THE
A.B.B.A.
MUSIC EXCELLENCE
AWARDS

Recognising
Achievement in

AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD

& TRADITIONAL
COUNTRY MUSIC

 


 

For the 2025
ME Award Recipents
& Nominees
please go to >>>>

 

 

 

 

 


ENTRY INFORMATION
on the 2026

A.B.B.A. MUSIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS


 

CATEGORIES

1. Australian Bush Ballad
includes an array of dedicated categories

2. Traditional Country Music
includes an array of dedicated categories

2. Open Section Categories

 


 

ENTRIES open July 1st 2025
Close 1st of September


 

• ENTRY
ELIGIBILITY RELEASE DATE
for 2025:

1st of September 2024 - 1st of September 2025.





PRICE PER ENTRY:


ABBA Members $15 per entry.
Non-Members: $25 per entry

 

 


12
AWARD CATEGORIES
& ENTRY CRITERIA

 


1.

AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD
HERITAGE SONG OF THE YEAR

In the style of songs listed:

Kidman’s Men - recorded by Peter Coad
Hilda’s Rest – recorded by Dean Perrett
The Saddle That Wieneke Made – recorded by Dean Perrett


Rural heritage lifestyle/historic events. Australian Bush Ballad style presentation.
Simple musical arrangements with prominent pick and strum/that compliments the vocal story line.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material (Songs or Videos) submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.



1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD
HERITAGE SONG OF THE YEAR


ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo.
(If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.



2.

AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD - CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR


In the style of songs listed:

Bush Looks After Its Own – recorded by Matt Scullion
We're Still Here – recorded by Tom Curtain
Raining on the rock – recorded by John Williamson


Lyrics reflect rural life with a simple musical arrangement with folk style influences.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.



1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD - CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR

ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo.
(If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.


 

3.

OPEN SECTION
- GROUP / DUO OF THE YEAR


The group or duo must be a full-time act - that has recorded an album together– not a one-off song.

Australian Bush Ballad/Traditional Country/Hillbilly/Bluegrass style.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

OPEN SECTION
- GROUP / DUO OF THE YEAR

ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo. (If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.


 

4.

OPEN SECTION
– CLASSIC SONG OF THE YEAR


This section includes cover versions of classic releases.

The song must be from an Australian Songwriter/s

Classic tracks of TRADITIONAL COUNTRY or AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD re-recorded in the eligibility timeframe accepted.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)

Submissions for the OPEN SECTION - CLASSIC SONG OF THE YEAR.
Cover versions of previously released songs can be included but the version MUST be a NEW recording and released within the eligibility time frame.

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to the Classic Song being RE-RECORDED & Video released in the eliglble release time.)

OPEN SECTION
– CLASSIC SONG OF THE YEAR


ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo. (If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.


 

 

5.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
– HERITAGE SONG OF THE YEAR


In the style of songs listed:

1942 – recorded by Peter Coad (About the bomb attacks on Darwin)
Where Country Is – recorded by Slim Dusty (About Characters/particular places)
She Gave Us The Song - featuring Lee Kernaghan and Sara Storer - recorded by Tom Curtain (Paying tribute to Joy McKean OAM)


Lyrics can be about Australian lifestyle, past or present events. Traditional Country music style presentation.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
– HERITAGE SONG OF THE YEAR


ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo. (If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.


 

6.

OPEN SECTION
- VIDEO CLIP OF THE YEAR


Supply link YouTube Link of video.

Australian Bush Ballad/Traditional Country/Hillbilly/Bluegrass style.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material (Songs or Videos) submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates.

A track can only be nominated once in the Awards, with the exception of Video Clip Of The Year wherein the song can be nominated in one other separate category - if the Video clip track was released as a song for airplay as well and both the SONG & the VIDEO Clip were released in the eligible time frame.

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.

Can enter 1 VIDEO ONLY in this Category.

* Video Clip of the Year can be entered separately into a music category as a song.
Both the SONG & the VIDEO Clip must be recorded/released in the eligible time frame.

OPEN SECTION
- VIDEO CLIP OF THE YEAR

ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

* List ALL Songwriter/s
(including their own name if a songwriter)
* Producer & Directors names.
• A YouTube link is required for the Video Clip Category via the online platform.
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo.
(If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.




7.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
- SONG OF THE YEAR


In the style of songs listed:

Trains – recorded by Troy Cassar-Daley
The Verandah - recorded by Tania Kernaghan
Losin’ My Blues Tonight – recorded by Slim Dusty

General Australian life/Romantic content.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material \submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.



1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)



TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
- SONG OF THE YEAR


ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

* List ALL Songwriter/s
(including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo.
(If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.


 

8.

OPEN SECTION
- INSTRUMENTAL OF THE YEAR


Strong lead instrument with a memorable tune.

Bush Ballad/Country/Bluegrass styles.

Instrumental track must be recorded in Australia and must be an Australian composition with Australian musicians.

• Instrumental track must be recorded in Australia with Australian musicians.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

OPEN SECTION
- INSTRUMENTAL OF THE YEAR


ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo.
(If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.



 

9.

OPEN SECTION
- GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

Bush Ballad/Country/Bluegrass styles.

With Gospel sentiment.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material (Songs or Videos) submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

OPEN SECTION
- GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo. (If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.


 

10.

OPEN SECTION
- VOCAL COLLABORATION

Bush Ballad/Country/Bluegrass styles
Both vocalists must clearly be sharing parts of the song.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


1 Song ONLY IN VOCAL Collaboration.
An Artist can only nominate ONE Vocal Collaboration in this category.*
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

OPEN SECTION
- VOCAL COLLABORATION

ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

* Recording Artist Name
*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo. (If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another Category, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.

