Here's how you can be a part of the 2022 Freshmusic Awards, happening this June

Singapore-based online music review site, Freshmusic, returns with its 15th edition of Freshmusic Awards (FMA) this June. 

Despite its roots as a Mandopop Award, FMA has developed itself to cater to musicians who perform in all sorts of languages, even stretching to instrumentalists. In the same spirit of celebration for diversity in music, this year’s series of FMA would introduce 3 new award categories — Regional Album of The Year, Budding Artist Award, and TAMA Awards which is powered by the Malaysia-based organisation known as Taiwan Asean Music Action (TAMA). 

“The addition of three new regional awards is meant to create opportunities and act as a cultural bridge,” says Mak Wai Hoo, a representative from TAMA. Through the annual regional-acclaimed music awards, Mak also expresses the co-organisers’ desire to “create awareness about the untapped potential of the Southeast Asia markets, a market which diversity transcends language and musical style”. 

In its 15 years of existence, the 2022 edition would mark the first time FMA will be co-organised with TAMA, in similar hopes of strengthening Taiwan's musical ties with ASEAN countries. 

As last year’s Best New Artist award went to Singaporean indie singer-songwriter Shye, who went on to bring home BandLab NME Awards 2022’s Best New Act from Asia title, artists and fans alike can be assured that the panel of FMA will sift out and spotlight only the region’s cream of the crop. 

Artists or management teams in Singapore and Malaysia can nominate themselves from now till 24th April for the Regional Album of The Year, Budding Artist Award, and TAMA awards respectively. 

Individuals can anticipate a shortlist for the other categories of the 15th series of FMA to be released for open voting on the 19th and 20th April. The finalists will be announced on 10th May and winners will be crowned online on 24 June.