Daniel Kuypers, the head of music at Omnicom Production, and perhaps best known for his 12 years as SVP, executive director of music at Energy BBDO, Chicago, has been named chairperson of the 2026 AMP Awards for Music & Sound, which will be held on May 20 at Sony Hall in New York City.
As a long-time music supervisor and producer, whose career includes running one of Chicago’s most respected indie labels and recording studio, Kuypers brings a unique blend of industry expertise to his AMP Awards role. As chairperson, Kuypers will be tasked with helping assemble the AMP Awards Curatorial Committee, which will review the finalists in each category to ensure they meet the competition’s criteria. Kuypers will lead the committee’s deliberations, which includes the naming of one category winner as the Ryan Barkan Best in Show honoree.
From indie bands to global brands
Kuypers is a 25+ year music industry veteran who has produced music for brands for nearly two decades. Prior to the formation of Omnicom Production, he led music at Energy BBDO for a dozen-plus years. A musician first and foremost, Kuypers first made his musical presence felt when he founded EV Productions and EV Records, an umbrella of Chicago’s most well-respected indie labels, distribution companies, and recording studios. Daniel released over 100 records across three labels and toured the globe as a DJ and performer.
Today, as the head of music at Omnicom Production, Kuypers oversees music for the entire portfolio of Omnicom agencies worldwide, working with internal teams, clients, artists, and music companies to use music in innovative ways and create value for both artists and clients. Kuypers’ duties have included music supervision, music strategy, partnerships, licensing, negotiation, editing, writing, and final music production for a varied roster of past and present clients, including PepsiCo, Starbucks, adidas, Bud Light, and Mercedes.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Daniel as our chair for the 2026 AMP Awards,” said Matt Nelson, president of the AMP National Board and managing director at Storefront Music. “His remarkable history of making music, as well as helping brands better leverage the power of music and sound to connect with today’s savvy consumers, is exactly what’s needed as chairperson. I know Daniel will bring unparalleled knowledge, insight, and sensitivity to the task of leading our deliberations this year.”
Music as a brand asset
For Kuypers, being asked to chair the AMP Awards this year is both an honor and something he doesn’t take lightly.
“The AMP community is one that I value greatly, and I am thrilled to be able to chair this year’s award show and celebrate all of the amazing work the community has done,” Kuypers said. “Awards in our industry are a good marker of who is doing the most innovative work, and winning an AMP award signifies to your peers that you are utilizing music in new and interesting ways.”
He added, “For me, having an awards show dedicated to accomplishments in music and sound is huge for the community. People work hard, do excellent work, and deserve to be recognized for their brilliance. Too often at traditional awards shows, music is an afterthought. But in reality, music has been proven to elicit emotion and enhance recall. It is an incredibly powerful tool.”
New categories
This year, AMP created two category groups: one for “creative,” spotlighting the company; and one for “craft,” honoring the talent; as well as three new categories: Outstanding Music Supervision, Outstanding Use of Music From A Production Library, and Unique Production Technique. Overall, the AMP Awards competition features 15 categories across both creative and craft, covering everything from original music and sound design to best use of licensed, pre-existing recordings, outstanding adaptations/arrangements, outstanding mix, and best artist and brand collaborations.
To be eligible for the competition, work must have first aired or been released between February 10, 2025, and February 8, 2026.
The competition is open to work commissioned by a client for release via streaming, linear TV, digital, mobile, experiential, or other media that can deliver content. Winners will be presented at a gala awards ceremony featuring live performances by top artists.
Entries may be submitted by any individual or company that is creating or providing music and/or sound for commercials, branded content, promos, trailers, experiential/live events, or digital experiences such as VR, AR, and gaming.
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the AMP Awards, sponsored annually by the Association of Music Producers. AMP was established to give voice to the companies that provide brands with the power of music and sound to engage audiences and drive home the effectiveness of their messaging.
The deadline for submitting entries has been extended to Friday, March 13. For full details on entry fees, category descriptions, and rules, visit the AMP Awards entry portal here.
