The Essies

Perhaps the most prestigious award a singer or songwriter can receive is a Grammy. It is considered the pinnacle of success. Essie Country is now the home of the Essies. The Essies have a long way to go to match the prestige of a Grammy. But that doesn’t stop Essie Country from honoring those artists, songwriters, and songs that we believe are worthy of special recognition, with an Essie. Essie Country is dedicated to promoting authentic country music of the 21st century. Specifically, country music artists and songs that were never given the opportunity to air on country music radio because they were "too country." 

The Essies acknowledge artists, performances, songwriting, and songs that achieve the highest level of artistry, performance, songwriting, and musicality within the boundaries of genuine country music. Additionally, these are the artists and songs that have not been included on the playlists of country music radio stations due to the pop and hip-hop influence and takeover of country music. 

The Essies have five categories: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and the Daydreamer award. The Essies do not have categories for the best of the year. Why? Because we do not believe there is any one vocalist, song, lyrics, or video that does not have an equal. Selecting one over the other as the best becomes a matter of personal preference, rather than an objective choice based on fact. Each song, artist, and performance is judged on its own merits. To receive an Essie is an acknowledgment of superior skill, performance, and creativity within the boundaries of genuine country music.  

The Essie Platinum Award recognizes the artist's undeniable country style, skill, and appeal that surpasses that of most performers in country music.  

The Essie Diamond Award is given to artists for their exceptional performance of a genuine country song.

The Essie Gold Award is awarded to the song that is unquestionably country music in style and above average in appeal. In a world where real country music was the core of country music radio, it would be a strong contender for number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Charts.   

The Essie Silver Award is presented to the writer(s) of a song that demonstrates superior creativity, musicality, storytelling, and/or the ability to evoke an emotional response or a sense of fun or happiness.   

The Essie Daydreamer Award is presented to a video featuring a superior screenplay that showcases extremely creative content, outstanding visual elements, is enjoyable to watch, and/or is emotionally captivating. It’s called the “Daydreamer” award because one must mentally envision the video before creating it, in effect, daydreaming.   

Essie Country determines the above recognitions subjectively. Yes, it is the “opinion” of Essie Country that determines the recipients. The decision is based on specific parameters that are consistent with traditional country music characteristics and values: vocal style, musicality, believability, and general social acceptance (theme and language).    

Essie Platinum Award Recipients (for artists): 

Ben McPeak    Will Banister    Brandy Clark     Kyle Park     Zach Top

Essie Gold Award Recipients (for songs):  

Baby I Do by Steven Wood
Be Here Now by Will Banister
Dancin' Around It by Regan Stewart
Hell of a Highway by Jake Worthington
I Never Lie by Zach Top
Leave the Lovin' by Dillon Carmichael
Liquor by Matt Mason
Lonely Leave Me Alone by Ben McPeak
Old Time Melody by Erin Viancourt
On Top of the World by Brian Callihan
One Goodbye by Randall King
Spilled Whiskey by Daryle Singletary  
Stuck by Ariel Hutchins  
Through the Eyes of a Fool by Buddy Jewel   
To Get to You by Billy Arnold
Wish It Was Me by Gunnar Latham

Essie Silver Award Recipients (for lyrics):

Be Here Now written by William Grady Banister, performed by Will Banister

Liquor cowriters Clint Daniels, Jeffery Hyde, Matt Mason, performed by Matt Mason

Lonely Leave Me Alone written by Ben McPeak and Troy Olsen, performed by Ben McPeak

Shot Glass written by Brett James and Tony Lane, performed by Randall King

Essie Daydreamer  Award Recipients (for video):

Stuck by Ariel Hutchins