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Artist Submission

Music submissions for the 2026 San Diego Music Awards are now CLOSED. Our 2026 nominees will be announced on February 23, 2026.

  • How does a band get nominated?

    Nominees are always chosen in January by the San Diego Music Academy (members are noted on this website) and announced in Mid-February. Nominees are chosen based on the previous year (January thru December), including performers and recordings. Nominees must have ¾ of their members living in San Diego at the time of nominations. Former San Diegans are not eligible for annual SDMA consideration.

    If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us.

2026 SDMA Awards Sponsors

  • Loft 100 Studios
  • Viejas
  • San Diego Reader
  • Fox 5
  • KUSI
  • Taylor Guitars
  • Filippi’s PIzza Grotto
  • 91X
  • Times of San Diego
  • Imagine Media Group, LLC
  • Studio West
  • San Diego Magazine
  • DoSD.com
  • TMC Music
  • San Diego Troubadour
  • Any Budget Printing & Mailing
  • Finest City Entertainment