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2008 Nominees
For Best Rock Artist:
Chemicals
The Chemicals are a local rock band from Champaign-Urbana that formed in August of 2004. The band members include Justin Gee, Jonny Chemical, Carri Andrews, and Andrew Davidson. The Chemicals are currently nominated for a Champaign-Urbana Local Music Award for best rock artist. ... Full profile (new window) »
Headlights
Headlights is an indie-pop/rock band hailing from our very own Champaign-Urbana. The band came into being when former Absinthe Blind members Erin Fein and Brett Sanderson formed a short-lived guitar-less band, Orphans, after the break up of their former band. Soon after the formation of Orphans, Tristan Wraight (who had been touring as a guitarist with Maserati) joined Fein and Sanderson and began songwriting. In the spring of 2004, Headlights was born. The band’s first release was The Enemies EP (2004), and their first full-length album, Kill Them With Kindness, was released in August 2006. Headlights has been ... Full profile (new window) »
JigGsaw
Champaign's very own JigGsaw write and record their own brand of Indie Rock. Their new popular EP, entitled "JigGsaw," was released on June 15, 2007, via iTunes. Their new EP was actually mastered by a man who has worked with the likes of Green Day and My Chemical Romance, Brian Gardner. They have made quite the impression on their small hometown, enough to continue touring all across the nation with bands like This is Me Smiling. They have performed more than 100 shows in the Midwest and East Coast. JigGsaw has found further success in their performances earning a show ... Full profile (new window) »
Shipwreck
Shipwreck might be known as the ‘Fab Four’ of Champaign-Urbana, if not for their lack of mop toppage. Instead, we who live in the CU area are lucky enough to be stuck with the solid four piece rock sound of songwriters John Owen(guitar, vocals) and Harman Jordan (guitar, vocals), drummer Christopher Waage and bassist Vladimir Brilliant. In 2004, Shipwreck graced the world with their first EP, Six (Buttery) Megahits. The next year, their debut full-length Origin was self-released, complete with photo of Illinois Street Residence Hall. Because of their early releases, Shipwreck is definitely no newcomer ... Full profile (new window) »
The Living Blue
Formerly called the Blackouts, the band was renamed and reborn as the Living Blue in 2005. They signed to Chicago-based Minty Fresh Records and released the album Blood, Fire, Water in 2005. The band got started in Champaign and has played dozens of shows in the area. The Living Blue has toured across the United States and Europe and has played shows with acts like Iggy and the Stooges, the Strokes, Arcade Fire, and Headlights. ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best Folk/Americana Artist:
Angie Heaton and the Gentle Tamers
Representing some of the best folk rock music the Champaign-Urbana scene has to offer is Angie Heaton. As a former member of Liquorette, Corndolly and Tractor Kings, Heaton is nothing new to the area. Debuting in 1991, Heaton and others first played in the band Corndolly. A couple of years later, shortly after disbanding Corndolly, Heaton and some of the past members of Corndolly created a new band called Liquorette . The band only came out with one album called When You Work I Sleep in 1997. Since these past projects Heaton has been recording as a solo artist and ... Full profile (new window) »
Casados
Early in 2005, Heather spent most of her time at a computer, frantically typing her way through grad school. Meanwhile, Nic continuously found himself in the living room of their small one-bedroom apartment with his acoustic guitar and a note pad. But no outlet existed for Nic's writing. After multiple years of traveling in a gas-guzzling Ford Econoline and playing electronic indie rock, Nic and Heather's previous band (Winter in Alaska) had come to an end. By Spring of 2005, Nic and Heather Dillon decided to begin a new project, Casados. It was envisioned as a stripped-down, acoustic version of Nic's ... Full profile (new window) »
Corn Desert Ramblers
The Corn Desert Ramblers are a local band from Champaign-Urbana that formed in late 2005. The bluegrass band officially debuted on January 18th 2006 at the Canopy Club in Urbana. The Corn Desert Ramblers are currently nominated for a Champaign-Urbana Local Music Award for best best folk/ americana artist. ... Full profile (new window) »
Prairie Dogs
