Today's most popular rock outfits, Big Ass and Clash, each won an overwhelming majority of votes in five categories out of 16 for the Seed Awards 2006, which will be handed out at Bangkok's Bec-Tero Hall, today at 6pm.

Both the rock quintets are signed to GMM Grammy. Big Ass, whose latest album is "Begins", on Genie Records, have been nominated for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Rock Artist of the Year.

Clash, who've just released their fourth album, "Crashing", on Duck Bar, are nominated for Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year and Popular Song of the Year.

Sony-BMG's rock act, Slot Machine, who recently released their album "Mutation", have been nominated in four categories: Song of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

Others nominees include Paradox (Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Rock Artist of the Year), Buddha Bless (Song of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Duo and Group of the Year) and Lao Lom (New Artist of the Year, Popular Artist of the Year and Popular Song of the Year).

"While working on our debut album, we honestly just followed our dream - making an album and playing it live. And everybody sings along with us," says Supawat Chusuwan, singer in the pop rock band Lao Lom, who are on the RS Public label.

"But we got unexpectedly good responses," he adds. "We had a tight concert schedule every day and we toured almost all the provinces. Most importantly, fans out there enjoyed us and jumped in time to our songs.

"Being nominated for three Seed Awards, we feel honoured to be given the chance, as we are just a new band," says the smiling young singer, whose nominated label mates include Dan-Beam, Black Vanilla, Am Fine, Amary, Calyn, Four-Mod, Girly Berry and Film Rathaphum.

In addition to Thai artists, the Popular International Artist of the Year award features five nominees -  Justin Timberlake, Shayne Ward, Fergie, James Blunt and Beyonce.

The Popular Asian Artist of the Year nominees are Dong Bang Shin Gi, Wang Lee Hom, Jay Chou, Tacky & Tsubasa and Rain.

Unlike other awards, all the nominees for each of the 16 categories are decided by public votes through SMS (422 1466), Seed 97.5 FM radio ((02) 245 7183-4), the website www.mcot.net/seed and newspapers Khao Sod, Prachachat Turakij and Matichon.

Stars will start walking the red carpet at around 6pm and the awards will be presented at 8.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation