Categories

Meridian categories are designed to recognise artistic qualities, creative intention, emotional resonance, originality, and cultural significance, rather than commercial performance or genre classification.

Rather than separating work primarily by popularity, format, or industry position, Meridian recognises music through the artistic and cultural qualities it expresses.

The category structure is designed to preserve prestige, support meaningful artistic recognition, and reflect Meridian’s long-term cultural philosophy.

 

Every Meridian recognition asks one central question:

Did this work contribute something meaningful artistically, emotionally, or culturally?

Entry Fees

First Work: $50

Second Work: $35

Third Work: $20

Maximum of three Works per Artist/Project.

Educational discounts available for eligible Ascent applicants.

For full details see the Submission Rules.

Use code EARLYBIRD26 for 10% discount.

How To Enter

Artists may submit up to three eligible works they believe best represent their artistry.

Applicants do not select individual award categories. Meridian allocates each work to the categories in which it can be most meaningfully assessed, according to the published criteria.

Every eligible musical work is automatically considered for The Meridian Distinction and may be allocated to up to three additional categories.

How Meridian Recognition Works

Meridian’s competitive categories are organised into three distinct areas of recognition.

Major Meridian Distinctions

Meridian’s highest honours, recognising broad artistic achievement, significance, identity and potential.

Artistic Meridian Distinctions

Specialised recognitions focused on specific dimensions of artistic excellence, including performance, visual expression, sonic craft, cultural roots and immersive audio.

Songwriting Meridian Distinctions

Specialised recognitions focused on the written and composed song, including lyrical storytelling, conceptual vision, topline, musical form and potential for moving-image media.

 

Submitted works are assigned to the categories in which Meridian considers them the strongest artistic fit, and a single work may receive recognition across multiple areas.

Major Distinctions

Meridian’s highest honours, representing the institution’s defining philosophy of artistic excellence.

  • The Meridian Distinction
  • The Meridian Voice
  • The Meridian Horizon
  • The Meridian Impact
  • The Meridian Ascent

Artistic Distinctions

Specialised recognitions celebrating specific dimensions of artistic achievement and creative craftsmanship.

  • The Meridian Performance
  • The Meridian Visual
  • The Meridian Craft
  • The Meridian Roots
  • The Meridian Immersive

SONGWRITING DISTINCTIONS

Specialised recognitions celebrating excellence in the written and composed song, from lyrical to topline, and form to moving-image potential.

  • The Meridian Arc
  • The Meridian Vision
  • The Meridian Topline
  • The Meridian Form
  • The Meridian Motion

Meridian recognises artistic work, not commercial positioning.