German State Minister for Culture Announces First Winners of New EMIL Award for Record Stores
On December 1, 2024, at 6:15 PM, German Federal Government Minister of State for Culture and the Media Claudia Roth announced the inaugural recipients of the newly established EMIL Award for Record Stores.
Background on the EMIL Award
The EMIL Award, named in honor of the German acronym for “experience, memory, innovation, and local connection,” was created to recognize and support independent record stores in Germany. The award aims to highlight the vital role these stores play in fostering music culture, promoting diversity, and preserving musical heritage.
Selection Process
A jury of experts from the music industry, including musicians, journalists, and representatives from various record store associations, evaluated applications from 120 independent record stores across Germany. The jury considered factors such as the store’s cultural significance, its contribution to the local music scene, and its efforts to promote emerging artists.
First Winners
The inaugural winners of the EMIL Award are:
- Hofmann Records (Cologne)
- Klangbad (Berlin)
- The Thing (Leipzig)
- Vinylmarkt (Hamburg)
- Zazou Records (Düsseldorf)
Honoring Independent Record Stores
In her announcement, Minister of State Roth emphasized the importance of supporting independent record stores. “These stores are not just places to buy music,” she said. “They are meeting points for music lovers, cultural hubs that contribute to the diversity and vitality of our music scene.”
Financial Support and Recognition
Each winning record store will receive a cash prize of €10,000. In addition, the stores will be featured in a nationwide campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of independent record stores and the vital role they play in the music ecosystem.
Positive Reception
The announcement of the first EMIL Award winners was met with great enthusiasm from the music industry and the general public. The award is seen as a significant recognition of the contributions made by independent record stores and is expected to further strengthen their role in German music culture.
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