I must admit that I posted this press release with some trepidation because I know from experience that there are two buttons that you should not press on Mudcat - EFDSS and fRoots - because both will incite negative reactions.
Neither EFDSS nor fRoots are perfect but both do much more good than harm.
In this case I happen to know two of the young performers amongst those who have won awards and have seen on Facebook the delight that these talented hard working young performers have expressed at this. Giving opportunities and inspiration to them can only be useful for the cause of folk music.
On the one hand, I would have to wonder whether the EFDSS should be funding new work over research but on the other, I have had at least one conversation with and seen at least one performance of seven of the award winners listed. One I would regard as a total chancer but the others have shown a strong commitment to traditional song.