 




11.

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY - BLUEGRASS SONG OF THE YEAR


In the style of songs listed:

The Ringing Of The Steel – recorded by Peter Denahy
Moonlight, Moonshine and Blue Moon of Kentucky – recorded by Kristy Cox
Lonesome Highway Blues – recorded by Runaway Dixie


Traditional Bluegrass style/banjo/acoustic instruments.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material (Songs or Videos) submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

 

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY - BLUEGRASS SONG OF THE YEAR

ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

*
List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo. (If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another section, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.


12.

AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD – TRADITIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR

In the style of songs listed:

Leave Him In The Long Yard – recorded by Slim Dusty
Letter To Arrabury – recorded by Slim Dusty
Bloodwood & Clover - recorded by Dean Perrett


Lyrics reflect rural life and events.
Simple musical arrangements with prominent pick and strum/feel that compliments the vocal story line.

• Material submitted recorded by Australian Artists.
• Songs written by Australian Songwriter/s.
• Independent artist music releases only.
• All material (Songs or Videos) submitted to the awards must be of commercial standard (not demos or home footage)
• All material entered must be a first *commercial release of the composition within the awards Entry Eligibility dates

*Commercial Music release details:
Released for sale eg., digital download via artist personal or commercial website such as iTunes, Spotify, or via a Commercial Compact Disc release, eg., CD album, Single, or EP under artists name or as part of a commercial compilation album artist release.


1 Song ONLY per category.
Can not enter same song in different categories. *
* If the song has a video this can be entered separately into the Video Category. (Subject to both the Song & Video being released in the eliglble release time.)

AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD
– TRADITIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR

ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY:

* Mp3 of track (320kbps) sound file via the online entry platform site link provided by Song Central.
* Track Title
* Recording Artist Name

* List ALL Songwriter/s (including their own name if a songwriter)
* Commercial Release Date
* Promotional Release date
* Single cover or Album cover artwork (PDF)
* 200 word bio &
Artist photo. (If you have already submitted a bio and photo in another section, no need to upload again)

TROPHY TO THE RECORDING ARTIST.
Framed certificate to all other Nominees in the section.

 

 


/ ENTRY / FINEPRINT



AWARDS ENTRY INFORMATION

• A trophy will be awarded to the performer of the winning song, video e.g., a solo, duo or group.

• A framed Finalist certificate to Nominees (non winners) of all sections.

THE FINE PRINT

• In entering the ABBA Music Excellence Awards the entrant has deemed to have read, understood and agreed to the rules associated with entering the awards.

• The ABBA cannot be held responsible for any perceived digression or non-compliance in any matter.

• Offensive material, or songs containing language not deemed to be acceptable should not be entered.

• The awards will be presented at the ABBA Music Excellence Awards concert in January at the ABBA Balladeers Homestead in Tamworth.

• All Finalists will be announced prior to the Awards via media release on the ABBA Facebook page, and also via www.bushballadeers.com.au/MEAwards.htm

• If you are a Finalist, please advise the ABBA via email if you are not able to attend the Awards and who your nominated representative will be to collect your Award in the event of you winning. Email info@bushballadeers.com.au

• An artist who has won a section in the ABBA Music Excellence Awards cannot enter that same song in future ABBA Music Excellence Awards via the same or any other category.

• Specialist judges chosen with in depth knowledge in Australian Bush Ballads, and specialist judges chosen with in depth knowledge of Traditional Country Music.

The judge’s decision is final and the ABBA will not enter into any discussion regarding the results, rules or the process of the Awards.

• Judges’ names will not be disclosed.

• The ABBA committee cannot judge.




WHERE and WHEN will the
2026 M.E. AWARDS staged?

The ABBA Music Excellence Awards will be held at the Balladeers Homestead, 328 Goonoo Goonoo Road, Tamworth NSW, Thursday January 22nd 6-9pm during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, January 2026.
Please join us for an evening of entertainment and announcement of the 2026 M.E. Awards recipients.

>> The Balladeers Homestead

 


CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU

G'day friends,

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners in the inaugural 2025 M.E. Awards.

I wish to thank all who entered the awards in their first year, and I could not be prouder of how our Australian music industry have embraced the M.E. Awards and their specifically tailored categories designed to help support our Australian Bush Ballads in both Traditional and Contemporary styles, along with a variety of sections supporting our Traditional Australian Country music styles.

My sincere thanks to the judges involved for the time and commitment taken to select the 2025 M.E. Award nominees.

Thank you to Songcentral for providing the independent M.E. Awards platform via the Songcentral network, and a special thank you to Sue (at Songcentral) for her help and assistance of artists queries re the awards.

A big thank you also to those in the media and general public who helped spread the word about these awards since their announcement by the A.B.B.A. in April 2024.

To all who have reached out in support wherever they can to help promote the awards and let everyone know about them. Thank you.

To all able, please help us promote the 2026 M.E. AWARDS, via your socials etc.

All efforts to highlight these awards and the Nominees/Winners involved will help bring more awareness of our Australian Bush Ballad and Traditional Country Music artists which in turn helps us build a stronger music industry for all moving forward.


Peter Coad OAM

ABBA President

 

 

 

 


 

ENTER 2026 AWARDS

 


ENTRY OPENS 1st OF JULY 2025

LINK TO AWARDS PLATFORM AVAILABLE HERE THEN.

 


 


 

The Australian Bush Balladeers Association Incorporated. ABN : 75798 969 415