• Entry Form

    Deadline to enter is Monday, August 24, 2026, 5pm
    • NTMA Rules - Requires agreement selection 

    • GENERAL RULES

      • Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, to be considered for the 2026 New Times Music Awards (NTMAs).

      • $20 entry fee for each song, songwriter, and album entry. Get one free entry with 2 paid entries.

      • Participants may enter a maximum of 13 songs (10 genre category, 3 songwriting category) and 1 album.

      • Online entries are preferred, except for the Best Album category which must be mailed or entered in person. Please fill out the entry form, upload songs, and pay for your entries with a credit card by following links below.

      • If you wish to pay with cash or check, you may drop off your entries at either the New Times or Sun offices (addresses listed below). Bring your music entries on a CD or USB drive along with your completed entry form. Checks should be made payable to “New Times.”

      • All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County.

      • All entrants must be able to play at the showcase event on Friday, November 13, 2026 at SLO Brew Rock

      • All entrants under 21 years of age can select the Youth category.

      • By entering the contest, all entrants give permission to New Times Media Group to reproduce submissions on compact disc and on the web. All entries remain the property of performers.

      • New Times Music Awards is not responsible for lost, damaged, incomplete, or late entries.

      • The top 3 songs in each category need to provide high-quality versions of their songs (16 Bit, 44.1 Sample Rate).

      • Songs may have multiple co-writers, but please designate one contact name only on entry form.

      • Winners will be chosen by a select panel of judges.

      • Songs will be judged on overall performance.

      • Live performers will share the ‘Back Line’. Due to fast changovers stage splits and IEMs will likely be impractical. 

      GENRE CATEGORIES

      • The Youth category is for anyone entering music who is under the age of 21.

      • The OPEN/COVER options field allows other genres to be included with your OPEN song entry. Whether its reggae, world beat, classical, new age, electronic, or any other genre, it's your choice. If you choose the COVER genre you must include the songwriter in the OPEN/COVER options field

      • Each song submission must have a genre selected. If nothing is selected, the song will go into the Open genre.

      • If judges determine a song to be a better fit with a different genre category than what was originally submitted, they reserve the right to recategorize it.

      SONGWRITER CATEGORY

      • You may enter up to 3 songs in the Songwriting genre, which is being judged separately.

      • Upload (or include) a .doc or PDF file of lyrics with your entry.

      ALBUM CATEGORY

      • Albums must have been released between August 11, 2025 to August 24 2026 to be eligible. Please mail or deliver a hard copy to either the New Times or Sun office along with a completed entry form by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026 for consideration. The entire presentation will be judged, including quality of songs, sound, and packaging.
      - New Times, 1010 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
      - Sun, 801 S. Broadway, Suite #3, Santa Maria, CA 93454

      • Only 1 album per entrant total.

      For more information contact NTMA@NewTimesSLO.com.

    • Song entries - * Requires Artist(s) name(s) 
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    • Song Entry by Genre

      Enter up to 10 songs - Select genre from pulldown menu. For OPEN enter your optional genre. For COVER add Songwriter name to optional field. Get one free entry with 2 paid entries.
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    • Songwriter Entry 

    • Songwriter Entry

      Enter up to 3 songs - Fill out info below for each song entered
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    • Best Album Entry 

    • Best Album Entry

      Only one album may be entered • Enter Best Album by mail or drop off at NewTimes or Sun Office
    • Local Legend Award Nominee 

    • Local Legend Award Nominee

      The Local Legend Award recognizes an individual or group who has contributed to help enrich, support, and further music’s reach in our community; someone whose ideas, inspiration, and dedication to this art scene have helped nurture and grow the music scene—whether it’s bringing new sounds to the area or giving people the tools they need to create their own. We would love your input!
    • Artist's contact information confirmation - * Required 

    • I certify that I am the writer or co-writer of the song(s) or lyrics submitted. I also certify that I have read, understood, and accept the rules and regulations of the New Times Music Awards. 

    • Format: (000) 000-0000.

    • Song and Album fees and Guitar raffle tickets

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              Song entry fee

              Get quantity discounts. Buy 2 entries ($40) and get another entry for free.

              $20.00$20.00
              Item subtotal:$0.00$0.00
                
              Songwriter entry fee

              Select the number of songs uploaded    __  The entry fee is $20 per song -- Be sure you have uploaded a text file with lyrics.

              $20.00$20.00
                
              Album entry fee

              The entry fee is $20 per album 

              $20.00$20.00
                
              Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar Raffle ticket

              Win a Ernie Ball Music Man guitar  --  $10 per ticket / $25 for 3 tickets / $75 for 10 tickets / $100 for 15 tickets

              $10.00$10.00
                
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