Here is your official list of nominees for the 2026 Listen Up Awards. The voting process has begun and you can do so below! Winners of the 2026 Listen Up Awards will be revealed at the ceremony on February 22nd at the Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes, NY. Vote as much as you want!
VOTE HERE
Favorite Solo (Male):
- Gus Unplugged
- Jason Irwin
- Kristian Montgomery
- Russ Kennedy
Favorite Reggae/World Artist:
- Heard
- Hallelujah Hat Trick
- Mixed Roots
- Alex Torres
Favorite Solo(Female):
- Caity Gallagher
- Donna Britton
- Girl Love
- Shannon Roy
Favorite Duo:
- The Bluebillies
- Art -N- Shawna
- Elephant Back
- HB Swank & Qweylan
Favorite Party Band:
- Big Empty
- Hit N Run
- Lucid Street
- The Rhythm Pilots
Favorite Country Artist
- Glenn Rocks Band
- Marty Wendell
- The Bluebillies
- Whiskey Highway
Favorite Cover Band
- 5ive x 5ive
- Big Empty
- Brian Kane and The Beginning
- Hit-N-Run
Favorite Americana Artist:
- Chris Sanders
- Marty Wendell
- The Bluebillies
- Scott Greene
Favorite Pop Artist:
- Hayley Stafford
- Peter Annello
- Shannon Tehya
- Hailey Renee
Favorite Rock/Hard Rock Band:
- Big Empty
- Chris Busone
- Frank Palangi
- The William Deuel Band
Favorite Alt/Indie Artist
- The Perfect Storm
- Elephant Back
- Nocturnne
- Otobo
Favorite Folk/Bluegrass Artist:
- Carolyn Shapiro
- Marty Wendell
- Northern Borne
- Reese Fulmer
Favorite Jazz Artist:
- Hot Club of Saratoga
- Keith Pray
- Marcus Benoit
- Joe Barna
Favorite Punk/Garage Artist:
- Anthem for Tomorrow
- Shortwave RadioBand
- Society High
- VinTri Hill
Favorite Metal/Hardcore Artist:
- Brick by Brick
- Deveria
- Gozer
- The Phoenix & The Raven
Favorite Jam Band:
- Annie in the Water
- Glass Pony
- The Ky McClinton Band
- TV Doctors
Favorite Blues Artist:
- Amy Ryan Band
- BR&B
- Joe Mele
- Joe Roy Jackson
Favorite R&B/Soul/Funk:
- Erica Rose
- Ky McClinton Band
- Legacy Music Group
- Soul Provider
Favorite Electronica/Experimental Artist:
- Rabid Children
- She’s Having A Meltdown
- Laveda
- The Secret Fashions
Favorite Performing/Recording DJ:
- Count Sheldrake
- DJ Fool
- Dj Goodlyfe
- DJ IRod
Favorite Hip-Hop Artist:
- Bezzolay
- Bonus
- Camtron 5000
- Wavy Cunningham
Favorite Prog Rock Artist
- Ampevene
- The Phoenix & The Raven
- Progeny
- Timbre Coup
Best Hair and Makeup:
- Brad James
- Cait Tizzone
- Evan Gori
- Vincenzo Baldwin
Most Likely To Fall Off Stage:
- Brian Cavanaugh
- James Krone
- Matty D
- Tyler Munson
Best Dressed:
- Joanna (Off The Record)
- Rod Dukes
- Shannon Tehya
- Jamie Grignon
Best Marketing/Social Media:
- VinTri Hill
- The Rhythm Pilots
- Straight Edge Punks
- Brother T and the Boys
Favorite Medium Venue(100-250 Capacity)
- Empire Underground
- The Hangar on the Hudson
- Wicked Eatery Pub & Ent.
- Ophelia’s
Favorite Bar/Small Venue(0-100 Capacity):
- Adirondack Winery
- The Kings Inn
- No Fun
- Rustic Barn
Favorite Large Venue(200-400 Capacity)
- Empire Live
- Lark Hall
- Putnam Place
- The Strand Theatre
