I think that awards do help promoters, and therefore help bands to get gigs. For instance, the lineup for Loughborough was all done and dusted last year by the time the nominations were announced, but I put out a press release noting the number of nominations (and eventually wins) that our artists had received - and it was a lot. I think this can help to convey to a potential audience the quality of the lineup.

I just learned that one of the acts I've booked for Sidmouth 2009, Genticorum, have won Best Album at the Canada Folk Awards. This is helpful in publicising the band, because audiences who don't know them and may be unfamiliar with French Canadian music might be persuaded to give them a try because they've won a prestigious award. Again, it's that stamp of quality.

I wouldn't let the lack of a nomination dissuade me from booking someone, though. I think Kerfuffle are a top band, and I very much hope to have them on board for Sidmouth 2009. I have my own theories about why they don't get enough credit and kudos for what they do, which has a lot to do with industry politics, and this isn't the right forum for that discussion. :)

I am not involved in the recording industry, but I'm sure that someone who is could confirm the diference a nomination makes to CD sales.