The nominees have been announced for the sixth annual Whalie Awards. The ceremony takes place June 13 in New London's Hygienic Art Park. A Grammy-style celebration of the many-splendored styles and musicians in New London County, this year's gala is — yes — bigger than ever.

There are two sets of awards — People's Choice and Critics' Choice — and categories range from artistic genres, songwriting, performances, videos and recordings to producers, radio personalities and musical series and events. All told, 19 People's Choice trophies — determined by online voting — will be distributed, and 21 awards will be handed out in the Critics' categories. There are more than 260 nominations.

Among the more highly coveted awards will be the critics' "Album of the Year," with eight nominees: The Brazen Youth ("New Life"); Chumzilla ("The Earth Man's Curse"); Daphne Lee Martin ("Frost"); Dead City Riot ("A Wolrd Into Dust"); Delyon Don ("P.O.N.Y. 2"); Empty Vessels ("Seizures Within Reason"); Franc Grams ("The Premotion"); and Straight to VHS ("Weekend Weekend Weekend").

And, amid all the veteran artists on the scene, nine newcomers are up for in the Breakthrough Artist category: The Brazen Youth; Craigy F; Debcaster; Delyon Don; Ethan Cash; Jaybeck; Motion Radio; Red Chef; and Yasmin Ward.

Go online to see a full list of nominations and to vote in the People's Choice contests.

The June 13 ceremony kicks off at 6 p.m. with a Red Carpet processional. The awards show proper starts at 7 p.m. and includes performances by Fran Grams, The Hempsteadys, NME the Illiest, Wolfghost, Motion Radio, The Friendly Ghost, and more.