Argentina’s 2006 Premios Gardel award nominations were revealed today (March 9) with rock artists leading the charge.
The pop/rock outfit Babasónicos garnered a total of seven nods, including album and rock album of the year for “Anoche” (Universal) and song of the year for their single “Yegua.” Another Universal act, the more alternative Bersuit Vergarabat, is also up for album and rock album of the year awards for “Testosterona.”
Two established rockers, veteran León Gieco and Andrés Calamaro tied with six nominations each, including album of the year.
The Gardel awards, now in their eight year, are organized by Argentina’s chamber of record producers (Capif).
The awards are set to take place April 5 at the Gran Rex Theater in Buenos Aires and will air on Argentine network Telefe.
This year’s awards added seven new categories—for a total of 37– honoring best new artists in pop, rock, tango, folk and cuarteto/tropical.
In addition the category for best Rock solo album was split up between male and female. In contrast, the Latin Grammys have joined the Best Rock solo category under one roof for lack of entries.
In addition to the April 5 ceremony, the Gardel’s will honor Oscar winning composer/producer Gustavo Santaolalla with a “Personality of the year” award at a gala dinner March 20. For a complete list of nominees, you may go to www.capif.org.ar.
The Gardels, so named after fabled tango singer Carlos Gardel, are voted upon by an academy of industry professionals, artists and journalists.
