Grammys Announce Key Rule Changes, 2016 Dates and Deadlines

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This article originally appeared on Hypebot.

From time to time, the Grammys change the rules. Five were recently announced, with several addressing new issues that are a product of the digital age where music streams are replacing sales, and tracks often matter more than albums. 

5 key rule changes

1. Streaming-only recordings will be eligible for the first time. Submissions must have a verifiable online release date and quality comparable to at least 16-bit 44.1 kHz.
2. Members will be able to vote in 15 categories plus the four General Field categories (Best New Artist and Record, Album, and Song of the Year). This number previously was 20.
3. Best New Artist contenders no longer will be required to have released a full album.They must have released a minimum of five singles/tracks but no more than 30 singles/tracks or three albums. They may not have entered the category more than three times.
4. Best Blues Album will split into Best Traditional Blues Album and Best Contemporary Blues Album.
5. Best Rap/Sung Performance will take the place of Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. In addition to collaborations, the category now encompasses recordings by a solo artist who blurs the lines between rapping and singing.

Key dates

• Oct. 1, 2015 – Sept. 30, 2016
  Product Eligibility Period
• July 1 – 20, 2016
  First Round Online Entry Process
• Aug. 10 – 24, 2016
  Final Round Online Entry Process
• Aug. 24, 2016
  Deadline For Product Submission
• Sept. 15, 2016
  Last Day To Become A Member To Vote In First Round
• Oct. 14, 2016
  First Ballot Mailing Date
• Nov. 4, 2016
  First Ballot Deadline
• Nov. 15, 2016
  Last Day To Become A Member To Vote In Final Round
• Dec. 6, 2016
  Nominations Announcement Date
• Dec. 14, 2016
  Final Ballot Mailing Date
• Jan. 13, 2017
  Final Ballot Deadline
• Feb. 12, 2017
  59th Annual GRAMMY Awards Telecast

Hat tip to Marilyn Laverty of Shorefire Media.

View the full text of the Grammy announcement on Hypebot.

Bruce Houghton is the publisher of music business sites Hypebot.com and MusicThinkTank.com. He is also the founder and president of booking agency Skyline Music whose 60+ clients range from Zoe Keating and Darlingside to 10,000 Maniacs and Roger McGuinn.