JAMBALOO Music Prize 2026
Terms & Conditions

The JAMBALOO Music Prize is a celebration of artistic excellence in the Greater Dallas–Fort Worth music community. A star-studded anonymous panel of judges, that changes each year, will combine with the public to help select the JAMBALOO Music Prize Winner for Best New DFW Album each year. By submitting an album for consideration, artists agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

1. Music Eligibility

  • Only full-length albums are eligible. An album must contain a minimum of 7 songs and have a total runtime of at least 30 minutes.
  • The album must have been publicly released between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
  • Albums must be publicly available on Spotify and/or Apple Music, TIDAL or Bandcamp, at the time of submission.
  • Reissues, remastered editions, compilations, live records and soundtracks are not eligible.
  • Artists may submit more than one album if multiple qualifying releases occurred during the eligibility period.
  • SUBMISSIONS CLOSE Sunday, January 4th – albums released in December of the previous year (2024) are eligible if not entered the previous year. No entries accepted after January 4th, no exceptions.

2. Geographic Eligibility

  • Solo artists must reside in the Greater DFW Metro Area at the time of album release. For bands, at least 50% of credited members must reside in the area.
  • Proof of residency is mandatory for artists shortlisted as Semi-Finalists. Acceptable documentation: driver’s license, passport, or lease agreement. Failure to provide valid documentation results in disqualification.
  • The Greater DFW Metro Area is defined as the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area, covering the following 11 counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant.

3. How to Submit

To enter the 2026 JAMBALOO Music Prize, artists must complete the official submission form located at: jambaloo.live/prizesubmission

  • Artist or Band Name
  • Primary Contact Name
  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Album Title
  • Album Release Date
  • Streaming Link to Album (Spotify, TIDAL, Bandcamp or Apple Music required)
  • Additional streaming links (optional)
  • Social media handles
  • Recent Performance Info
  • Other relevant notes

By submitting, artists grant JAMBALOO the right to share streaming links and related content for promotion. No submission fee for the 2026 Prize.

4. Selection Process

The JAMBALOO Music Prize Judging Panel is made up of 15 anonymous industry veterans (Grammy winners, media, local musicians, promoters, etc.). Judges will be revealed after winners are selected, with most attending in person on June 6th.

  • Each album will be listened to equally by judges.
  • Initial phase judged by panel only. JAMBALOO team will narrow to a Shortlist of 15–20, then select 10 official Semi-Finalists.
  • Shortlisted artists contacted in January to confirm eligibility, verify residency, and check event availability (June 6, 2026, Longhorn Ballroom). Artists must confirm willingness to perform if selected as finalists ($1,000 solo / $2,000 band performance fee).
  • Final 10 Semi-Finalists announced publicly Feb 10, 2026, live during a JAMBALOO stream at The Cicada in Fort Worth.

Finalist & Winner Selection:

  • Judges = 60% of final tally.
  • Public = 40% of final tally.
  • 3 Finalists announced by May 12, 2026.
  • Winner announced live June 6, 2026 at the Longhorn Ballroom.

5. Semifinalist & Finalist Commitments

  • Video Interview: 10–15 min, in person (Feb) or Zoom.
  • Social Media: JAMBALOO provides links and graphics for voting.
  • VIP Reception for Semi-Finalists & Finalists (1 guest each).
  • Artists grant limited future use of related media/images strictly for JAMBALOO promotion.

6. Prize & Payments

  • Grand Prize: $20,000 cash (check, presented June 6, 2026) + JAMBALOO Music Prize Trophy + studio time, PR campaign, merch hookup, interviews, etc.
  • Semi-Finalists & Finalists will receive promo support and record promotion at Josey Records. Other benefits announced upon selection.
  • Tax/Payment: W-9 required. Payments reported via 1099. Checks payable to individual, band, or legal entity.

7. Promotion & Media Usage

  • By submitting, artists agree to allow JAMBALOO to use streaming links, photos, bios, and artwork for promotion.
  • Video interviews may be shared/edited for social, press, or event footage.
  • Quotes from bios/interviews may be used for storytelling.
  • Winners receive official “JAMBALOO Music Prize Winner” branding assets for public use.
  • Winners will be included in a PR Campaign after the event and may be asked (not required) to do related media.

8. Disqualification & Contingency

Artists must meet all requirements. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. All decisions by JAMBALOO are final.

9. Agreement & Acknowledgment

By submitting an album, artists confirm they have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions. Participation in the JAMBALOO Music Prize includes acknowledgment of all reasonable future requests related to eligibility, promotion, and event involvement.