Alright, last year I didn’t really bug anyone about nominating us for the Houston Press Music Awards, and yet somehow we were nominated and invited to play the showcase. This year, I’ve decided to put some effort into our promotion of the event. That’s right, we’re asking you to nominate the Bright Men of Learning for every category you can possibly think of.

I just finished filling out my own ballot, and I have some recommendations for you. Naturally, I voted for us in nearly every category. I also voted for some pals of mine. I did exercise some restraint. For example, I didn’t vote for myself as best male vocalist (and frankly I’m not asking you to either). Also, I had a bit of trouble in the best guitarist portion of the ballot because the Bright Men have two excellent guitarists in Benjamin Davis Murphy and Chris Kahlich. Having near-Solomonic wisdom, I decided to nominate Ben Murphy in the miscellaneous category in honor of his prodigious cowbell talents.

Without further delay, I invite you to submit your own ballot to the Press.

2007 Music Awards Nomination Ballot

If you like, follow a few of my suggestions.

Best New Act

Paris Falls

Best Metal

lnsect Warfare

Best Punk

Something Fierce

Best Indie Rock

Satin Hooks

Best Alt Rock

lnoculist

Best Pop

Scattered Pages

Best Hardcore

The Jonbenet

Best Traditional Rock

Bright Men of Learning

Best Experimental/Avant Garde

Sharks and Sailors

Best Local Rap/Hip-Hop

The Fucking Transmissions

Best National Rap/Hip-Hop

Bun B

Local Musician of the Year

Jana Hunter

Best Female vocalist

Jana Hunter

Best Male vocalist

Brandon Hancock

Best Guitarist

Chris Kahlich (Bright Men of Learning)

Best Bassist

Johnathan Sage (Bright Men of Learning)

Best Drummer

Jeff Senske (Bright Men of Learning)

Best Misc. Instrumentalist

Benjamin Davis Murphy (Bright Men of Learning)

Album of the Year(Local), and Artist

There’s No Home / Jana Hunter

Song of the Year, and Songwriter

Regardless / Jana Hunter

Songwriter of the Year

Jana Hunter