Last year saw the successful launch of the ATRL Grammys, an opportunity for this forum's vibrant, savvy community of music lovers to pit its passionate opinions against those of the industry's elite. Taylor Swift dominated the inaugural ceremony with seven wins, while Britney Spears took home the first Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional impact on ATRL.

Now we're back to once again reward the best music of the past year, and to compare our collective tastes with those of the world's biggest music awards show. Using the same categories, procedures and timeline as its namesake, the ATRL Grammys provides an opportunity for members to get in on the Grammy fun before the big show in February.


In the first stage of the nomination process, ATRL members can submit their favorite albums, songs and artists in up to 26 actual Grammy categories. Music released from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014 is eligible for consideration.


In the second stage of the nomination process, ATRL members will pick the final nominees from longlists of the top submissions in each category. These will be announced on December 1, 2014.


The nominees in each category will be announced during the ATRL Grammy Nominations Concert on December 13, 2014.


The winners in each category will be announced during the inaugural ATRL Grammys ceremony on January 31, 2015, the week before the real show airs on CBS.

Voting.

Some recommendations?

EDIT: here are the real submissions, maybe it's useful.

EDIT 2: Don't forget:

Is it one per category?

Thanks for the link! The real submissions list is definitely helpful, though you can submit any song or album released during the eligibility period.

Feel free to use this thread to campaign for your favorites, too. For Your Consideration ads are encouraged!

You can submit up to five favorites in each of the general field categories, up to three for the genre categories and one for lifetime achievement.

Since this first stage of balloting only determines the longlists (probably about 15-25 pre-nominees, depending on the category), you might also consider voting strategically for your favorites that will need more help to qualify, rather than the popular choices that already have broad support.

Best New Artist is the for the artists who released their debut album, or finally came to public awareness, in the past year (e.g. Sam Smith or Tinashe). If you're confused by the category, just submit who you'd like and I'll determine whether they'll eligible or not.

Do I have to vote in all the categories? Cause I have no idea about country music for example

yasss @ the results being on my birthday

Not at all! I'm actually a little worried about the country categories this year without Taylor Swift...

Don't be

Do Hozier, Lykke Li and Lana fit in the pop categories or in the rock categories?