Top In Rock Awards
Encyclopedia
The Rock on Request Awards are the American annual music awards run by the music webzine Rock on Request
. The first awards show was held in 2007 as the Top In Rock Awards.
In 2008 came a new format to the awards with the introduction of the categories for each musical genre and "Best Newcomer". Many international companies such as To Write Love on Her Arms
, Music Saves Lives
and Eventful
are involved in the sponsorship of the various award categories. In 2010, the awards were renamed Rock on Request Awards, introducing new categories for movies, video games, television, books, and comics. The 2010 show was subsequently canceled due to a limited number of responses.
It has been noted that the awards do not adhere to a strict "biggest is best" code, as some of the winners and nominees for the newer awards, such as "Best Unsigned Artist", have been awarded to bands with either minor exposure or a strong live reputation. In fact only a few categories ever since the first ceremony in 2007 have honored artists who have experienced notable commercial chart success at the time of winning their award, with "Breakout Artist of the Year", "Artist of the Year" and "Best Album" being examples.
Rock on Request
Rock on Request is an American daily Internet publication owned by Lycos devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on rock music...
. The first awards show was held in 2007 as the Top In Rock Awards.
In 2008 came a new format to the awards with the introduction of the categories for each musical genre and "Best Newcomer". Many international companies such as To Write Love on Her Arms
To Write Love on Her Arms
To Write Love on Her Arms is an interfaith, American non-profit organization which aims to present hope for people struggling with addiction, depression, self injury, and thoughts of suicide while also investing directly into treatment and recovery...
, Music Saves Lives
Music Saves Lives
Music Saves Lives is a not for profit 5013 organization and is listed in the IRS publication 78. Established in January 2006 by founder Russel Hornbeek in Seal Beach, California. Music Saves Lives has educated students and encouraged over 120,000 summer blood donations from youth under the age of 25...
and Eventful
Eventful
Eventful is a web service which aims to help users search for, track, and share information about events. Eventful is a service of Eventful, Inc. from San Diego, California...
are involved in the sponsorship of the various award categories. In 2010, the awards were renamed Rock on Request Awards, introducing new categories for movies, video games, television, books, and comics. The 2010 show was subsequently canceled due to a limited number of responses.
It has been noted that the awards do not adhere to a strict "biggest is best" code, as some of the winners and nominees for the newer awards, such as "Best Unsigned Artist", have been awarded to bands with either minor exposure or a strong live reputation. In fact only a few categories ever since the first ceremony in 2007 have honored artists who have experienced notable commercial chart success at the time of winning their award, with "Breakout Artist of the Year", "Artist of the Year" and "Best Album" being examples.
Award categories
| Award category | 2000s | 2010s | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
| Breakout Artist of the Year | ||||
| Artist of the Year | ||||
| Best Newcomer | ||||
| Best Modern Rock Artist | ||||
| Best Metal Artist | ||||
| Best Crunk/Rock Rap Artist | ||||
| Best Punk Artist | ||||
| Best Alternative Artist | ||||
| Best Hardcore/Screamo Artist | ||||
| Best Pop Punk Artist | ||||
| Best Christian Artist | ||||
| Best Unsigned Artist | ||||
| Best Album | ||||
| Best Song | ||||
| Best Video | ||||
| Best Festival/Tour | ||||
| Best Frontman | ||||
| Best Screamer | ||||
| Best Fans | ||||
| Best Reunion | ||||
| In a Class by Themselves | ||||
2009 Results
- Best Newcomer: Transmit NowTransmit NowTransmit Now is an alternative/pop-rock band based out of Orlando, Florida. The band's first live performance was on July 10, 2008 at the Van's Warped Tour 2008, the result of winning an online "Battle of the Bands" event. Soon after, Transmit Now went on to win the popular vote in MTV's "I Want My...