The Prairie Dogs have been delighting Midwest audiences for over ten years. Their instrumental prowess and smooth vocal harmonies allow the Dogs to tackle a wide range of musical material not often attempted by traditional bands. Though sometimes unconventional, they always deeply respect and remain fully committed to the roots of traditional American music. Prairie Dogs audiences participate in the fun—howling on cue and waving their arms vigorously. (But, then again, maybe they’re just scratchin’ fleas!) ... Full profile (new window) »
Tractor Kings
Tractor Kings — as their band name hints — is from Champaign-Urbana. They are a local psychedelic/country rock band. The band was started by Jake "Cujo" Fleischli who plays the 12-string guitar, harmonica and on vocals. His band mates are Johnny Chemical on lead guitar, Marty "Farmboy" Gray on drums and Aaron "Jibbski" McCallister on bass guitar and vocals. They originally formed in 1998 and since then have released two albums. In 2007, their third album was made in the studio and have plans to drop soon after. The band's music is really an experience someone described as space cowboy. ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best Jazz Artist:
Desafinado
Based in Champaign-Urbana, Desafinado plays a combination of Samba, Bossa Nova, and popular Brazilian (“MPB”) music. Drawing on these Brazilian roots, the band strives to move the music into more unusual territory with original songwriting and arrangements. Band members are Elis Artz on vocals; Chad Dunn on percussion; Giraldo Rosales on congas; Connie Johnson on Vibraphone; Tom Paynter on flute and melodica; and Greg Jahiel on guitar. ... Full profile (new window) »
Ear Doctor
Ear Doctor calls on jazz legends of old and newer influences alike to create an interesting blend of nu-jazz music. Their unique style has created a lot of buzz in the Champaign-Ubana music scene. ... Full profile (new window) »
In Your Ear
Jazz Sandwich
Jazz Sandwich is Jazz group from Urbana. The band offers a unique outlet for all five talented musicians to push the creative envelope. The band consists of Jesse Brown, a.k.a. "Yellow Mustard," on base, Jeff Helgesen, a.k.a. "Toasted Wheat Bun," on trumpet, Josh Quirk a.k.a. "Hot Relish," on drums and Tom Paynter, a.k.a. "TOMato, " on flute, keyboard and any other items he chooses to make music with. ... Full profile (new window) »
New Orleans Jazz Machine
For Best Heavy/Punk Artist:
Alleyway Sex
Alleyway Sex has been a big part of the local punk scene since 2004. Incorporating elements of ska, reggae, hip hop, and hardcore into their own blend of punk, they have been able to maintain a steady following in the local scene. They have shared the stage with national touring acts such as Leftover Crack, Mustard Plug, and The Dickies, as well as regional superstars Trike, Evil Empire, and Agents of Change. They have been featured on a number of compilation albums as well as put out a split record with Carbomb Lottery. They continue to play locally and ... Full profile (new window) »
Roberta Sparrow
Describing themselves as a band that has been able to flourish in their hometown of Champaign, IL despite the lack of an established hardcore scene, Roberta Sparrow has already released an EP and toured the US extensively. Formed in 2004, the band contains former members of Vice Dolls and Hand to Mouth Greg Jaeger (Drums, Vocals), Cody Pruitt (Bass), and Justin Scofield (Guitar). Although the band has experienced its most popularity from the UK, they still put on high energy shows in Champaign at The Highdive and Cowboy Monkey, where they usually fill the venues to maximum capacity. Roberta ... Full profile (new window) »
Scurvine
Straight out of Chambana comes Scurvine, a three piece band playing some of the finest alternative rock around. Made up of Joe Ludwinski (bass, guitar and vocals), Jason Milam (drums), and Wink (guitar and vocals), Scurvine’s members have been around the C-U music scene for a bit. With each member having played in past local projects, like The Mezzanines, The Grand Vizar, and Lovecup, Scurvine is well acquainted with the area. Though unsigned, Scurvine can be seen at any of the C-U venues around rocking as hard as anyone else. ... Full profile (new window) »
Terminus Victor
