Best Self Produced CD Contest

In 2005, The Blues Foundation established an award for the Best Self-Produced CD, given out at the International Blues Challenge, as part of their mission to celebrate blues recording and to ensure the future of this uniquely American art form.

Unlike the celebration of blues recordings and performances at the Blues Music Awards, or our recognition of up-and-coming musician performance via The International Blues Challenge, this award was created to recognize excellence in independent Blues recordings.

The Best Self-Produced CD award is a significant accomplishment in the blues music industry.  

The CD that MnBS submits to the Blues Foundation competition will receive attention on a international level  from  a panel of judges from the blues radio and print industry.  

Performers who have previously been nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Music Award) are not eligible.

For complete rules see: 

https://blues.org/self-produced-cd-award/

2023 MnBS Best Self Produced CD

Released May, 2023
1. Sorry
2. Nasty Business
3. What's for Supper
4. Language of the Blues
5. That's a Fact
6. Nick's Place
7. Everything
8 Combination
9. Life is Good
10. Voodoo
Camsongs Music Ltd.

Minneapolis, MN

Get your copy!
www.markcamersonmusic.net

Minnesota based singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Cameron has been active in live music for over thirty years. Mark began his performing career in the rich folk-rock scene of the early 1970’s and brought this influence into several bands he founded during the 1980’s and 1990’s.  Today Mark’s focus is centered on crafting original Blues songs with strong melodies and memorable lyrics. The range of Mark’s material stretches the Blues beyond safe limits with a focus on “foot stompin, butt shakin” music that is built for a live audience.

Known as a charismatic front man and soulful guitarist, Mark engages his audience directly in live performances and delivers his original compositions with a mix of sincerity, honesty and often a touch of humor. He is equally at home on acoustic or electrified instruments and retains writer/arranger credits on all of his recorded projects. Marks vocal range stretches from basement baritone to full-on growl and his original lyrics draw the listener in and paint a picture of the many worlds within the Blues.

Previous Albums Selected to Represent Minnesota

YearArtistCD Title
2021
Jay Walter & the Rectifiers
Rectification
2020NO COMPETITION DUE TO COVID
2019Mark CameronOn A Roll
2018Paul BarryBlow Your Cool
2017Scottie Miller BandStay Above Water
2016Joyann Parker & Sweet TeaOn The Rocks
2015Javier & the Innocent SonsBorn to Ramble
2014Big George Jackson BandBack At It
2013Annie MackBaptized in the Blues
2012Don Scott & Curtis BlakeSure Thing
2011Jimmi & the Band of SoulsThe Devil You Know
2010Jeff Ray & Hurricane HaroldCarriage House Sessions
2009Boom Boom Steve V & The KnockoutsTuff Love
2008Paul Mayasich & Andy DeeThe Dough Bros
2007Paul Metsa & Sonny EarlWhite Boys Lost In The Blues
2006Scottie MillerLivin’ Between the Black ‘n White
2005The Brothers CurtisIt’s You That’s Got To Go