Dallas Law Firm Offers $20K Prize to Boost Local Music Scene

In November 2025, the Dallas-based law firm Mullen & Mullen announced the launch of the JAMBALOO Music Prize, a new initiative aimed at supporting and promoting local artists in the North Texas region. The competition offers a $20,000 cash prize, along with professional recording time, promotional support, and industry connections for the winner.

The JAMBALOO Music Prize is part of the firm's broader JAMBALOO Festival, which debuted last year with 25 free music shows across different venues in and around Dallas and Fort Worth. The competition is open to any artist or band with more than 50% of permanent members residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Interested artists can submit an album with seven or more songs via various streaming platforms.

A panel of 15 anonymous judges will evaluate the submissions and select 10 semifinalists, who will then compete to become one of three finalists. The winner will be chosen through a weighted vote by a panel of experts, as well as a public vote by music fans. The three finalists will perform on June 6, 2026, at the historic Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, alongside a to-be-determined national headliner. All tickets for the showcase will be free to the public.

In addition to the $20,000 cash prize, the winner will also receive a recording session at Dallas' Luminous Sound studio with four-time Grammy winner Tre Nagella, featured placement at Josey Records, a live session recorded at NPR affiliate KXT radio, and an email promotion to 650,000 music fans. The law firm is also hosting a separate $20,000 venue prize, which will become an annual summer competition for independently owned, locally operated music spaces.