The largest local music prize in the nation.
Entries are now CLOSED.
The JAMBALOO Music Prize is a $20,000 prize given to the best album released by a DFW artist in the previous calendar year. A mix of community voting and a panel of respected local critics, programmers, and local industry professionals will determine the winner.
The inaugural award includes a $20,000 cash prize, the opportunity for the winner to record a professionally produced single with four-time Grammy award winning engineer / producer Tre Nagella, owner of Luminous Sound – and much more. The prize will honor the best full-length album released in 2025 by a solo artist or band from the Greater Dallas–Fort Worth area.
The Music Prize will be awarded Saturday June 6, 2026, with a free concert at the historic Longhorn Ballroom with the 3 finalists anticipated to perform prior to a national headliner, to be announced during the 2026 JAMBALOO Festival in February. The winner, revealed live on stage, will also go on to record a single with Nagella at Luminous Sound. Additional prize support is being provided by Josey Records, KXT 91.7, Prekindle and Do214.
Prize Details
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$20,000 Cash Prize.
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JAMBALOO Music Prize Trophy.
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Luminous Sound, Tre Nagella Recording Opportunity: Grand prize winner to receive studio time at Luminous Sound to record a single – includes an initial consultation and mixing by four time Grammy Award winner, Tre Nagella.
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KXT 91.7: Artist’s Song (TBD) aired on Homegrown Music Show & Homegrown Bites, artist to record a KXT Live session for distribution on KXT platforms as well as the NPR Live Sessions page (must meet FCC standards).
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Josey Records Placement: The largest record store in the nation will place the record in every DFW store and provide prime display space for a month, as well as offering an in-store appearance.
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Prekindle: $5K+ Promo Package for the winner.
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Do214: $5K+ Promo Package for the winner.
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Additional Promotional Support: Texas Music Office, Dallas Music Office, Hear Fort Worth.
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Custom Designed Single Artwork by Thirst&Co.
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Finalists perform live at the Prize Concert before a national headliner.
Contest Details
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Judging Panel: The 15 judges will remain anonymous, revealed upon completion of judging. The impressive group includes nationally recognized artists, multiple Grammy winners, local media along with industry and civic leaders. The winner will be selected from the 10 Semi-Finalists based on a combination of Judging Panel results and an online public vote.
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Process: Submissions open immediately, 10 Semi-Finalists will be selected exclusively by the Judging Panel and announced Tuesday February 10th.
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Eligibility: Albums of at least 7 tracks / 30+ minutes, released between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025, 50%+ of band (100% if solo) must call 11-County DFW Metro area home.
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No submission fee; entries now open at jambaloo.live/prizesubmission
“With the JAMBALOO Music Prize, we’re not just giving $20,000 — we’re investing in a DFW artist’s future by pairing local talent with Grammy-level production and highly respected industry support from an amazing group of partners”
Shane Mullen, Managing Attorney at Mullen & Mullen and JAMBALOO Co-Founder.
PRESENTED BY
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