August 10th, 2025
The Harmony of the BMAs
With the latter months of the year slowing approaching, Kevin Small Jr., the President of SNAKE Magazine, writes about the Boston Music Awards, a highly anticipated celebratory event that occurs every winter, providing insight into the impact this award ceremony continues to have community wide in the first non-interview release of The Scoop.
While the glitz and glamour of national awards shows often dominate headlines, the Boston Music Awards has quietly, yet profoundly, served as the bedrock of Boston’s vibrant and often underestimated music scene. Beyond simply honoring talent, the BMAs have proven an indispensable force in nurturing, connecting, and propelling artists, acting as a beacon in the city's ever-evolving soundscape.
What truly sets the Boston Music Awards apart is not just its longevity, but its adaptability. As we continue to immerse ourselves in today's diverse blend of hip-hop, R&B, and experimental sub-genres influenced by it, the BMAs have evolved, introducing new categories and supporting subcultures that are particular to all neighborhoods within the City of Boston and beyond.
This consistent relevance has made the BMAs a rite of passage for countless local musicians. Hearing from emerging bands and solo artists in the past have shared that a nomination–let alone a win–at the Boston Music Awards is a stamp of approval from peers and industry professionals that can open doors to new collaborations, increased bookings, and a wider audience. The ceremony itself fosters community among artists who might otherwise operate in separate spheres. On the night of the Boston Music Awards, established acts connect with up-and-comers and statewide music of all genres is celebrated under one roof every single year.
The BMAs have consistently championed the folks who contribute greatly to the creativity behind the music – the engineers, producers, and promoters who form the backbone of the local industry. By acknowledging these crucial contributions, the awards foster a healthy ecosystem where creativity can truly thrive. This approach ensures that the "greatness" of the Boston Music Awards extends and compounds into every aspect of the city's musical infrastructure.
In a world where attention spans are fleeting and trends come and go, the Boston Music Awards stands as a testament to our most talented culture bearers who breathe life into our communities.