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Award program

ISSA Awards

The International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) recognizes singer-songwriters and artists worldwide through its free membership and annual, fan-supported awards.

Free ISSA membership with a single artist self-nomination during the nomination window; requires a dedicated website, at least five songs on major platforms, and an engaged fan base.

Eligibility Window
Self-nomination window (January 1 – March 31)
Who Can Submit
Registered ISSA members — free, self-nomination only
Who It's For
Singer-songwriters • Recording artists • Worldwide members
Submission Method
One self-nomination form on the ISSA site
Official SourcesInternational Singer-Songwriters AssociationISSA Awards CriteriaLast reviewed: July 9, 2026Official source →

Official requirements

Drawn from the program's published eligibility rules.

  • ISSA registered membership

    Official

    Be a registered member of the International Singer-Songwriters Association; membership is free.

    Why it matters: Only registered ISSA members can be nominated, so membership is the entry point to everything else.

    CriticalMembershipVerified 2026-07-09Source →

  • Submit one self-nomination

    Official

    Personally complete one ISSA self-nomination form during the nomination window (January 1 through March 31); only self-nominations are accepted.

    Why it matters: ISSA accepts only self-nominations filed during the window, so without one there is no entry.

    CriticalSubmissionVerified 2026-07-09Source →

  • Dedicated artist website

    Official

    Maintain a dedicated artist website; social media profiles alone do not satisfy this requirement.

    Why it matters: A dedicated website is required, and social profiles alone do not satisfy it.

    ImportantPresenceVerified 2026-07-09Source →

  • At least five songs on major platforms

    Official

    Have at least five songs available on major platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music / iTunes.

    Why it matters: Nominees need a real catalog on major platforms so voters and judges can evaluate the work.

    ImportantEligibilityVerified 2026-07-09Source →

  • Engaged fan base

    Official

    Have an engaged fan base; fan voting during April helps nominees advance to the finalist stage.

    Why it matters: Fan voting in April helps nominees advance, so an engaged audience directly affects progress.

    StandardEligibilityVerified 2026-07-09Source →

Preparation Guidance

Music Awards Center recommendations based on official ISSA Awards eligibility requirements.

  • Keep your member profile and links current

    Music Awards Center Recommendation

    Keep your ISSA membership active and your website and streaming links current so nominators, voters, and judges can find your work.

    PreparationVerified 2026-07-09

  • Build a professional artist website

    Music Awards Center Recommendation

    Set up a dedicated artist website ahead of the nomination window, since a website is required and social media profiles alone do not satisfy it.

    PreparationVerified 2026-07-09

  • Prepare your streaming catalog before nomination

    Music Awards Center Recommendation

    Have at least five songs live on major platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music before you self-nominate.

    PreparationVerified 2026-07-09

  • Grow audience engagement before fan voting

    Music Awards Center Recommendation

    Build an engaged fan base ahead of the April fan-voting stage, which helps nominees advance to the finalist round.

    PreparationVerified 2026-07-09

  • Review nomination materials before submission

    Music Awards Center Recommendation

    Confirm your website, streaming catalog, and profile details are accurate before filing your single self-nomination during the window.

    PreparationVerified 2026-07-09

Common submission mistakes

Music Awards Center guidance on what commonly trips up submissions — not official requirements.

  • Missing the self-nomination window (January 1 – March 31)
  • No dedicated artist website (social profiles do not count)
  • Fewer than five songs on major platforms
  • Inactive or lapsed ISSA membership
  • Resubmitting within two years of a Gold Level win

Ready to check your ISSA Awards readiness?

Run your free ISSA Awards Readiness Assessment and receive personalized recommendations based on the official eligibility requirements.

Start ISSA Awards Readiness Assessment