SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

CLICK HERE FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

For general questions, email Larry Jaffee at [email protected]. For online support, please email [email protected]
Special thanks to A to Z Media & Erika Records Inc

RECORD STORE DAY
(VINYL)

Recognizes the best-designed album that was exclusively released for
Record Store Day 2023 RSD Black Friday 2023.

THEY SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE
(ALL FORMATS)

Recognizes innovation in structural design that takes into account the use of new machinery or materials or folds or printing processes that stretches the boundaries of media packaging.

SAVE THE EARTH AND HUMANITY (ALL FORMATS)

Recognizes innovations in sustainability with packages utilizing environmentally sound (e.g., recyclable paper, special links) materials and practices that reduce the carbon footprint, as well as projects that aim to improve society.

BEST BOX DELUXE SET
(VINYL)

Recognizes the quality of the packaging, as well as booklets, posters, inner sleeves, etc., and how all the elements fit together aesthetically goes far beyond a standard, single LP release (e.g., multi-record boxed set).

BEST GATEFOLD
(VINYL)

Takes into account both the outside and inside wingspan of two or more panels and aesthetics of the inside graphic design, quality of photography and/or illustration.

 

BEST 7″ SINGLE COVER
(VINYL)

Recognizing stellar 7-inch packaging that takes into the cover, the single’s inner label, coating of the outer package’s paper, etc.

 

BEST REISSUE PACKAGE
(VINYL)

Recognizing stellar packaging of a “classic” album 10 years past its original release that improves on the first version. The record could mark an anniversary edition but must have been re-released on vinyl during the eligibility period. 

 

BEST VINYL ALBUM LP COVER (ILLUSTRATION)

Recognizing covers adorned by an original painting, illustration or graphic design either newly created or repurposed (i.e., vintage). The record must have been released on during the eligibility period. 
 

BEST VINYL ALBUM LP COVER (PHOTOGRAPH)

Recognizing covers adorned by black & white or color photo; new or vintage that exemplifies visually the art form of photography but adapted for the 12-inch x 12-inch canvas aesthetically. The record must have been released on during the eligibility period. 
 

BEST JAZZ, CLASSICAL, SPOKEN-WORD, MISC VINYL (NON-DELUXE) LP PACKAGE

Recognizing that the packaging aesthetics of vinyl categories in other music genres that don’t get as much attention as rock, hip-hop, and pop music, as well as spoken word (e.g., audiobooks, plays, documentaries).

BEST RECORD ART

Recognizing what’s on the actual vinyl itself (e.g., colors, designs, and/or patterns, etchings on fourth sides, or novel techniques such as silk-screening), and can also include unusually shaped records, for example.

 

BEST PROMOTIONAL OR NON-PROFIT PACKAGE

This category recognizes standout vinyl packaging that promotes a product, brand or service. It is not meant for the promo music vinyl releases for the press or trade samples. However, it could be a music-themed compilation that supports a social justice cause by a non-profit organization

BEST OTHER PHYSICAL MEDIA
(NON-VINYL)

This category can include CD boxed sets (i.e., it should not just be in a standard jewel case), as well as stellar packaging of prerecorded tape formats. 

CLICK HERE FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

For general questions, email Larry Jaffee at [email protected]. For online support, please email [email protected]