The Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards shines a spotlight on the artists, music professionals, and organizations — past and present — shaping the Capital Region’s ever-evolving music scene. Hundreds of individuals, groups, and companies working in the artistic, technical, managerial, media, and support areas of the Capital Region music industry are nominated every year.
For its eighth year, the Eddies Awards was on the MainStage at Proctors 6 p.m Sunday, April 26, to an audience of local music lovers and performers. Co-presented by WEXT, the 2026 Eddies honored more than 190 finalists across over 30 categories, recognizing outstanding work released and performed throughout 2025.
The process started with a public nomination window this year where music lovers and fans had a chance to add to the initial nomination pool. Final nominees and award recipients are selected by a panel of judges representing the local music community. To support a thoughtful and informed process, judges are provided with the Local 518 Music (and more) Reports — a comprehensive, quarterly record of releases in the Capital Region produced by Andy Gregory at WEXT since 2012. These reports help ensure that the depth and diversity of work across the region is fully considered.
"The Eddies are about more than just trophies; they are about amplifying and empowering the incredible talent we have right here in our own backyard," says Gregory. "The Capital Region's music community is diverse and active, and being able to shine a light on our local talent through the Eddies is important."
"The Local 518 music scene continually amazes me. There’s so much talent. And new music keeps upping the game. The Eddies is a great way to celebrate the musical achievements WEXT showcases throughout the year,” says Chris Wienk, WEXT.
The ceremony featured performances from local musicians Oobleck, Mark & Jill with Brian Melick, Eric-Jon Tasker, Kuts & Kicks, Aila Chiar, The Erotics, and emceed by DJ Trumastr. The big winner of the night was Buggy Jive who won four awards: Solo or Duo Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Music Video of the Year for “What Do Y’All Know About Shakespeare?,” and Album of the Year for “Icarus Ascending.”
The Eddies Awards also hands out two special awards celebrating local music pillars with a Merit Award. The Merit Awards are organizations, projects, programs, people, etc. who don’t fit in an already established category. This year’s recipients were the AMORAK Youth Program, which offers a variety of low or no cost programs for teens and youth in Glens Falls, and Bob Gamache for his creation and continuous work on Foodstock, bringing together great local musicians to raise money and collect food for local pantries
Last month, the Eddies inducted new members into the Hall of Fame at a separate ceremony. This year’s inductees were Ernie Williams, The Heavenly Echoes Band, Jim Furlong, Dominick Campana, Eddie Angel, Lee Shaw, and the visionaries of The Van Dyck. The Hall of Fame is located at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.
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Electronica Artist of the Year
Architrave
Punk/Hardcore Artist of the Year
Millington
Metal/Hardrock Artist of the Year
Gozer
Live Production Crew of the Year
High Peaks Event Production
Record Label of the Year
Upstate Records
Music Recording Studio of the Year
Blue Sky Recording
Presenter/Promoter of the Year
SUPER DARK Collective
Radio DJ of the Year (terrestrial or streaming)
Jeff Mo’rad – 102.7 EQX
Arts Publication of the Year
Metroland Now
Music Journalist of the Year
Kirsten Ferguson
Music Photographer of the Year
Ron Dacks
Classical Artist/Ensemble
Albany Symphony
World Music Artist of the Year
Heard
RnB/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year
The E-Block
RnB/Soul/Funk Artist of the Year
Tops of Trees
DJ of the Year
DJ Hollyw8d
Party/Cover Band of the Year
Off the Record
Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year
Camton5000
Alternative Venue of the Year
The Cock 'n Bull Restaurant
Americana Artist of the Year
Laura Leigh
Americana Artist of the Year
Reese Fulmer & the Carriage House Band
Solo or Duo Artist of the Year
Buggy Jive
Solo of Duo Performer of the Year (Covers)
Jeff Brisbin
Jazz Artist of the Year
Dylan Perrillo
Jam Band of the Year
TV Doctors
Blues Artist of the Year
The Hammerhead Horns
Country/Bluegrass Artist of the Year
The Bluebillies
Rock Artist of the Year
The Jagaloons
Pop Artist of the Year
Shannon Tehya
Alt/Indie Artist of the Year
E.R.I.E.
Folk/Traditional Artist of the Year
Carolyn Shapiro
Songwriter of the Year
Buggy Jive
Music Video of the Year
Buggy Jive – What Do Y'all Know About Shakespeare?
Album of the Year
Buggy Jive – Icarus Ascending
Record of the Year
SIRSY – Stupid Little Heart
Merit Award
AMORAK Youth Program
Merit Award
Bob Gamache - Foodstock