Based out of Champaign-Urbana, Terminus Victor has found their own way to rock through their music. The band is self-described as "electro-rockomatic-neo-inferno." Formed in 2000, the group released Mastering the Revels in 2002 and Under Surveillance in 2005. Band members Scott Kimble (bass, vocals), Don King (guitars and technical support) and Terry Wathen (drums) have created a sound that successfully combines aspects of nearly every facet of rock music. While the band played with only two members for quite some time, the addition of Terry Wathen revived Terminus Victor into a local power house of recorded music. Terminus ... Full profile (new window) »
XXX Smut
XXX Smut has been playing harder, louder, and faster than any band in the Champaign-Urbana music scene for over ten years. Their music revives a brand of hardcore-punk that thrived in the 1980s. They are showing the local scene that this style of music is still alive and well today. Their latest full length (produced by Matt Talbot from Hum) contains 14 songs that clock in at a blistering 22 and a half minutes. ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best Blues Artist:
Blues Deacons
Since its formation in 1990, Blues Deacons has undergone a few lineup shuffles, but currently consists of Billy Galt taking care of guitar and vocals, Andy Burnett on drums, and Beau "Blind Dong" Renshaw on basss. Galt has been with the band since its start nearly 20 years ago, and has made a career in blues since 1980, backing artists such as Homesick James, Sonny Boy Williamson Jr., Maxwell Street Jimmy, and Shirley King (B.B. King’s daughter). The band has played many festivals across downstate Illinois and has appeared at the House of Blues tent at the Illinois State ... Full profile (new window) »
Candy Foster
Candy Foster has been creating and performing classic rhythm and blues music for more than 40 years throughout the midwest. Heavily influenced by the works of his mother, a popular jazz singer herself, and jazz and blues recordings of the '50s, Candy has earned a place amongst some of the best jazz performers of the Midwest. His energetic performances and strong vocals have over the years helped him earn recognition as one of the most hard working blues singers in the area, drawing enthusiastic responses from audiences. He is leading the group "The Shades of Blue," itself comprised ... Full profile (new window) »
The Delta Kings
Starting in 1993, The Delta Kings were already tearing up the Champaign music scene with their distinct blues/rock sound. After many practices and gigs in random roadhouses and bars, the band decided to record their first LP. The result of those six hours in a dining room turned studio was the beginning to the band’s first full length album, "Damn Thing Bites," released in 1997. Now, with a total of six albums released, the band is continuing to rock out at Central Illinois’ finest roadhouses, biker bashes, and festivals, though without guitarist Kenny McNichols who quit the band in early ... Full profile (new window) »
Impalas
In 1992, Bruce "Bruiser" Rummenie formed the Impalas with Champaign bass legend Andre Mossotti, the area's rhythmic shuffle master, Ricky Cummings, on drums, and a young female singer - Ginger Reynolds. The quartet performed regularly throughout the state for seven years, garnered a strong following, and recorded a CD, eponomouslly titled The Impalas. The Impalas have gone through personnel changes, with the notable addition of irrepressible vocalist Dawna Nelson and top jazz-call drummer Jeff Magby. The Impalas continue to be the premiere, rocking, Texas blues act in the C-U area and are in the process of recording another CD ... Full profile (new window) »
Kilborn Alley Blues Band
The Kilborn Alley Blues Band is a ferocious young band receiving tremendous national and international attention. In 2007 and 2008 the guys in KABB have/will play the Chicago Blues Festival, The Cincinnati Blues Festival, The Heritage Blues Music Fest in West Virginia, The Bucks County R&B Picnic in Pennsylvania, the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Iowa, the Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival, the Hot Licks Blues Festival in Ohio, Summer Camp and the Beluga Nights Summer Music Series in Fairbanks, Alaska-- among many others. Their 2006 Blue Bella Records release Put It in the Alley went to number 8 on the ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best Hip-Hop Artist:
AMS
From the depths of a spraycan and live on a concrete surface comes Agent Mos, otherwise known as AMS. The man dubbed as "King of the Nerds" at 14 years old came up as a confused mass of musical influences, making his brand of hip-hop into a breakbeat beat-down, filled to the brim with wit, stinging punchlines, a eye for the detail of life, and a brain built for storytelling. Following hip-hop as a hobby earned him a slew of features on mixtapes, guest shots, and the occasional show in high school. Pursuing it as a part-time dream earned him opportunities ... Full profile (new window) »
