Categories

Tantalis categories are designed to recognise artistic qualities, creative intention, emotional resonance, originality, and cultural significance, rather than commercial performance or genre classification.

Rather than separating work primarily by popularity, format, or industry position, Tantalis recognises music through the artistic and cultural qualities it expresses.

The category structure is designed to preserve prestige, support meaningful artistic recognition, and reflect Tantalis's long-term cultural philosophy.

 

Every Tantalis recognition asks one central question:

Did this work contribute something meaningful artistically, emotionally, or culturally?

Entry Fees

First Work: $50

Second Work: $35

Third Work: $20

Maximum of three Works per Artist/Project.

Educational discounts available for eligible Ascent applicants.

For full details see the Submission Rules.

Use code EARLYBIRD26 for 10% discount.

How To Enter

Artists may submit up to three eligible works first publicly released between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2026.

Applicants do not select individual award categories. Tantalis allocates each work to the categories in which it can be most meaningfully assessed, according to the published criteria.

Every eligible musical work is automatically considered for The Tantalis Distinction and may be allocated to up to three additional categories.

How Tantalis Recognition Works

Tantalis's competitive categories are organised into three distinct areas of recognition.

Major Distinctions

Tantalis's highest honours, recognising broad artistic achievement, significance, identity and potential.

Artistic Distinctions

Specialised recognitions focused on specific dimensions of artistic excellence, including performance, visual expression, sonic craft, cultural roots and immersive audio.

Songwriting Distinctions

Specialised recognitions focused on the written and composed song, including lyrical storytelling, conceptual vision, topline, musical form and potential for moving-image media.

 

Submitted works are assigned to the categories in which Tantalis considers them the strongest artistic fit, and a single work may receive recognition across multiple areas.

Major Distinctions

Tantalis's highest honours, representing the institution’s defining philosophy of artistic excellence.

  • The Tantalis Distinction
  • The Tantalis Voice
  • The Tantalis Horizon
  • The Tantalis Impact
  • The Tantalis Ascent

Artistic Distinctions

Specialised recognitions celebrating specific dimensions of artistic achievement and creative craftsmanship.

  • The Tantalis Performance
  • The Tantalis Visual
  • The Tantalis Craft
  • The Tantalis Roots
  • The Tantalis Immersive

SONGWRITING DISTINCTIONS

Specialised recognitions celebrating excellence in the written and composed song, from lyrical to topline, and form to moving-image potential.

  • The Tantalis Arc
  • The Tantalis Vision
  • The Tantalis Topline
  • The Tantalis Form
  • The Tantalis Motion

Tantalis recognises artistic work, not commercial positioning.