- Best Modern Rock Artist: Framing HanleyFraming HanleyFraming Hanley is an American rock band from White House, Tennessee, formed in 2005. They released their first studio album in August 2007 entitled The Moment. They are best known for their song "Hear Me Now" and their cover of "Lollipop", originally by Lil Wayne...
- Best Metal Artist: MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
- Best Crunk/Rock Rap Artist: Hollywood UndeadHollywood UndeadHollywood Undead is an American rap rock band from Los Angeles, California. They released their debut album, Swan Songs, on September 2, 2008, and their live CD/DVD Desperate Measures, on November 10, 2009. Their second studio album, American Tragedy, was released April 5, 2011...
- Best Alternative Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
- Best Hardcore/Screamo Artist: AlesanaAlesanaAlesana is an American rock band from Raleigh, North Carolina. Formed in 2004, the group is currently signed to Epitaph Records and have released one EP and four full-length studio albums...
- Best Pop Punk Artist: All Time LowAll Time LowAll Time Low is an American pop punk band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2003.The band consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alexander Gaskarth, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zachary Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson...
- Best Christian Artist: SwitchfootSwitchfootSwitchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman , Tim Foreman , Chad Butler , Jerome Fontamillas , and Drew Shirley .After early successes in the Christian rock scene, Switchfoot first gained mainstream...
- Best Unsigned Artist: Days In May
- Best Album: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– This Is WarThis Is WarThis Is War is the third studio album by American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, released through Virgin Records and EMI on December 8, 2009. It peaked at number 18 on the Billboard 200.- Background and development :... - Best Song: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– "Kings and QueensKings and Queens (30 Seconds to Mars song)"Kings and Queens" is a song by American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, featured on their third studio album This Is War. Written by lead vocalist Jared Leto, the song was released as the lead single from the album to American radio on October 6, 2009, and the physical single was released on October...
" - Best Video: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– "Kings and QueensKings and Queens (30 Seconds to Mars song)"Kings and Queens" is a song by American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, featured on their third studio album This Is War. Written by lead vocalist Jared Leto, the song was released as the lead single from the album to American radio on October 6, 2009, and the physical single was released on October...
" - Best Festival/Tour: Warped Tour 2009Warped Tour 2009Warped Tour 2009 was the 15th installment of the annual Summer Warped Tour festival. Vans Shoes was again the tour's primary sponsor. Tour founder/organizer Kevin Lyman announced that this year's tour would feature only one main stage with bands playing 40 minutes each instead of two main stages...
- Best Frontman: Jared LetoJared LetoJared Joseph Leto is an American actor, director, producer, occasional model and musician. Leto has appeared in both big budget Hollywood films and smaller projects from independent producers and art houses. He rose to prominence for playing Jordan Catalano in the teenage drama My So-Called Life...
- In a Class by Themselves: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
2008 Results
- Best Newcomer: Katy PerryKaty PerryKaty Perry is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised by Christian pastor parents, Perry grew up listening to only gospel music and sang in her local church as a child. After earning a GED during her first year of high school, she began to pursue a...
- Best Modern Rock Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
- Best Metal Artist: MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
- Best Crunk/Rock Rap Artist: Family Force 5Family Force 5Family Force 5 is a Christian crunk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They consist of Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds, Jacob "Crouton" Olds, Joshua "Fatty" Olds, Nathan "Nadaddy" Currin, and Derek "Chap Stique" Mount...
- Best Punk Artist: Rise AgainstRise AgainstRise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band currently consists of Tim McIlrath , Zach Blair , Joe Principe and Brandon Barnes .Rise Against spent its first five years signed to the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords, on which it...
- Best Alternative Artist: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
- Best Hardcore/Screamo Artist: UnderoathUnderoathUnderoath is an American Christian metalcore band from Tampa, Florida. Founded by Dallas Taylor and Luke Morton on November 30, 1997 in Ocala, Florida, subsequently its additional members were from Tampa, Florida...
