In our special WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS editorial series, members of the NRT staff have a back-and-forth discussion about this year's nominees. In Part 2 of our series, NRT Founder/President Kevin McNeese and News Curator Caitlin Lassiter debate the best EPs of 2016. 

In our special WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS editorial series, members of the NRT staff have a back-and-forth discussion about this year's nominees. In Part 2 of our series, we kick things off with a dialogue between NRT Founder/President Kevin McNeese and NRT News Curator, Caitlin Lassiter. 

Kevin: The EP (short for extended play) has been gaining momentum over the past decade as consumers demand more music more often. Typically seven songs or less, EPs are a cost effective way for artists to remain relevant with their fans as we all digest more music in more ways. Unique to the WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS, EP of the Year exists to recognize these smaller projects from full length albums, and more often than not, they serve as a starting point to an artist's career.

Caitlin: I'm a definite fan of EPs, because it challenges the artist to fit everything they want to say into a smaller space than is allowed with a full-length album. They have to really work to fit every different style they want represented into a much different package. 

Kevin: Traditionally, EPs have been used as filler releases to fill the gap between full length albums. It's a category that has commanded more serious attention because of the artistry that's truly being poured into EPs. For example, this year's EP of the Year nominees are dominated by new artists, (GAWVI, Micah Tyler, Tauren Wells and Zach Williams) alongside B. Reith, who has been away from the scene for awhile. These EPs are serving as incredibly strong debuts and GAWVI and Zach were also nominated for New Artist of the Year without having a full-length album (although Zach just got his in at the end of December). That's pretty impressive! So who are you gravitating to in this category?
 
Caitlin: I definitely agree that it's refreshing to see so many new artists in this category. If we're talking name recognition, I think GAWVI may have this one. He made such a mark on the industry with his debut, I think fans were drawn to him almost immediately and may choose him for this category.

B. Reith is another name I wouldn't be surprised to see win, for a few reasons. He's making his comeback, which means there's a crowd of fans out there who have been waiting for new music and very well may show out to support his return. Stylistically, B. Reith and Micah Tyler are tied for my pick. They both have a variety of styles displayed on their EPs, which I think is a strong reason for them to win.
 
Kevin: I don't think Micah has the name recognition yet to win. It's a very early nod, which I like, but I think the majority of the audience will know his first single, which is still climbing the charts, over his name. Reach Records definitely has proven the strength of their community that they've built from the ground up, and GAWVI is a huge break in style from their other artists. I agree that this is his category to lose. However, the lone wolf here in Zach Williams. He's such a unique voice, and like Micah, his debut single is still rising at radio. But he just got a GRAMMY nod today, which surprised me, and I think the audience will know the name on the strength of his single. If there's going to be someone that can beat GAWVI, I'd give it to Zach.
 
Caitlin: I'd agree with all of that. Name recognition does absolutely come into play, which is why I think Tauren Wells may have a good shot at this as well. Just coming out of Royal Tailor and beginning his solo career, I think he has a big fan base as well that are excited for new music.

Kevin: Yes! Personally, I'd like to see Tauren win. His work in Royal Tailor is simply unmatched. From songwriting, to vocal chops to stage presence, that dude has the full package. So he's my pick and I'm so glad he's still out there making music. 
 
Caitlin: For me, I'd love to see B. Reith take this. He's struggled for a few years trying to make his comeback and I'd be thrilled to see his hard work pay off here. His voice is so unique and the music definitely shows he's put a bunch of time and effort into it. 

Kevin: It's going to be a fun category and I'm really proud that we continue to recognize the hard work that artists keep putting into these EPs. 
 
OK, now it's up to you! Head over to www.weloveawards.com and VOTE NOW through Jan. 27, 2017, to make your pick for this and all 18 categories in the 5th Annual WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS! 

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF EP OF THE YEAR:
4th Annual (2015) VERIDIA Pretty Lies EP
3rd Annual (2014) Andy Mineo, Neverland
2nd Annual (2013) Thousand Foot Krutch
1st Annual (2012) Category didn't exist