Mullen & Mullen has launched the JAMBALOO Music Prize to support the Dallas–Fort Worth music scene. The initiative offers one artist or group $20,000 plus recording time, promotion, and industry connections. Importantly, it builds on last year’s JAMBALOO Festival and aims for year-round impact.
Entry and Judging
The competition is open to artists whose permanent members live mostly in the DFW metro area. Artists submit an album of seven or more songs via Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. Then, fifteen anonymous judges will pick 10 semifinalists and three finalists. Moreover, the winner is chosen by a weighted expert vote combined with fan voting. As Corey Pond explains, the process balances expert judgment with public input.
The prize package is substantial. The winner receives a session at Luminous Sound with four-time Grammy winner Tre Nagella. In addition, the prize includes featured placement at Josey Records and a live session at NPR affiliate KXT. Also, the winner gets an email promotion to 650,000 music fans. Nagella notes that the money could fund a new album or the start of a tour. Therefore, the award can change a local artist’s trajectory.
Venue Prize and Additional Programming
Three finalists will perform on June 6 at the Longhorn Ballroom. The venue reopened in spring 2023 after a major renovation. Tickets for the showcase will be free to the public. Meanwhile, Mullen & Mullen is launching a separate $20,000 venue prize. This new award responds to concerns about at-risk spaces like The Cicada in Fort Worth.
Beyond prizes, the Mullen & Mullen Music Project plans pop-up shows, panels, and industry mixers. For example, programming will mirror elements of South by Southwest to help artists and venues. In addition, last year’s February festival featured acts such as MJ Lenderman. Thus, the project targets a traditionally slow season for live music.
In short, JAMBALOO offers funding, professional resources, and exposure for North Texas artists. If you are a Dallas-based artist, submit your album at JAMBALOO.live. Finally, this initiative aims to strengthen individual careers and the broader live-music ecosystem.
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