Corn Bread
Cornbread (A.K.A. Corn Tha Coon A.K.A. 00NEGRO A.K.A. DANNY PHANTOM A.K.A. THA VIJAY SINGH OF LOCAL HIP-HOP) is a cryogenically frozen slave baby. Later found and unthawed in 1982, he started his existence in this new and strange world. With no readin' and writin' skills, Corn befriended the local park ranger, Ranger Rick, who taught him not only how to read and write, but taught him to love as well. After some 10 odd years living in the forest outside of Charleston, Ill., Cornbread, now with the title of "Coon," set out to teach the life lessons that ... Full profile (new window) »
Jonah
Agent Mos says it best when he calls Jonah's mc style "hard to keep up with". Though Jonah is always talking a bit of politics and philosophy in his rhymes his delivery and approach to word structure continue to change. His first release entitled "Zen in the Art of MC" is a highly political commentary on post-9/11 fanaticism, incorporating production from def jux, DJ spinnerty, and dropping some npr samples for good measure. The highlight of this project is a video entitled "third eye vision watching" that can be seen at on YouTube. The videois a political collage ... Full profile (new window) »
Krukid
Edwin “Krukid” Ruyonga, born and raised in Uganda, East Africa, is a respectable force on the C-U hip-hop music scene. Krukid, who cites Nas, Grafh, Jay-Z, and Saigon among his influences, began his musical journey back in Uganda, when he formed a group called the Urban Thugz with friends and won a nationwide competition in 2000. Since his arrival in the United States in 2002, Krukid has won the Chicago Urban League Mic Check Contest’s Best Emcee Award and has been nominated for the C-U Local Music Award’s Best Hip Hop/R&B act. His debut album “Raisin in the ... Full profile (new window) »
Organic Flow
Originally based out of Oak Park, Illinois, Organic Flow have been providing the Champaign-Urbana scene with an eclectic mix of hip hop, jazz and rock. The group is composed of Liam Bird a.k.a. Concept (Emcee/Vocals), Mike Cantafio (Guitar), Zane Ranney (Drums), Dave Gilman (Bass) and Kevin Swanson (Saxophone/Percussion/Beatbox) ,as well as sizable number of guest artists and featured members who appear on tracks including Gehring Miller, Matt Bachmann, Simon Gallo, Kate Brown, Deja Taylor, Adam Levin and Aaron Abarabe. Organic Flow is currently recording with the local Green Street Records and the track “Ballad of Sisyphus” will be ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best Producer/Engineer:
Adam Schmitt
Adam Schmitt found success in the early '90s with two albums, "World So Bright" and "Illiterature" being released on Reprise Records. Both records were given positive reviews by major publications such as Rolling Stone and Billboard. He has been a part of the local music scene for more than 15 years, working with artists such as Hum and Uncle Tupelo at his home studio, Mixolydian Studios. 2001 saw the release of Demolition, his first album in eight years, released on Parasol Records. His blend of pop melody and catchy hooks has continued to be a compelling aspect of what has ... Full profile (new window) »
HipGnosis
HipGnosis, also known as Eric Young (and formerly known as siriusrising), is a Hip-Hop/Electronic producer, recording engineer and DJ currently based in Chicago. He began his musical career playing the trumpet for several local Champaign-Urbana bands, but after nearly a decade he decided to give up his trumpeting in favor of DJing electronic music. Privately producing and releasing his own music, he developed a stronger and stronger love of electronic music and in 2004 released a his first album of Intelligent Dance Music under the name siriusrising. Following this release his focus shifted from electronic music on ... Full profile (new window) »
Jonathan Pines
A champion of the Champaign-Urbana scene, Jonathan Pines has been working in the area for more than two decades. Pines currently owns and operates Private Studio, based out of Urbana where he has mixed, mastered and recorded local talents and national acts alike. Pines has worked with the likes of The Headlights, Wilco and Of Montreal, as well as The Keene Brothers and Jay Bennett. His work transcends the area, touching the millions of people who have bought albums that he has worked on. ... Full profile (new window) »
