Libera Awards Categories

Best alternative rock record released commercially in the United States.

Best American roots record released commercially in the United States. American roots includes bluegrass, gospel, old time music, jug bands, Appalachian folk, blues, Cajun, and Native American music.

Best blues record released commercially in the United States.

Best classical record released commercially in the United States. This category includes all periods and all sizes of ensemble or solo.

Best country record released commercially in the United States.

Best dance record released commercially in the United States.

Best electronic record released commercially in the United States.

Best folk record released commercially in the United States. Characterized as traditional music that originated from an oral tradition which was passed down through generations. This category includes contemporary interpretations of folk music.

Best global record released commercially in the United States.

Best heavy record released commercially in the United States.

Best rap/hip-hop record released commercially in the United States.

Best jazz record released commercially in the United States.

Best Latin record released commercially in the United States. Eligible records contain at least 51% of lyrics in Spanish, Portuguese, or otherwise accepted languages.

Best record, released commercially in the United States, that does not fit other traditional Libera Awards categories. Recordings nominated for this category cannot be nominated for other categories.

Best pop record released commercially in the United States.

Best punk record released commercially in the United States. Includes all iterations and sub-genres of punk and hardcore music.

Best R&B record released commercially in the United States.

Best record that is used in an independent video game available for purchase or download. At least 90% original music composed specifically for a game; excludes compilation albums of licensed tracks.

Best reissue record, released commercially in the United States, with at least fifty percent (50%) of the recordings first commercially available prior to January 1, 2019. This includes compilations.

Best remix. A qualifying remix is a work that uses material from the original, independent composition to create a new and different recording. The remixed record must be independently released.

Best rock record released commercially in the United States.

Best singer/songwriter record released commercially in the United States. A solo artist who writes, composes, and performs their own musical material, including lyrics and melodies. Qualifying records must include vocals and at least one instrument. Records with additional co-writers are eligible for consideration provided at least one of the writers or lyricists is also the performer.

Best soul/funk record released commercially in the United States.

Best spiritual record released commercially in the United States.

Open to any synchronization that has appeared, for the first time, within the US during the eligibility period. The release date of the synced composition does not need to be within the eligibility period.

Artist or group that has significantly raised their profile and has achieved breakthrough commercial success in the United States for the first time, during the eligibility period. “Supergroups” are not eligible for this category.

Best or most creative packaging, physical or digital including bundled packages, premium offerings or artwork/design packaging.

Company that distributes only independent releases. Must distribute records other than those owned or controlled by the parent company, or in addition to records owned or controlled by the parent company.

The Independent Champion celebrates a visionary company that has made a transformative impact on the independent music community through unwavering support. Independent Champion nominees display a deep commitment to fostering growth, creating opportunities, and elevating the voices of independent music globally. This category is for businesses, including companies in technology, services, marketing, and more.

Best independent label with 5 or fewer worldwide full-time employees. The total number of employees is based on the number of worldwide employees of the parent label.

Best independent label with 15 or more worldwide full-time employees. The total number of employees is based on the number of worldwide employees of the parent label.

Best independent label with 6-14 worldwide full-time employees. The total number of employees is based on the number of worldwide employees of the parent label.

The most innovative/creative marketing campaign for a record released during the eligibility period.

Music Video of the Year. Most impactful or visually compelling music video.

Best independently owned music publisher of the year.

Best record released commercially in the United States.

This category celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of independent self-releasing artists. The submission must be fully self-released by an individual artist or group. Records co-released with record labels or as a subsidiary of a parent company are not eligible.