Audiotool board archive

The results are in! Thank you for all of your submissions; the support for this project was overwhelming, and we'd like to thank every one of you for your participation. We had an absolute blast (and a difficult time) judging this contest, and we hope to continue this tradition for years to come. The winners for each category are below, with a few honorable mentions per.

Best New Artist

Undoubtedly, 2021 ushered in a new generation of talented and unique artists. However, there was a standout among this group of newcomers; Ilir Bajri's groovy and jazz-inspired tracks have been music to our ears. His keyboard mastery is apparent, and he has complimented this talent with a great sound selection. Stand out tracks among his growing catalogue include [https://www.audiotool.com/track/jg7e60ehwpb/ Unleash the kid in ya!], which was featured on the official Audiotool YouTube channel and [https://www.audiotool.com/track/mdoeyd3y8/ Get on it]. We can't wait to see what he'll create in 2022!

Honorable mentions: Soph, sea foam and the wind

Most Improved Artist

So many artists have grown leaps and bounds over the past year; it makes us so proud to see this progress from our fellow artists. There was, however, one standout: Dreamweaver. The difference between his tracks from a couple of years ago and now is certainly undeniable. His gritty and deeply emotional projects have left us all wanting more. Not only does he use AT devices and synths, but he also incorporates guitar and other instruments into his work. Here's an example of one from only three years ago: [https://www.audiotool.com/track/w45y31s8165/ vast]. Now check out his latest: [https://www.audiotool.com/track/an5k1uqmr/ yōsei]. An absolute show of what dedication and hard work can produce in a short time.

Honorable mentions: Client, Call me Lito, Vista

Best Cover Art

Wow, this one was close. We had the privilege to explore several dozen fantastic suggestions from the community. There was, however, one user whose cover art stood out to us. Heissen perfectly complements his masterful cacophony of sounds with equally unique artwork. We could easily see the connection between the two and appreciate what he is after. A few examples include [https://www.audiotool.com/track/e1hi5ctgh57/ Tallest Hallway ✚] and [https://www.audiotool.com/track/c5opxvmv7hu/ Ever After]. Thanks, Heissen!

Honorable mentions: Goon, Jetdarc

Most Creative Use Of An AT Device

It's an understatement to say the submissions in this category wowed us; blown away would be more accurate! 2021 was a fantastic year for innovation and creativity in the community. One such entry that blew us came from sea foam and the wind; it's simply insane what he created with just a few synths. He recreated animal noises! Most notably was his [https://www.audiotool.com/album/q31z97jh/ synthesized sounds] album, where he imitated multiple styles. I mean, it's just spectacular. We can't wait to see what's next!

Honorable mentions: rai. [https://www.audiotool.com/track/vwa7qpkiq/ 909], ** Audial** [https://www.audiotool.com/track/zfg71nr7n/ worn]

Most Helpful Artist

Now, this was a hard category for sure. We've had numerous emerging leaders and veteran artists within AT teaching the ropes to the next generation. We had a tie for this category! First up, we have Sandburgen. Sandy is the go-to guy; there are no artists too small or new to the site for him to help out. He welcomes all with open arms and happily takes the time to mentor and critique their work. We love to see it! Next up, we have Audiotool Man, or as some may know him, ssagg. A quick browse of the most recently published tracks, and you will see him leaving great feedback and encouragement to newer artists. He always takes the time to make us all feel loved and valued, and for that, we thank him!

Artist Of The Year

We asked you guys to vote on who you thought embodied the spirit of creation and artistry this year, and the community has spoken! Sila captured our imagination with his mind-blowing "Brainworks" series, where he recreated the headspace he thinks artists are in during the creative process. Each entry uses new techniques to portray the latest artists. It has been a lovely journey to follow, and his inventiveness has inspired us all. Check out the complete series here: [https://www.audiotool.com/album/10l2msb/ Brainworks - Audiotool Role Play].

Honorable mentions: Kepz, for his [https://www.audiotool.com/track/01oz1wm78/ fake_ensemble] and [https://www.audiotool.com/track/idxsfgmqmyrl/ soundscape] series. sea foam and the wind, for [https://www.audiotool.com/album/q31z97jh/ synthesized sounds]

Track Of The Year

Another challenging category for us! There was a two-way tie for this, with both tracks deserving recognition. To start, we have [https://www.audiotool.com/track/yj16zbq01da1/ paper trail] by Nico. Every aspect of this track blends beautifully, from the warm bass to the soaring arpeggio. Nico has been wowing us with each new project, and we hope to see more in the coming months. Secondly, we have [https://www.audiotool.com/track/24wkmdzgf/ your depths I call home] by Tophat. This track is an emotional roller-coaster, with a beautiful melodic backdrop topped with powerful percussion. We recommend that everyone sit back and close their eyes while you listen, and let it paint a picture in your mind.

Honorable mention: [https://www.audiotool.com/track/f30sdfk11/ spastic |+|] by laevent

Collaboration Of The Year

Some stunning creations can occur when two or more uniquely talented artists work together. 2021 brought out the best of this! The community came together with a nearly unanimous decision: [https://www.audiotool.com/track/5nobkdly/ Back To You]. Not only did this trio win the Collaborative Music Contest put on by the School of Music Collaboration, but it took the site by storm. It is a delicious converging of multiple styles and genres and a fast-paced adventure for the ears. Thank you to Icebox, SIREN and dcln for creating this work of art.

Honorable mentions: [https://www.audiotool.com/track/ogcy91f9qxm/ audiotool tapes vol. 2] and [https://www.audiotool.com/track/0wkz5blhr5/ joet]

Thanks again for everything! Keep up the great work, and we will be seeing you next year.