Yes, there are many ways in which the mainstream music industry is a big old moribund behemoth that wastes an awful lot of money, time and energy on bullshit.

But one thing it's still very good at is hype. Awards ceremonies, "Ones To Watch Lists", Top Albums Of The Decade etc etc. The ubiquitousness of this can be depressing, but that's marketing for you: it sells albums, it sells tour tickets, it makes people aware of acts.

If I ran a folk record label, I'd be disappointed if things like the Radio 2 Awards were to cease altogether. And I'd be delighted if one of the artists I was trying to sell albums by was nominated. And I doubt I'd be too fussed whether they won or not, or who they lost out to: the fact that they'd got a bit of limelight they otherwise wouldn't have, would be enough. Effectively, it's bonus album sales.

Anyway, why shouldn't the folk community get a night out with a free bar once in a while?

(I take it there's a free bar, right? If not, I take it all back... scrap em now!!!)