New Americana category added to Grammy Awards

The Board of Trustees for the Grammy Awards have given Americana the same recognition as the pop, rock, rap, country and R&B music fields with the addition of a performance category.

The 2015 Grammy Awards will include an award for the Best American Roots Music Performance to recognise recordings commercially released between October 1 2013 and September 30 2014.

Prior to the announcement, Americana music was recognised through the categories Best American Roots Music Song, Best Americana Album, Best Bluegrass Album, Best Blues Album, Best Folk Album and Best Regional Roots Album.

Nashville-based Australian producer and President of the Americana Music Association (AMA) Mark Moffatt told TMN: “AMA executive Director Jed Hilly, his staff and the board have worked extremely hard to have the Recording Academy recognise the Americana genre and this new category is a testament to that effort. I am thrilled that the Americana community continues to set the standard for integrity in today’s music business.”

The Board of Trustees have also allowed samples or interpolations of previously written songs in all songwriting categories, including Song Of The Year. Previously, samples were only granted for one category: Best Rap Song. The Board have also added a new Contemporary Instrumental Music Field bringing the number of awards issued up to 83.

The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2015.