by Dan Emmons
The music industry rarely gives independent artists the recognition they deserve, but the 2nd annual Tri State Indie Awards gave those unsung heroes just that. The awards celebrate artists who do phenomenal things throughout the year, most of them without the help of major record labels or companies. The TSI Awards are really about the affirmation of the biggest, smaller acts in the tri state area.
The attire was not “black tie” and not quite tie-dye, but somewhere in between with some very stylish interpretations of formal wear. That is what happens when you get a congregation of crazy musicians in one room. Well that, and one big party.
World Café Live, one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful venues, launched the festivities upstairs with pre-show activities and sponsored drinks by Vitamin Water and Star Hill brewery. While mixed drinks and craft beers flowed, Aaron Brown, The Lawsuits, Kuf Knotz and Cheers Elephant kept the crowd entertained.
Guests were later ushered down the red carpet to the main event downstairs. Hosted by Toy Soldiers singer and apparent part time comedian, Ron Gallo and with performances by Cold Fronts, Levee Drivers, Nicos Gun, New Sweden and Sweet Leda, the show was non-stop entertainment. Official house band, The Dirk Quinn Band, transitioned each award fantastically. A personal highlight of the night was when ThatMag and ThatRadio’s own Brian Cronin and Jodie Saueraker presented the award for Best New Venue to Underground Arts, in a way only the duo could- with wit and class.
The crowd was fantastic all night, the cheers were loud and the waiters and bartenders were friendly and fast. After all the winners were awarded, hands were shook and bands had rocked, everyone motored over to Ruba Club, which was the moment this writer had to tap out! The event was not only inspiring for independent artists, but also one Hell of a good time. It goes to show that these people know how to throw an awards ceremony and make it fun. The Tri State Indie Awards are an inspiring event for all bands that are on their way up and finally have an avenue to be recognized for all their hard work and sacrifices. Congratulations to all the nominees and the much deserving winners.
Winners
REGIONAL GENRE CATEGORIES:
INDIE ACOUSTIC ROCK ARTIST/BAND OF THE YEAR- MIZ
INDIE ELECTRONIC/DANCE BAND OF THE YEAR- REVOLUTION, I LOVE YOU
INDIE PUNK BAND OF THE YEAR- SLUTEVER
INDIE HIP HOP ARTIST/GROUP OF THE YEAR- GROUND UP
INDIE JAM BAND OF THE YEAR- FLUX CAPACITOR
INDIE POP ROCK BAND OF THE YEAR- TURNING VIOLET VIOLET
INDIE FOLK/AMERICANA BAND OF THE YEAR- THE LEVEE DRIVERS
INDIE ROCK BAND OF THE YEAR- TOY SOLDIERS
GROUPIES CHOICE- SWEET LEDA
REGIONAL CATEGORIES:
NYC METRO INDIE BAND OF THE YEAR- LUCIUS ( BY 1 VOTE! – OVER THE DIG)
MARYLAND/DC INDIE BAND OF THE YEAR- SWEET LEDA
NEW JERSEY INDIE BAND OF THE YEAR- BRICK + MORTAR
DELAWARE INDIE BAND OF THE YEAR- NEW SWEDEN
PHILADELPHIA INDIE BAND OF THE YEAR- THE LAWSUITS
CENTRAL PA INDIE BAND OF THE YEAR- THE DISTRICTS
FESTIVAL / VENUE CATEGORIES:
REGIONAL INDIE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR- FIREFLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
VENUE OF THE YEAR (+500 CAPACITY)- WORLD CAFE LIVE – PHILA, PA
VENUE OF THE YEAR (-500 CAPACITY)- JOHNNY BRENDA’S
NEW VENUE OF THE YEAR- UNDERGROUND ARTS
EMERGING GENRE CATEGORIES:
EMERGING INDIE FOLK/AMERICANA BAND OF THE YEAR- HOOTS & HELLMOUTH
EMERGING INDIE ELECTRO EXPERIMENTAL BAND OF THE YEAR- CITY RAIN
EMERGING INDIE PUNK BAND OF THE YEAR- TITUS ANDRONICUS
EMERGING INDIE JAM BAND OF THE YEAR- LOTUS
EMERGING INDIE POP ROCK BAND OF THE YEAR- JUKEBOX THE GHOST
EMERGING INDIE ROCK BAND OF THE YEAR- J. RODDY WALSTON & THE BUSINESS
NATIONAL CATEGORIES:
NATIONAL INDIE LIVE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR- MY MORNING JACKET
NATIONAL OVERALL INDIE BAND / ARTIST OF THE YEAR- THE BLACK KEYS
NATIONAL INDIE RECORD (SINGLE) OF THE YEAR- LUMINEERS – “HEY HO”
NATIONAL INDIE ALBUM OF THE YEAR- DR. DOG – BE THE VOID