Mark Rubel
Mark Rubel has made about a thousand records since 1980 at his Pogo Studio in Champaign IL. He has recorded Hum, Alison Krauss, Adrian Belew, Luther Alison, Henry Butler and many others, including work for RCA, Capitol, Warner, Jive/Zomba, etc. Mark belongs to ASCAP, the Audio Engineering Society, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Music and Entertainment Industry Educator's Association, Society of Professional Audio Recording Studios, and is former vice president of the Engineering and Recording Society. He is a member of the Grammy Producers committee as well as the NARAS Producers and Engineers Wing and Education ... Full profile (new window) »
Matt Talbott
Matt Talbott has contributed plenty to the Champaign-Urbana music scene over the last 15+ years. In 1989, he became singer-songwriter for the band Hum, and currently, he is the singer/guitarist for the band Centaur on Parasol Records. In 2001, Matt opened his own recording company, Great Western Record Recorders, in Tolono, Illinois. He is the head-engineer and the company has produced songs/albums for Centaur, Shiner, Hopesfall, Tummler, Absinthe Blind, The Blackouts, Tractor Kings, Terminus Victor, Dora, The Desert Fathers, Hopewell, and Out By Inches just to name a few. ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best DJ:
DJ Belly
Finding shows with DJ Belly isn’t difficult. Whether at a house party, bar, or the big stage, DJ Belly has done it all. After only a year of owning his own turntable, DJ Belly has already opened for some of the biggest names in hip hop such as Lupe Fiasco and the Ying Yang Twins. Not to mention, DJ Belly spins for some of the hottest emcees in the C-U hip hop scene: Krukid, Jonah, Agent Mos, and Cornbread are just some of the talented artists he works with. But if you want to check out the real deal for ... Full profile (new window) »
DJ Bozak
DJ Bozak graduated from the University of Illinois in 2003 with a degree in Industrial Design. He has been a mainstay of the local dj scene for years. Since his start in 1996 he has cleaned up at local dj championships, utterly disrupted the airwaves with the now defunct (but classic)Needledrops radio show on WEFT 90.1 FM for 8 years, held successfull residencies at nearly every bar, club, cafe, or lounge in the area, and has been voted the areas best DJ for three years in a row at the annual Buzz Music Awards. He has played from as far out as ... Full profile (new window) »
DJ Bris
Dj Bris is featured at Saturday Salsa Nights at Radio Maria in downtown Champaign. ... Full profile (new window) »
DJ Delayney
DJ Delayney spins a wide variety of music at local clubs on a weekly basis. He is the featured DJ at the High Dive every Friday night. He has been a big part of the local club scene since 2001 when he started playing at a now defunct bar, Two Main. Nominated for a Local Music Award in 2007, Delayney has proven himself to be one of the best DJs in the scene. Playing hip hop, reggae, salsa, as well as dancehall, Delayney is sure to have everyone who hears one of his sets dancing. ... Full profile (new window) »
DJ Mertz
DJ Mertz has been DJing in the Champaign-Urbana area for the last five years. He began spinning while he was in law school here at the University of Illinois. Mertz has since finished law school and is working here for the University, but continues to DJ locally; you can find him at Boltini Lounge every Friday night. Mertz mainly spins house music, but a lot of his work mixes a wide range of genres. ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best Singer/Songwriter:
Brandon T. Washington
An original song-writer, and lead vocalist for the band Beat Kitchen. Brandon T. is featured on "My Music My Country" by fellow local artist, Krukid. This year Beat Kitchen covered Run-DMC in The Great Cover-Up 2008. Most recently Brandon has been cast as Judas in the Champaign-Urbana Theater Company's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar". ... Full profile (new window) »
Carl Hauck
As a young independent musician, Carl Hauck has already released three self-recorded albums. After a self-titled album in 2004 and "Something to Laugh About" the following year, February 2008 saw the release of "Counter Intelligence," which Innocent Words Magazine called "an exciting step forward," adding that "if Hauck isn't up-and-coming, he'll be sorely overlooked." After mentioning how he misses the "communal aspect of music," Hauck discusses how much he enjoys collaborating with friends while recording his songs. To name a few, he has worked with Fred de Albuquerque, a college roommate and former member of TRS-80; Bryan Kveton, Brian Trahan, and ... Full profile (new window) »
