What are the Sounds of East Texas Awards?

The Sounds of East Texas Awards was created to celebrate, support and elevate the incredible musical talent found throughout East Texas and across the state of Texas.

Several years ago, East Texas had a music awards platform that honored local artists, but it ended prior to 2020. Since then, there has been a noticeable absence of a dedicated space recognizing the musicians, songwriters, bands, venues and industry professionals who continue to shape the Texas music scene.

Recognizing this need, the Sounds of East Texas was established to fill that gap — not by reviving the past, but by creating something new with a renewed focus on community, inclusivity and artistic excellence.

Founded by East Texas artists Heather Harper (President) and Rylee Edel (Vice President), the awards are built on a shared passion for Texas music and a commitment to giving artists of all genres a platform to be seen, heard and celebrated.

Beyond the awards themselves, we host showcases, festivals and other events throughout the year, providing artists multiple opportunities to perform, connect with fans and gain exposure. While East Texas remains at the heart of our mission, the Sounds of East Texas Awards welcomes artists from across the state, honoring the diversity and depth of music that makes Texas culture so unique.

Why the name Sounds of East Texas?

East Texas is the heart of where this started. While the awards celebrate artists from all across Texas, the name honors the community and music culture that inspired it.

Why did we create the Sounds of East Texas Awards?

Texas has so much talent that often goes unseen. This awards show is about honoring the artists and professionals who grind, create, perform and keep Texas music alive—no matter their genre or following size.

Is this just for East Texas artists?

While our heart is in East Texas and also where we plan to hold the awards show, this is for all of Texas. If you’re a Texas artist, venue or supporter—you belong here.

How are these awards different from other music awards?

These awards are community-focused, artist-driven and rooted in authenticity. We care about real music, real stories and real support—not just numbers. Unlike many awards, the final nominees and winners are selected by a panel, not public voting. The public’s role is to submit nominees for consideration, making sure deserving artists are seen—while the panel ensures fairness, balance and credibility in the final decisions. We want artists to feel honored for their craft—not pressured to campaign.

How do you keep the awards fair?

Fairness is a top priority. That’s why we use a panel to select nominees and winners, instead of relying on public voting or popularity. The only time the public is involved is during the nomination submission process—where anyone can submit an artist, venue, podcast or music platform for consideration. From there, the panel reviews and makes the final decisions to keep everything balanced and fair.

Who is the panel that determines the nominees and final award recipients?

Final nominees and award recipients are selected by a diverse, independent panel of Texas music professionals. The panel includes a mix of working artists, songwriters, venue representatives, media and industry professionals, and arts advocates from across the state.

Panelists are chosen for their experience, integrity and knowledge of the Texas music scene. To ensure fairness, panel members recuse themselves from any category in which they have a conflict of interest, including categories where they or close associates are involved.

This process allows the Sounds of East Texas Awards to recognize artistic excellence while maintaining transparency, balance and respect for the music community.

Can artists nominate themselves?

Yes! Self-nominations are absolutely allowed for artists, venues, radio, podcasts and more. Nominations are also open to the public, so fans and supporters can submit as well. To keep the process fair and organized, we limit submissions to one per person. Our judging panel carefully reviews all entries and makes the final decisions on the official nominees, so multiple submissions are not necessary.

Will smaller or newer artists really be considered?

Absolutely. These awards aren’t about follower counts or streams—they’re about the work, the impact and the music itself.

Do you include record-label artists or is this only for independent artists?

Who is eligible for nominations?

Artists, bands, songwriters, venues and music professionals across Texas. If you’re putting in the work—you’re eligible. 

You do not have to be full-time or signed. These awards are also for independent artists at every stage—whether you play weekends, tour full-time or are just getting started. As long as you are actively pursuing your craft during the nomination period, you’re eligible.

Is there an age limit to participate in events, festivals or the awards show?

Our events, festivals and the awards show are open to all ages! Participants under the age of 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to complete a consent form to participate.

Can artists under 18 be nominated for the Sounds of East Texas Awards?

Yes! We proudly welcome and encourage young talent. Artists under the age of 18 are eligible to be submitted for nominations. We believe in supporting emerging artists of all ages and providing a platform for the next generation of musicians to be seen and celebrated.

How will nominations and voting work?

Nominations will open to the public in December 2026. After the nomination period closes, our panel of judges will review all eligible submissions and determine the official nominees, which will be announced in early 2027 once finalized.

We’ll share full details and step-by-step instructions on our website and social media once nominations open, ensuring the process is clear, fair and easy for everyone to participate in.

Does it cost anything to be nominated?

No. Submitting a nomination will be free. This is about recognition, not pay-to-play.

What types of award categories can we expect?

Categories will include artists, bands, songwriters, musicians, live venues, radio podcast and more. We’re making sure different styles and lanes of music are represented. 

And we’re celebrating all genres—country, rock, americana, pop, singer-songwriter, southern rock and more. If it’s Texas music, it belongs here. (Full categories and voting information will be released once the nomination submission process opens up)

When will the Sounds of East Texas Awards take place?

We’re currently planning and building everything the right way. Dates and event details will be announced once finalized—this is just the beginning. But we do expect the awards to take place sometime in late 2027.

What happens if someone misses nominations?

We’ll clearly announce deadlines ahead of time and future years will continue to grow—this isn’t a one-time thing.

Can venues or businesses be part of this?

Yes! We welcome venues, businesses, sponsors and donors who believe in supporting Texas music. Information on how to become a sponsor or support the awards is already available on our website.

What’s the next big thing coming for Sounds of East Texas Awards?

Behind-the-scenes deails, nomination info to follow with category announcements and more. This is just the first chapter

What should artists be doing right now?

Follow the website and our social media pages, keep creating, stay active in the community and be ready when nominations open.

How can fans support the Sounds of East Texas Awards?

Fans can support by following our Facebook and Instagram pages, sharing posts, submitting nominations and showing up for Texas artists. You can also support the awards through sponsorships or donations—more information on how to get involved is available on our website.