Music PEI Awards
The Music PEI team has put together 29 awards, each designed to celebrate various genres, styles, industry professionals and community leaders.
Awards Submissions
A complete guideline to the awards, submission process, eligibility criteria and other details can be found in the updated 2027 Award Guidelines.
Award submissions can be made using our new Awards Platform but it is advised you read the Guidelines before submitting.
There will be multiple performance opportunities during Music PEI Week 2027. Artists/Groups do not have to apply to perform. All nominees are automatically considered for performance opportunities.
Artists are not required to submit physical copies of their CD to the Music PEI office. However, if an artist would like to add their CD to the Music PEI archive, they can mail or deliver a maximum of two (2) physical copies of their CD. Note: these CDs may be used for promotional purposes.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) USE
Music PEI recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common tool in the creative process. However, the Music PEI Awards exist to recognize and celebrate human artistic achievement.
Applicants are required to disclose any use of AI in the creation of their submission.
The following guidelines apply:
- Recordings in which songwriting (lyrics, melody, composition) or music generation has been created in whole or in part by generative AI are not eligible.
- Recordings in which the musical performance or production has been substantially generated by AI are not eligible.
- AI-assisted tools used for technical or administrative purposes (such as audio restoration, noise reduction, mastering assistance, transcription, editing assistance, or workflow automation) are permitted, provided that the artistic content remains the original work of the credited creators.
- Album Artwork of the Year submissions must be entirely human-created. Artwork containing AI-generated imagery or AI-generated visual elements is not eligible.
- Music PEI reserves the right to request additional information regarding the creative process or supporting documentation where AI use is suspected or disclosed.
- Failure to disclose the use of AI may result in disqualification or withdrawal of a nomination.
For the purposes of these Awards, the artist(s), songwriter(s), producer(s), and visual artist(s) credited on the submission must be the primary human creators responsible for the work being submitted.
Changes for the 2027 Awards
Please note that there have been a few changes to the awards offered. Last year, Music PEI offered 26 award categories, this year there will be 29.
This year, submissions are open to all artists (member or non member) on the island. All award submission fees will remain Free this year for Music PEI members, for Non Members, fee will be per Award ($20).
Music PEI has created a few new categories for the 2027 awards including; Breakthrough Artist of the Year , Dance Recording of the Year, Lloyd Doyle Emerging Artist of the Year, Heavy Album of the year (Previously – Alternative Album of the Year).
Changes to Award Adjudication
Music Video of the Year: Category nominees and winn will be determined by adjudication.
Categories Eliminated for 2027
Lloyd Doyle New Artist of the Year – Now Lloyd Doyle Emerging Artist of the Year
Pop/Dance Recording of the Year – Returning to Pop Recording of the Year
New Categories & Category Changes For 2027
Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Recognizes an artist based on their activity and/or a recording, who has earned significant recognition, and who achieved significant career progress over the eligibility period.Â
Dance Recording of the Year: Formerly Pop/Dance Recording of the Year, includes House, Techno, Trance, Drum & Bass, Garage, UK Garage, Breakbeat, Electro, Electronica, EDM, Progressive, Future Bass, Dubstep, Hyperpop, Dance-Pop, Ambient, and other electronic or dance music styles.
Heavy Recording of the Year: Formerly Alternative Recording of the Year –Â Represents Alt-rock, Punk/Hardcore, Experimental, Grunge, metal, etc.
Lloyd Doyle Emerging Artist of the Year:Â Formerly New Artist of the Year – acknowledges emerging artists/groups who have not yet received substantial industry recognition
Changes to Application Fees
All 2027 Music PEI Award submissions are free with an active Music PEI Membership (Artist, Band or Industry memberships only). The fee for non Music PEI Members is $20 per award, with exception to the Leo Cheverie Community Contributor & Lifetime Achievement awards which remain free for those with or without a Music PEI membership.Â
