New Mexico Music Commission’s Platinum Music Awards

platinum-logo-cmyk“The Platinums” are an evolution of the New Mexico Music Commission’s Platinum Achievement Awards, established in 2013 to celebrate the role that the music industry plays in the cultural life and economic success of New Mexico. Five Platinum Awards are presented annually to living musicians and music supporters who have demonstrated lifetime achievement in their musical idiom or have made significant or distinguished contributions to music in New Mexico. A diverse and prestigious list of musicians and other outstanding individuals will be honored. The Platinum Awards will continue to evolve with the state’s ever-changing music industry so that the impact and relevance of the awards persist.

Jerry Lopez award

Pictured here is Jerry Lopez (far right) receiving the Platinum Music Award, signed by Governor Martinez, at the Fantase Fest in deVargas Park, June 20, 2015. Also pictured, Fred Sandoval (far left), of the National Latino Behavioral Health Association, who nominated Jerry for the award, and Music Commissioner George Adelo, Music Commission Foundation President David Schwartz, and retired Music Commissioner Joy Gutierrez.

The nomination process, adjudication, and selection of Platinum Award recipients is managed by the New Mexico Music Commission, under the jurisdiction of New Mexico Arts and the Department of Cultural Affairs. The Music Commission Foundation manages production, media, and sponsorship of the awards ceremony.

Eligibility

Musicians, individuals, or organizations that have made significant and outstanding contributions to the music industry are eligible to receive the award. This includes musicians from any musical genre, music educators, advocates, or patrons who were born in New Mexico or have established residence in the state at some point in their life; and/or music-related businesses, nonprofits, and foundations.

An individual is ineligible to receive a Platinum Award if they are: a candidate for or currently serving public office, a New Mexico Music Commissioner, an employee of the Department of Cultural Affairs, or related to a member of these organizations.

Nomination Process

Nominations are accepted each year from organizations and the public. To nominate a musician, individual, or organization that has made a significant contribution to the music industry, fill out a nomination form and provide all required documentation as specified in the guidelines section (below). All documentation must be formatted for 8½ x 11 sized paper with profile orientation. Submit your paperwork by mail, hand delivery, fax, or email. Delivery options are detailed on the nomination form.

Nominations for the 2017 awards closed February 15, 2017. Please return in the fall for information about the 2018 awards. Thank you for your interest!

Guidelines

The following materials are required with each nomination:

  1. A completed nomination form.
  2. A brief statement that includes: the nominee’s contributions to NM’s music industry, your relationship to the nominee, and why the nominee merits receiving the award.
  3. Three samples of the nominees work, such as: publications, reviews, articles, previous awards received, web sites or social media, and musicians only: live performances, official music videos, or studio recordings.
  4. Three letters of support from people familiar with the nominee’s work, such as colleagues, students, mentors, etc. Here is a sample of a letter of support to give you an idea of what we’re looking for.

 Awards Timeline

January         Nominations sought

February      Nominations reviewed and juried

March            Public announcement of awardees

July                 Awards ceremony

The 2017 Platinum Music Awards ceremony will take place July 21, 2017 at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe.

Recipients

Below is a list of Platinum Music Award winners.

2017:

2015: Jerry Lopez

2014: Bumblebee Bob Weil; Herb Jeffries

2013: Kenneth Broad

For More Information

www.platinummusicawards.org