In the past, the independent artists have attempted to create a sound and a demo to present to a major label in hopes of being discovered. The music industry was a much closed society which did not allow these artists to produce quality products or to obtain distribution or recognition. One of the greatest obstacles was the inability of the independent artists to gain access to the technology necessary to make their music competitive. Another challenge the independent artists face were the limited access to radio due to politics and the pay-for-play mentality that existed in radio promotion.

In recent years, the playing field has become much more level. The independent artists now have access to technology that they can only previously dream of. Entire albums can be created in a home studio. Additionally, these advances in technology have driven pricing down, therefore making the studio experience a more realistic possibility. The internet has opened up a new method for distribution and so the independent artists are no longer dependent upon the major labels to move their products. In addition to these facts, the government crackdown on pay-for-play policies in the radio industry has once again opened the airwaves to the independent artists. 

NOMINEES LISTINGS

#1. Best Urban Gospel Song

- "Another Chance" - Keesha Rainey

- "Hope" - Delra Harris

- "You Drive Me Crazy" - Jor'Dan Armstrong

- "Who I Am" - Lisa McClendon

#2. Best Traditional Gospel Album

- "A Different Kind Of Praise" - Nikki Thomas

- "Live" - Rafeal Ross & New Creation

- "Count It All Joy" - Johnny Payne & TCO

- "Hear My Prayer" - The Showers Family Singers

#3. Best Traditional Gospel Performance

- "Incredible" Rafeal Ross & New Creation

- "So Glad He Saved Me" - Monica Lisa Stevenson

- "One Blessing" - Lady Beatrice Ward & Angelic Voices

- "I'm So Glad" - The Triune Singers

#4. Best Christian Jazz Performance

- "Audrey Tia" - Tony Copeland

- "Pause" - Lisa McClendon

- "I Can Dream" - Chiquita Green

- "Glamorous" - Tiffany Green

#5. Best Urban Artist, Male

- Nexworld

- Delra Harris

- Jor'Dan Armstrong

- Jack Yates

#6. Best Urban Artist, Female

- Tonia Hughes

- Marjane

- Chiquita Green

- Lisa McClendon

#7. Female Vocalist of the Year

- Keesha Rainey

- Deanna Ransom

- Lisa McClendon

- Marjane

#8. Male Vocalist of the Year

- Bryan Wilson

- Delra Harris

- Rafeal Ross

- Earnest Pugh

#9. Best Urban Soul Album

- "Sandmouth Mercy Project" - Chiquita Green

- "Reality' - Lisa McClendon

- "Keep the Faith" - Delra Harris

- "Breakthrough - Keesha Rainey

#10. Best International Album

- "Get Back On Track" - Jadee (Trinidad & Tobago)

- "I Follow the Cross" - Jimmy Lalla (Canada)

- "In His Presence" - Cora Russell (Canada)

- "Breaking Out" - Hozia Hinds (Barbados)

#11. Best Caribbean/Reggae Album

- "Breaking Out" - Hozia Hinds

- "Get Back On Track" - Jadee

- "I Follow the Cross" - Jimmy Lalla

- "In His Presence" - Cora Russell

#12. Best Caribbean/Reggae Song

- "Don't Be Afraid" - Jai

- "Jehovah Jira" - Kristine Alecia

- "Jump For Jesus" - Jimmy Lalla

- "Here I Am To Worship - Cora Russell

#13. Best Caribbean/Reggae Artist

- Jadee

- Jimmy Lalla

- Jai

- Hozia Hinds

#14. Artist of the Year

- Marjane

- Lisa McClendon

- Chiquita Green

- Earnest Pugh

#15. Song of the Year

- "Lift Me Up" - Chiquita Green

- "Rain On Us" - Earnest Pugh

- "Pause" Lisa McClendon

- "Breakthrough" – Marjane

#16. Album of the Year

- "Won't Let Go" - Marjane

- "Sandmouth Mercy Project" - Chiquita Green

- "Rain On Us" - Earnest Pugh

- "Reality" - Lisa McClendon

#17. Best Music Video

- "Pause" Lisa McClendon

- "Blue Light City" - M.O.G. Showtime

- "Keep the Faith" - Delra Harris

- "In Me" - Eunice Wright

#18. Hip Hop Artist of the Year

- Tedashii

- Richie Righteous

- Thi'sl

- Wildchild

#19. Hip Hop Song of the Year

- "Air Jordan" - k-Drama

- "Who You Represent" - Richie Righteous

- "I'm A Believer" - Tedashii

- "Awesome God" - R-Swift

#20. Hip Hop Album of the Year

- "Underground Elevation Part 1: The Movement" - Wildchild

- "Chronicles of an X-Hustler" - Thi'sl

- "R.I.C.H." - Richie Righteous

- "Identity Crisis" - Tedashii

Trophies will be handed out on the weekend of August 6-8, 2010 in Houston, TX. Please visit our website at: http://www.ensoundmusicawards.org