Nomination FAQ

Nomination/Voting FAQ

Q. What are the voting dates?

A. Saturday, March 15, 2025 – 1st round of voting closes

A. Friday, April 18, 2025 – final voting is open now and closes April 18 at midnight.

Q.  When does the Nomination Period End?

      A. Nominations may be submitted until 11:59pm central time, January 31, 2025.
What’s the difference between self-registering and being nominated for the WAMI Awards?

A.

  • Self-registration: This is where YOU take the initiative! You enter your own information (or your band’s, venue’s, etc.) to be considered for a WAMI Award. It’s like saying, “Hey, I’m here and I’m awesome!” There’s no shame in the self-promotion game, ask any touring musician.
  • Nomination: This is where SOMEONE ELSE recognizes your awesomeness. They submit your name (or your band’s, venue’s, etc.) because they believe you deserve a WAMI Award. It’s like getting a glowing recommendation!

Important Note: While nominations are fantastic, self-registration is ESSENTIAL to ensure you’re in the running. Think of it as getting your foot in the door. Once you’re registered, nominations can boost your chances.

Q.  Can I nominate someone else?

      A.  Absolutely! You can nominate a name, band, club, or venue for recognition.

Q.  What do I need to submit a nomination or registration?

      A.  You’ll need the name of the artist, band, club, or venue you’re nominating, plus their email address.

Q.  Who can submit works like songs, albums, videos, or artwork?

      A.  Only the artist or their team can submit works for these categories.

Q.  How many genres can I submit to?

      A.  We limit it to 2 genres per entry.

Q.  Do I need to be a WAMI member to participate or win an award?

      A.  No. WAMI membership isn’t required to nominate, register, or even win.

Q.  What’s the difference between a nomination and a registration?

  • Nomination: Someone submits your name, band, club, or venue for a category.
  • Registration: You or your team submit your name, band, club, venue, or work for consideration.

Q.  I don’t see a genre for Song of the Year…what’s up with that?

      A.  The genres actually populate after you upload your mp3. Once you log in, navigate to “Register in Award Categories” then click on “Upload a new song”. Enter the Name of the song and choose your genre.

WAMI Song of the Year genre

Q.  I know if you do your own version of a song, you can get around the copyright claims on YouTube or TikTok, do these versions qualify for Song of the Year or Video of the Year?

      A.  To avoid any legal infringement issues, WAMI made the hard rule that all songs and video must be original content.

WAMI Awards

WAMI Brings its Annual Celebration of Wisconsin Music to Green Bay for First Time

April 25, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Wisconsin Area Music Industry organization is thrilled to bring its annual awards show to Green Bay on May 19, 2024 marking its inaugural Titletown show and its first in Northeast Wisconsin since 2018. The 42nd WAMI Awards will feature live music performances, Hall of Fame inductions and award presentations honoring the best of Wisconsin music across 2023.

This year’s show will take place at the Epic Event Center with doors opening at 6 p.m. The WAMI Awards show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and are available at epicgreenbay.com.

WAMI will recognize members of the Wisconsin Music Industry across a variety of categories including Album of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Best Male and Female Vocalists. Award recipients were chosen by our members using a proprietary voting system designed to preserve data integrity.

The championship-caliber show will also feature performances from:

This year, we honor a superb 2024 WAMI Hall of Fame class, which includes:

Garbage

Formed in Madison, studio remix work served as the inspiration for a band that would become an international success and sell more than 17 million records. Garbage, consisting of Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, Butch Vig and Shirley Manson, was a staple of 1990s radio and has consistently delivered innovative and genre-defying music over more than 30 years.

Todd “Speech” Thomas

Todd “Speech” Thomas channeled his black experiences in Milwaukee and its suburbs into music that had a major impact across the country and around the world. Thomas is a Milwaukee native and a founder of the influential and pioneering hip hop group, Arrested Development. A two-time Grammy winner and four-time platinum seller, Speech has also had success in his solo career as an artist, speaker and ordained minister.

The Fendermen

In just a few short years, The Fendermen – a Madison-area rockabilly duo – managed to climb the Billboard Hot 100 and tour the country with American music royalty. Formed in 1958 by Jim Sundquist and Phil Humphrey, their lone hit single, “Mule Skinner Blues”, peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It propelled them opening slots for Johnny Cash and appearances on both the Grand Ole Opry and American Bandstand. As fate would have it, their last show as The Fendermen would be at Green Bay’s Rockabilly Fest in 2005. Jim and Phil have since passed away and family members will accept their induction into the Hall of Fame.

About the Event

This year, WAMI Weekend kicks off on Saturday night with our May 18 Curtain Raiser event at The Bar on Holmgren Way. Join the Wisconsin music community for this free event, featuring performances from Brass Differential, Amelia Ford and Social Cig. 

The public is invited to participate in both the Curtain Raiser event and the 42nd WAMI Awards. Tickets to the awards show include $25 general admission floor seats, $45 mezzanine VIP seating and reserved tables for 10 at $450. For more information on the show, our award finalists and hotels featuring special WAMI rates, please visit our website, wami.org.

42nd WAMI Awards

Festivities on Saturday Set the Stage for WAMI Awards 2023 in Green Bay!

Curtain Raiser: Festivities on Saturday Set the Stage for WAMI Awards 2023 in Green Bay!

The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) is ready to ignite the musical spirit in Green Bay, starting with a vibrant prelude on Saturday, May 18 at The Bar on Holmgren Way – leading up to the highly anticipated 42nd Annual WAMI Awards Show at the EPIC Event Center on Sunday, May 19. As a cornerstone of musical talent and recognition in Wisconsin, WAMI brings together artists, fans, and industry insiders to celebrate the rich musical heritage and promising future of our beloved state.

Saturday Night Fever: The Pre-Show Party

Join us on Saturday, May 18, at The Bar on Holmgren Way for an evening of vibrant music and lively interactions. This free event will feature outstanding performances by Brass Differential, Amelia Ford, and Social Cig, setting the perfect tone for the grand awards night.

 

The Details

  • Meet & Mingle: 6pm
  • Music Starts at 7
  • Admission: Free

Stay and Play

Extend your WAMI weekend by taking advantage of special hotel rates available at nearby accommodations such as Aloft Hotel, Best Western, Hilton Garden Inn, and Spring Hill Suites. Make it a weekend to dive deep into the sounds and sights of Wisconsin’s music scene.

Supporting the Future of Music

WAMI is more than an awards show – it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through WAMIcares, we provide scholarships across the state. Consider making a donation to help us continue these vital efforts and keep Wisconsin’s music scene thriving.

Join us in Green Bay for a weekend of music, creativity, and community. Let’s make this WAMI Awards one for the history books!

Read More About the Awards Show

CLICK HERE