FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE

TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC “INDUSTRY AWARDS”

 CARTHAGE, TX (December 19, 2025) The Texas Country Music Association has opened the nomination ballots for the official Texas Country Music “Industry Awards”. 

The Texas Country Music Industry Awards are presented by the Texas Country Music Association and include award categories that are not represented in the annual Texas Country Music Awards, which takes place at Billy Bob’s in the Fort Worth Stockyards each November. “The Texas Country Music ‘Industry Awards’ is to honor and recognize those who work hard alongside the artists to make an effective impact on today’s Texas music,” says TCMA Executive Vice President Richard Wilson. “There are so many moving parts behind making music that the general public hears at live shows, on the radio, or streaming outlets. These are individuals and businesses that TCMA, as the only trade organization, central entity, and primary advocate for the Texas Country Music industry, must honor.”

The Texas Country Music “Industry Awards” nominations will be accepted from Members of the Texas Country Music Association and verifiable Texas Country Music industry “stakeholders” (a person or entity who has an active role in the Texas Country Music industry). TCMA Members' nominations will double.

If you are not a TCMA Member and would like to participate in the nomination and voting process and have your nominations and votes double, you can join at www.texascountrymusic.org and then place your nominations.  Nominees and winners do not have to be members of the Texas Country Music Association.

The nominations began on December 1, 2025 and will end on February 28, 2026. The top 5 finalists in each award category will be announced by no later than March 15, 2026, at which time final round Voting begins, and will conclude on April 30, 2026.

Winners in each category will be announced at the 2026 Texas Country Music Industry Awards ceremony at Rhinestone Saloon in the Fort Worth Stockyards on Thursday, July 23 at 6pm.

The 26 Texas Country Music Industry Award categories include:

• Artist Manager of the Year
• Musician of the Year (any instrument or multiple instruments)

• Artist Tour Manager of the Year
• Radio Promoter of the Year
• Publicist of the Year
• Recording Studio of the Year
• Record Producer or Engineer of the Year
• Booking Agent of the Year (agent for artists/bands)
• Talent Buyer of the Year (buyer for venues, festivals or special events)
• Music Video of the Year (release date 2025-2026)
• Live Music Venue Owner or Manager of the Year
• Videographer of the Year Photographer of the Year
• Radio Program Director of the Year
• On-Air Radio Individual Personality or Team of the Year(this category is for on-air DJs who are not owners, managers, or program directors)
• Social Media Manager of the Year (for Venue, Artist/Band or Independent)
• Live Sound and/or Lighting Engineer of the Year (Venue, Company, or Touring)
• Music Festival of the Year (best overall experience at a festival, with festival promoters – not based on attendance)
• Charitable Music Event of the Year (best overall experience at the event and with event promoters – not based on attendance or funds raised)
• Podcast of the Year (Texas Country related podcast)
• Digital or Print Media Outlet of the Year (Texas Country-related print, online magazine or blog)
• Album or Single Cover Graphics of the Year (represents graphic designer who created album or single cover graphics.  This award goes to graphic designer and artist)
• Syndicated Radio Show of the Year
• Best Artist or Band Merchandise of the Year
• Texas Country Music Spouse, Partner, or Significant Other of the Year (represents an artist's spouse, partner, or significant other who has provided help, support, and encouragement for an artist or other industry professional)
• Texas Country Music Industry Professional of the Year (represents a person who, in their role as an industry stakeholder, has displayed excellence, outstanding character, and success.  All industry roles qualify.)

According to Linda Wilson, President of the Texas Country Music Association, the Texas Country Music Industry Awards have become a highlight for the Texas Country Music industry.  “The Texas Country Music Industry Awards, every year, have been a huge success in highlighting those who work alongside the artists.  This event gets bigger and better every year.”

Texas Country Music Industry Awards are unique to TCMA. She goes on, “It’s just what TCMA and our Members are all about – encouraging and inspiring others, thanking them for their service and paving a way for others to become involved in the industry and to use whatever their gifts, talents, skills, and abilities may be to promote the industry.”

There will be performances by TCMA Members who will be announced later, and a concert following the awards presentations by TCMA Member Clay Hollis.  Tickets will go on sale by late January.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2026 Texas Country Music Industry Awards.  You can request information by contacting TCMA at tcma@texascountrymusicassociation.org.

For more information on the Texas Country Music Association, its mission and values, find out about programs and resources, or to become a member, visit www.texascountrymusic.org.

PLACE YOUR NOMINATIONS HERE NOW

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Media Contact (not for publication)

Linda Wilson
President

Texas Country Music Association

tcma@texascountrymusicassociation.org