Boston Music Awards

Founded in 1987, the Boston Music Awards are a set of music awards given annually that showcase talent in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.



Past shows have featured such notable talent as Aerosmith, Paula Cole, Esperanza Spalding, Boston, Rubyhorse, Bang Camaro, the Dresden Dolls, Dropkick Murphys, JoJo, Pat Metheny, Amanda Palmer, Phish, Donna Summer, Shea Rose, James Taylor and Jada.

2022
The 2022 Boston Music Awards took place on December 14, 2022 at Big Night Live. Cousin Stizz regained their award for "Best Artist of the Year".

2021
After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boston Music Awards took place live on December 8, 2021 at the Brighton Music Hall. Once again, BIA took home the "Best Artist of the Year" Award.

2020
The 2020 Boston Music Awards were not conducted in person like in from previous years due to COVID-19. The "Best Artist of the Year" Award went to hip-hop artist, BIA.

2019
The 2019 Boston Music Awards took place on December 11, 2019. Cousin Stizz made it back-to-back by winning the "Best Artist of the Year" Award.

2018
The 2018 Boston Music Awards took place on December 12, 2018 at the House of Blues in Boston. Cousin Stizz won "Artist of the Year".

2017
The 2017 Boston Music Awards took place on December 7, 2017, at the House of Blues, Boston. 36 winners were announced with PVRIS taking home the coveted Artist of the Year Award. The night saw 10 live performances from Bad Rabbits, Tall Heights, Weakened Friends, STL GLD, Carissa Johnson, Avenue, no hope / no harm, Latrell James, Camino 84, and Sidney Gish.

2016
The 2016 Boston Music Awards took place on December 8, 2016. PVRIS took home the "Artist of the Year" Award.

2015
The 2015 Boston Music Awards were held on December 9, 2015 at the Sinclair in Cambridge. Awards included: Artist of the year: Speedy Ortiz; Album/EP of the year: Foil Deer by Speedy Ortiz; New Artist of the year: Palehound; Rock/Indie artist of the year: Dirty Bangs; Hip-hop artist of the year: Michael Christmas; Pop artist of the year: Ruby Rose Fox; International artist of the year: Shun Ng; Metal artist of the year: Worshipper; Jazz artist of the year: Lake Street Dive.

2012
Shea Rose: Pop/R&B Artist of the Year

2011
Shea Rose: R&B/Soul/Urban Contemporary Artist of the Year

Esperanza Spalding: Jazz Artist of the Year

2010
The 2010 Boston Music Awards were presented on December 6, 2010, at the Liberty Hotel in Boston. Peter Wolf's Midnight Souvenirs won the prize for album of the year and Amanda Palmer was named artist of the year. The Dropkick Murphys were Live Artist of the Year, M-Dot was named Hip-Hop Artist of the year, Kingsley Flood won as New Artist of the Year, and "Living in America" by Dom won Song of the Year. In total, 32 awards were given.

2006
The 2006 Boston Music Awards were held in the Avalon Ballroom on September 27, 2006. Awards included: Female Vocalist of the Year: Amanda Palmer (Dresden Dolls); Male Vocalist of the Year: Josh Ritter; Outstanding Pop/Rock Band: Dresden Dolls; Act of the Year: Dresden Dolls; Best New Local Act: HUMANWINE; Album of the Year (Indie): Misson of Burma – The Obliterati; Album of the Year (Major): Guster – Ganging Up On the Sun; Female Singer/Songwriter: Melissa Ferrick; Male Singer/Songwriter: Will Dailey; Hall of Fame Induction: Gang Green Best Funk or Jam Band: Parker House and Theory

2005
Ray Lamontagne: Best Male Singer/Songwriter, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year

2004
The So and So's: Local Debut Album of the Year

2002
Catie Curtis: Song of the Year on an Indie Label

2001
American Hi-Fi: Rising Star award

2000
Powerman 5000: Album Of The Year and the Rising Star award

1998
Laurie Geltman: Outstanding Female Vocalist.

Orbit: Debut Album of the Year "Libido Speedway" A&M (Major Label)

Amazing Royal Crowns: Rising Star, Debut Album of the Year (Indie Label), Video of the Year and Outstanding Club Band