- Best Pop Punk Artist: We the KingsWe the KingsWe the Kings is an American powerpop band formed in 2005 from Bradenton, Florida, currently signed to record label S-Curve Records. The group released their self-titled full-length debut album in 2007, which peaked at No. 151 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, Smile Kid, was...
- Best Christian Artist: Family Force 5Family Force 5Family Force 5 is a Christian crunk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They consist of Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds, Jacob "Crouton" Olds, Joshua "Fatty" Olds, Nathan "Nadaddy" Currin, and Derek "Chap Stique" Mount...
- Best Unsigned Artist: Society Red
- Best Album: Family Force 5Family Force 5Family Force 5 is a Christian crunk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They consist of Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds, Jacob "Crouton" Olds, Joshua "Fatty" Olds, Nathan "Nadaddy" Currin, and Derek "Chap Stique" Mount...
– Dance or DieDance or Die (Family Force 5 Album)Dance or Die is the second studio album from the band Family Force 5. It was produced by Joe Baldridge and lead vocalist Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds. The album was released on August 19, 2008 both in stores and via digital distribution. This is the band's second full-length album release... - Best Song: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– "A Beautiful LieA Beautiful Lie (song)"A Beautiful Lie" is a song by 30 Seconds to Mars. The song was released as the fourth single from their second album A Beautiful Lie. It was not released in the United Kingdom as a single.-History:...
" - Best Video: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– "A Beautiful LieA Beautiful Lie (song)"A Beautiful Lie" is a song by 30 Seconds to Mars. The song was released as the fourth single from their second album A Beautiful Lie. It was not released in the United Kingdom as a single.-History:...
" - Best Festival/Tour: A Beautiful Lie European Tour
- Best Frontman: Jared LetoJared LetoJared Joseph Leto is an American actor, director, producer, occasional model and musician. Leto has appeared in both big budget Hollywood films and smaller projects from independent producers and art houses. He rose to prominence for playing Jordan Catalano in the teenage drama My So-Called Life...
- Best Reunion: AC/DCAC/DCAC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
2007 Results
- Breakout Artist of the Year: Daughtry
- Artist of the Year: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
- Best Unsigned Artist: Pan.a.ce.a
- Best Album: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– A Beautiful LieA Beautiful LieA Beautiful Lie is the second album by American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars. It was released on August 30, 2005 through Virgin Records and was produced by Josh Abraham. The album produced four singles, "Attack," "The Kill," "From Yesterday," and "A Beautiful Lie"; of which three of those four... - Best Song: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– "From YesterdayFrom Yesterday"From Yesterday" is a song by American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, and the third single released from their second album A Beautiful Lie. The music video for the song is believed to be the first ever American music video shot in the People's Republic of China in its entirety...
" - Best Video: 30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars30 Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1998. Since 2007, the band has consisted of actor Jared Leto , Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević...
– "From YesterdayFrom Yesterday"From Yesterday" is a song by American rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, and the third single released from their second album A Beautiful Lie. The music video for the song is believed to be the first ever American music video shot in the People's Republic of China in its entirety...
" - Best Festival/Tour: Taste of Chaos 2007Taste of Chaos 2007Taste of Chaos 2007 was the third of the Taste of Chaos tours created by Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman. In 2007, the tour won the Best Festival/Tour Award at the Rock on Request Awards.-2007 Line-Up:*The Used*30 Seconds to Mars*Senses Fail*Saosin...
- Best Frontman: Jared LetoJared LetoJared Joseph Leto is an American actor, director, producer, occasional model and musician. Leto has appeared in both big budget Hollywood films and smaller projects from independent producers and art houses. He rose to prominence for playing Jordan Catalano in the teenage drama My So-Called Life...
- Best Screamer: Jared LetoJared LetoJared Joseph Leto is an American actor, director, producer, occasional model and musician. Leto has appeared in both big budget Hollywood films and smaller projects from independent producers and art houses. He rose to prominence for playing Jordan Catalano in the teenage drama My So-Called Life...
- Best Fans: The Echelon/Mars Army