New Mexico Music Awards
Tips for Entering

• Make sure that your project is complete and well produced. Skimping on production values, packaging and performance could mean the difference between winning and losing.

• Make sure that your entry form is attached to your entry. If we can't find your form, we can't judge your entry.

• Follow the rules. Don't try to bend the rules to suit your entry no matter how good you think it might be. If it doesn't conform to the rules of the game, you will be disqualified.

• Enter in the correct category. Listen to your entry. What type of radio station would you hear it on? Does it crossover into other categories? Although the limited number of categories may make it difficult to find one single spot for your music, try to match it as closely to the music genre it might fit in.

• Hook your listeners. Grab them in the first 10 seconds and they're yours for the rest of the song.

• Give us enough information. Often entries are confusing with illegible handwriting, incorrect  or missing contact names or phone numbers or mislabeled CD's.

• If your project's not ready…wait. Rushing a project can lead to shortcuts or cause mistakes that could cost you. There's always next year.

• Listen to other artists. These people are successful for a reason. Try to create that same type of excitement with your project.

• Seek advice from professionals. Hiring or just getting an opinion from a full time producer, engineer or artist can help you pull a project together.

• Don't be afraid to experiment. Sometimes taking it in a new direction can open things up creatively.

• Make it look good. If you're entering a category that involves artwork, put the same effort that you would into your music.