The 2025 Excessive Track Awards (EMAs) are set to happen on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Albany’s iconic Empire Are living, the epicenter of steel, punk, and hardcore in Upstate New York. This second-annual match, arranged by way of Upstate Black and Blue Productions, RadioRadioX, 93.9 WABY, That Fuzzing Rock Display, and 518Scene.com, shines a focus at the heavy song scene within the larger 518 Capital Area.
With vote casting now open, fanatics have the danger to reinforce their favourite native and regional bands and artists by way of casting their votes at Excessive Track Awards Vote casting .
The Beginning of the Excessive Track Awards
Mike Valente, co-founder of the EMAs and guitarist for Albany steel crossover band Brick By means of Brick, shared how the theory for the development used to be born out of frustration. “Heavy song NEVER will get its correct accolades,” Valente stated. “Even at The Grammys and Rock n’ Roll Corridor of Reputation, the genres are misrepresented. Bear in mind when Jethro Tull gained Perfect Heavy Steel over Metallica? That’s after I stated, ‘screw it, I’ll get started my very own awards match with individuals who if truth be told know heavy song.'”
Having a look Again on the 2024 EMAs
The inaugural match in 2024 used to be a convincing luck, drawing over 1,000 attendees and that includes visitor appearances from contributors of Overkill, Exodus, Agnostic Entrance, Murphy’s Legislation, and Interior Bleeding. Particular video messages have been despatched in from icons like Slayer and Rancid, developing an unforgettable night time of camaraderie a few of the heavy song group.
Over 20 other classes have been featured, with greater than 60 native and regional bands nominated. Valente emphasised how the development gave popularity to many deserving artists who had by no means been commemorated sooner than, including to the sure, supportive environment.
What It Takes to Plan the EMAs
Valente defined that it takes 8-10 months to plot the EMAs, as there are lots of shifting portions concerned, from nominating bands to coordinating schedules with famous person presenters. “We try to make annually larger and higher,” he stated. Monetary reinforce from sponsors performs a key function in making sure the development can ship top-notch skill and manufacturing.
Long term of the EMAs: Native or Nationwide?
Whilst there was communicate of increasing the EMAs to a countrywide stage, Valente is dedicated to holding the point of interest at the 518 and surrounding spaces for now. “Albany has the sort of wealthy historical past of heavy song,” he famous. “We’re proud to stay it native, giving popularity to legends like Bob Riley of Stigmata and Jason Bittner of Overkill and Shadows Fall.”
The potential of taking the EMAs nationwide stays open, despite the fact that it will require vital monetary backing. For now, Valente and his group are occupied with holding the development true to its roots, supporting the underdogs and offering a platform for heavy song in Upstate NY.
Get Concerned within the 2025 EMAs
The 2025 Excessive Track Awards promise to be even larger and higher, bringing in combination the most productive of steel, punk, and hardcore within the area. To be informed extra about how you’ll be able to get entangled, discuss with Excessive Track Awards Touch .
Mark your calendars for January 11, 2025, and get able to enjoy without equal birthday celebration of heavy song at Albany’s Empire Are living!
