The Categories Explained

Eligible in the Best Artist category are single artists who work with - or without - a band. Artists must be living, so sadly no Israel Iz Kamakawiwo’ole or Mercedes Sosa. Re-issued albums are not eligible.

Best Group could include any group who had an album reviewed in Songlines in 2011, issues 74-81 inclusive. Note a duo that isn’t cross-cultural counts as a Group rather than a Collaboration - for instance Asha Bhosle & Shujaat Khan, or Vinicius Cantuaria & Bill Frisell.

Cross-Cultural Collaboration implies a meeting of different cultures so could include Kimmo Pohjonen & Kronos Quartet or Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Michael Brook.

The Newcomer category isn’t necessarily restricted to debut albums, but it must be their first major international release, available in the UK.

The Best Artist and Best Group ategories are mutually exclusive, but a Newcomer and Cross-Cultural Collaboration could both fall into one of the other classifications.

And if you need some help on remembering some of the fantastic music we’ve reviewed this year, then why not check out the list of all the 2011 Top of the World albums.

For the Songlines Music Awards terms and conditions and voting procedures, please click here.