The Vinyl Awards
The music industry has announced the launch of The Vinyl Awards on the evening of the 15th May at the Hilton Brighton Metropole recognising success and achievement in 9 categories. In association with the BPI, The Vinyl Awards will for the first time bring the music community together to recognize achievement focused on the Vinyl format. It will take place within the Vinyl World Congress. Speakers include Universal, Ninja Tune, Rough Trade, PIAS, Hospital Records, Cooking Vinyl and many more.

The Categories are:
Best Record - Nothing to do with sales. The best record is purely subjective and is the record with the favorite songs and best artwork of the judges. Turntable Manufacturer - Best Turntable Manufacturer is recognized as the manufacturer with the best practice, quality, value and validation in the market. Turntable Manufacturer High End - Best Turntable Manufacturer is recognised as the manufacturer with the best practice, quality, value and validation in the high-end turntable market. Innovation Award- The technology or organisation that has caused the most change and disruption in the Vinyl Industry. Independent Vinyl Campaign - The most successful campaign in terms of sales, marketing and social media among independent record labels. Major Vinyl Campaign - The most successful campaign in terms of sales, marketing and social media among major labels. Re-Release/Re-issue Campaign Pre 1965 - Most successful reissue and re-release of vinyl in terms of sales, marketing and social media among all labels and artists pre 1965. Re-Release/Re-issue Campaign between 1965-1990 - Most successful reissue and re-release of vinyl in terms of sales, marketing and social media among all labels and artists between 1965-1990. Re-Release/Re-issue Campaign Post 1990 - Most successful reissue and re-release of vinyl in terms of sales, marketing and social media among all labels and artists post 1990.
The Event Director Connolly Mellon said “With the big money in Vinyl lying in the re-release market we wanted to recognise older records which continue to succeed in the modern climate. It will be nice to see vinyl from past era’s recognised for awards as well as turntable manufacturers and innovative technologies. It is an exciting time for the format and I think just the beginning. Record labels are fast realising many of the number 1 artists in the digital realm are not leaving as many meaningful legacies because of a lack of soul. Vinyl is the soul of music consumption. It was here when it all started, and it will be here at the end”