The Junksounds Awards is the first regional music awards of its kind. Launched in 2008, the awards gives Junk readers (that’s you!) an opportunity to show your appreciation to some of the most talented music makers in South East Asia that have been making a huge impact in music.

Our Junksounds Awards returns for a second year after a successful run in 2008! The annual Junksounds Awards celebrates some of the best artists and bands from South East Asia, particularly in the five countries in Junk's focus: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Last year's Junksounds Awards kicked off in October 2008, where winners were determined through public voting. Prior to voting, the Junk team consulted with a select panel from the music industry for input on nominations. The awards managed to garner over 10,000 votes from music fans in the abovementioned five countries as well as in the rest of Asia and beyond.

For 2009's edition of the Junksounds Awards, we cast the net even wider by obtaining input from a larger pool of individuals from the industry; this included gig/festival organisers, music labels, media personnel, and a MySpace worth of artists and bands alike. The Junk team then shortlisted the best entries which resulted in the final nomination list.

We’d like to thank all who helped us put the list together (you know who you are!). Your input was definitely valuable to us and we are grateful that you could be a part of our nomination process!

Junksounds nominees are determined by the following criteria:

• Artists and bands that have released English singles/songs between October 2008 and September 2009.
  
• Artists and bands that have released albums/EPs/demos/samplers that contain English songs.
  
• Artists and bands that have been active in the concert, festival or gigging scene throughout 2009.
  
• Artists/bands who are based in the five countries in Junk’s scope, ie. Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines.

Country codes are abbreviated as follows:

• Malaysia – MY
  
• Singapore – SG
  
• Thailand – TH
  
• Indonesia – ID
  
• Philippines – PH
• South East Asia - SEA