2015 Ohio Music Awards Underway

The Ohio Music Awards Celebrates Ohio’s Musicians and Songwriters

May 27, 2015

The 2015 Ohio Music Awards is now accepting entries from Ohio bands, musicians, and songwriters.

In this awards competition, musicians, songwriters, producers, and engineers within the state of Ohio will submit their work to be judged and considered for a “Best of Ohio” Award. Ohio artists whose work falls within a variety of genres will have the opportunity to be recognized for their artistic achievements.

Steven Howell, founder of The Ohio Music Awards, has recognized a need to celebrate Ohio’s artists.

“Ohio has such a rich musical history and Ohio musicians have made so many contributions to contemporary music, it is time to recognize all of those artists writing, performing, and slaving away at their craft.”

Howell adds that, each year, the Ohio Music Awards will select an Ohio artist to honor with a special achievement award:

“Everyone knows that Cleveland is the Rock-n-Roll capital, but few people know all of the artists that have come from Ohio. The short list includes, Tracy Chapman, Eric Carmen, The James Gang, Robert Lockwood Jr., Dean Martin, The O’Jays, Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, Michael Stanley, Joe Walsh, Devo, Marilyn Manson, Bone Thugs and Harmony, David Allan Coe, John Legend, Mushroomhead, Pure Prairie League, Relient K, Bozz Scags, Kate Voegele, Nancy Wilson, Dwight Yoakam. Each year, the Ohio Music Awards will kick off the awards program by recognizing one of Ohio’s greats.”

While music awards competitions are not new and a few other states hold their own state competitions, Ohio has never had one for Ohioans.

“There are a lot of national competitions that get a lot of attention,” Howell explains. “Last year, the USA Songwriting Competition had over 45,000 entries. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle with those kinds of numbers. I’ve spent my life here in Ohio amidst the music scene, and I know that we have a great deal to celebrate with the diversity and the talent that Ohio musicians have to offer. It’s time to celebrate Ohio!”

 

Musicians, songwriters, artists, and producers can get more information, submit an entry, and listen to last year’s winners at their website:  www.theohiomusicawards.com.