I still have some interest. I often wonder why the bands and performers I find most deserving are never a part of the process.
The Americana Music Awards are interesting as there are only 7 categories. The most amazing part of it is that very few if any of these nominees are household names. Do I live in America? American I would presume indicates a more 'country' flair– but still…
The awards will take place in Nashville TN on September 5
The nominees:
Album of the Year
Here We Rest ' Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive ' Steve Earle
The Harrow & The Harvest ' Gillian Welch
This One's For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark ' Various Artists
Artist of the Year
Gillian Welch
Hayes Carll
Jason Isbell
Justin Townes Earle
Emerging Artist of the Year
Alabama Shakes
Dawes
Deep Dark Woods
Robert Ellis
Song of the Year
Alabama Pines ' Written by Jason Isbell and performed by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Come Around ' Written and performed by Sarah Jarosz
I Love ' Written by Tom T. Hall and performed by Patty Griffin
Waiting on the Sky to Fall ' Written and performed by Steve Earle
Instrumentalist of the Year
Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Darrell Scott
Dave Rawlings
Duo/Group of the Year
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Civil Wars
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Punch Brothers