The MPG Awards categories are as follows:

(for a definition of "qualifying" see the note below)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
(for "qualifying" productions)

This person has overall creative and technical control of the entire recording project and the individual recording sessions that are a part of that project. He or she is present in the recording studio, or at the location recording, and works directly with the artist and engineer. The producer makes creative and aesthetic decisions that realize both the artist's and record company's goals in the creation of musical content. Other duties include, but are not limited to: keeping budgets and schedules, adhering to deadlines, hiring musicians, singers, studios and engineers. Producers must have produced the work of other artists. Artist who self-produce will only be eligible if they also produce other artists work.

The following credits are eligible: Producer, Co-Producer, Vocal Production

The following credits are not eligible for Producer awards: Executive Producer, Assistant Producer / Associate Producer, Additional Production Strings (or any other instrument).


RECORDING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
(for "qualifying" productions)

The engineer must have both recorded and mixed all of the releases under consideration. The engineer is present in the recording studio, or at the location recording, and is responsible for the process of recording and mixing a project, as well as technical issues and decisions. He or she operates (or oversees the operation of) the equipment during the recording process, and makes creative and aesthetic choices in order to realize the sound and concepts the artist and producer envisage. A mastering engineer is not eligible except in the category of Best Mastering Engineer.

The following credits are eligible: Recording Engineer, Recorded By

The following credits are not eligible for Engineer awards: Digital Audio Workstation Engineer/Operator, Assistant Engineer, tape operator, mix engineer or programming.


BEST MIX ENGINEER
(for "qualifying" productions)

The mix engineer must have mixed, but not recorded all of the releases under consideration. This person is responsible for taking previously recorded material and creating a mixdown of the original separate tracks to create a finished product (either stereo or multi-channel) that can then be mastered and distributed.

The following credits are eligible: Mixed By / Mixer / Mix Engineer

BEST MASTERING ENGINEER
(for mastering work on "qualifying" productions)

The mastering engineer must have been responsible for the processing and preparation of production masters for commercial release.

BEST LIVE ALBUM/DVD
(for "qualifying" productions)

The project must have been recorded in front of a live audience at a concert venue. Judged on the quality of production, recording and mixing, awards are presented individually to the producer, engineer and mixer.

UK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(for a "qualifying" production)

Judged on the quality of production, recording and mixing, awards are presented individually to the producer, engineer and mixer.

UK SINGLE OF THE YEAR
(for a "qualifying" production)

Judged on the quality of production, recording and mixing, awards are presented individually to the producer, engineer and mixer.

BEST RE-MIXER
(for "qualifying" productions)

The re-mixer will have taken already-recorded material and created a completely new version of the track using what are generally understood to be "re-mixing" studio techniques.

The following credits are eligible: Re-mix Engineer / Re-mixer

THE JOE MEEK AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN PRODUCTION
(for work on "qualifying" production(s))

This award recognises work which is genuinely original and ground-breaking in its creative use of technology in record production. Nominations will be accepted for this award with the final decision being made by the Music Producers Guild Awards Committee.

BREAKTHROUGH PRODUCER

Presented to a UK producer who has achieved significantly increased recognition during the current year.

BREAKTHROUGH ENGINEER

Presented to a UK producer, engineer, mixer or re-mixer who has achieved significantly increased recognition during the current year.

BEST STUDIO

Awarded to the best commercial studio, i.e. a studio which exists solely by means of income derived from the rental of its facilities for the recording and/or mixing of music.

BEST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCER

Awarded to a non-UK producer (under the same criteria as Producer Of The Year).

THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Awarded to an individual who is judged to be deserving of praise for their efforts, and where they would otherwise not have received such recognition. This award will be decided by the readers of Pro Sound News and Music Week.

The AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO UK MUSIC

Awarded to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the UK music recording industry (judged by the Music Producers Guild Awards Committee).

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 Definition of "qualifying":

1. at least 51% of the studio time was spent in the UK

2. apart from the Best International Producer and the Joe Meek Award, award recipients must be UK passport holders. In the case of an award for a production team, i.e. producer, recording engineer and mix engineer, 2 out of 3 must be UK passport holders. If the same engineer recorded and mixed the project, then either the producer or the engineer must be a UK passport holder. In the case that one person was producer, engineer and mixer, then he/she must be a UK passport holder.

3. The project must have been available for commercial release in the UK during the qualifying period, which is: September 1st 2008 - September 30th 2009.

4. "Greatest Hits" compilations will not be considered unless at least 50% of the tracks are new material.

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MPG Awards Event  -  The Selection Process

Awards Nominations