The Steeldrivers "The Steeldrivers" (Rounder)

Nashville, Tenn., — The Steeldrivers seem to be on a roll. Last night their self-titled debut album was named Bluegrass Album of the Year at the Nashville Music Awards. While The Steeldriver’s hard-hitting and often genre-bending sound has garnered plenty of favorable reviews, success among their industry peers had been elusive until this year. The group was recently honored as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2009 Emerging Artist of the Year during the IBMA Awards show held Oct. 1. The Steeldrivers are: Mike Henderson, Tammy Rogers, Richard Bailey, Mike Fleming and Chris Stapleton.

Elvis Costello’s “Secret Profane & Sugarcane,” picked up the Made In Music City Award (for a recording made in Nashville by a non-Nashville artist). The CD, produced by T Bone Burnett, includes some of Bluegrass’ elite session musicians including: Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Mike Compton, Jeff Taylor and Dennis Crouch.

Sarah Siskind’s “Say It Louder” was given the Americana Album of the Year award. Up until the release of “Say it Louder,” Siskind had been predominently a behind the scenes songwriter who’s seen her songs recorded by Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Infamous Stringdusters and April Verch. Siskind is currently touring with the “Ten out of Tenn” collective.

After a nine-year hiatus, the newly revived Nashville Music Awards announced the winners last night during a ceremony and showcase at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville, Tenn. Award winners were selected through an online ballot that was open to the public. The Nashville Music Awards, orginally produced by the non-profit Leadership Music organization, were reborn through a partnership with Next Big Nashville music festival and conference.