Dallas is famous for its thriving show business scene and its wide variety of festivals, events, and concerts. Yet there’s one event that truly puts the city in the national spotlight — the Dallas Observer Music Awards, created to recognize and support local musicians and artists who actively shape the North Texas music scene. Learn more about the history and growth of this prestigious regional award on dallaski.com.
History of the Awards
The Dallas Observer Music Awards were established in 1998. Initially, it began as a project within the music section of the Dallas Observer newspaper, led by then–music editor Clay McNear. Soon, the idea emerged to create an award that would raise awareness of Dallas’s local music scene and honor the talented musicians and bands influencing regional culture.
In the early years, the awards were relatively simple, focusing on just a few core genres like rock, blues, jazz, and pop. The number of categories was limited, and the event mainly celebrated local performers. Over time, participation grew, and the Dallas Observer Music Awards expanded its format — adding new genres such as hip-hop, electronic, metal, and indie rock. The list of nominations also broadened to include “Best Album,” “Best Song,” “Performer of the Year,” and “Best New Artist.”
By the 2010s, the awards had introduced additional categories, including special honors for contributions to local culture and recognition for producers, sound engineers, and other industry professionals.
The Modern Era
Today, the Dallas Observer Music Awards cover more than 30 categories, including “Album of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Best Live Act,” and “Best Music Video.” There are also genre-specific nominations spanning rock, hip-hop, pop, jazz, blues, and electronic music.
The awards have become one of Dallas’s key cultural events, attracting not only music fans but also professionals from across the industry. For instance, in 2020, winners included Jacks Haupt (Best New Artist), Dezi5 (Best Song), and several other acclaimed local acts and performers.
In 2025, the ceremony was held at The Studio at The Factory in Deep Ellum, welcoming hundreds of fans and participants. The event recognized achievements across a broad range of categories — from Best Album and Song to Best Live Performance, Popular Artist of the Year, and special honors for contributions to regional music culture.
That year’s biggest winner was Rosegarden Funeral Party, taking home multiple awards including “Artist of the Year,” “Music Video of the Year,” “Best Rock Song,” “Best Rock Vocalist” (Leah Lane), and “Best Drummer” (Dean Adams). Remy Reilly earned titles for “Best Pop Vocalist” and “Best Indo-African Artist.” Gracen Wynn won both “Best Pop Song” and “Best Pop Artist.” The group Cure for Paranoia received awards for “Song of the Year” and “Best Hip-Hop Group,” while Revelers Hall Band was recognized for “Best Live Music Performance” and “Best Traditional Jazz Ensemble.”
Additionally, Jessica Waffles from KXT earned three honors — “Best Concert Photographer,” “Best Radio Host,” and “Best Radio Show.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jeffrey Liles, who dedicated it to Bill of Bill’s Records, a veteran and pillar of the Dallas music scene.
The Dallas Observer Music Awards remain one of the city’s most influential cultural events — a celebration that uplifts local artists and continues to promote the vibrant music culture of Dallas.