G. Lee
G.Lee is a local singer/songwriter who has been noted for her soulful live performances and pop rock style. Her influences include other female singer/songwriters such as Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb, Bonnie Raitt, and many jazz fusion bands. Backed by her band, she delivers strong vocals, and impressive rhythm guitar. G.Lee has made two successful albums including Crashing Into Your Room in 1999, and Charm in 2001. Currently her live shows are acoustic, but her band does include: Peter Roubal - Bass guitar, guitars, other various instruments Andy Lund - Electric and Acoustic guitars Ian Shepard - Drums, Percussion ... Full profile (new window) »
Kayla Brown
Singer-songwriter Kayla Brown’s work is all over the Champaign-Urbana local music scene. In past years, she has performed with acts Feaze and Desdemona, and is currently writing songs, singing, and playing the guitar for Darling Disarm along with Mike Ingram (guitar/backing vocals), James Treichler (percussion) and Tyler “Big Cat” Bundy (bass/backing vocals) since spring 2007. Brown also recently completed her first solo tour of the Northeastern portions of the Midwest in January. Her style is described as straightforward, without unusual melodies in her music. To listen to a sample of Kayla Brown, cruise on over to myspace.com/kaylabrownmusic for her solo ... Full profile (new window) »
Ryan Groff
Ryan Groff, of local favorite Elsinore, didn't start playing guitar or singing until he was 17 but he has sure come a long way since then. Three years later, he had written and recorded his first album. At the ripe young age of 20, Ryan, then a student at Eastern, made the hour long drive from Charleston to Champaign every Friday to play at campus favorite, White Horse. For these shows, Ryan is forever indebted to former Lorenzo Goetz frontman, Larry Gates, who he considers a “big brother.” Other local musicians that he considers favorites are fellow LMA nominees, Headlights ... Full profile (new window) »
For Best New Artist:
New Ruins
Longtime friends Elzie Sexton and J. Caleb Means grew up in Southern Illinois and began collaborating musically in their early teens, participating in various projects until they both left town to attend college. This of course was not the end of their collaborations together, as throughout college they continued to send each other works through the mail and play together during breaks from their education, finally graduating and forming New Ruins in 2004. Initially they only produced music in the studio, but in 2005 they began playing shows and between gigs and work schedules they self-recorded their first ... Full profile (new window) »
Organic Flow
Originally based out of Oak Park, Illinois, Organic Flow have been providing the Champaign-Urbana scene with an eclectic mix of hip hop, jazz and rock. The group is composed of Liam Bird a.k.a. Concept (Emcee/Vocals), Mike Cantafio (Guitar), Zane Ranney (Drums), Dave Gilman (Bass) and Kevin Swanson (Saxophone/Percussion/Beatbox) ,as well as sizable number of guest artists and featured members who appear on tracks including Gehring Miller, Matt Bachmann, Simon Gallo, Kate Brown, Deja Taylor, Adam Levin and Aaron Abarabe. Organic Flow is currently recording with the local Green Street Records and the track “Ballad of Sisyphus” will be ... Full profile (new window) »
Snowsera
Since their inception in 2006 at the University of Illinois campus, Snowsera has played at dozens of venues throughout the Midwest, including many in the Champaign-Urbana area. The band’s sound is a unique blend of distorted bass, ambient guitar and catchy melodic vocals. In the summer of 2007, the members of Snowsera produced and recorded their own self-titled EP. In December of 2007, Troy Michaels of the News Gazette selected the EP as one of his favorite ’07 local releases They continue to gain new fans through their energetic live shows and raw talent. Band members include Bill Arteaga – lead ... Full profile (new window) »
Tall Tale
Blending indie pop and folk rock, Tall Tale is an impressive Urbana-band upstart. With 5 members, and instruments ranging from the trumpet to the one-manned distortion pedal, Tall Tale includes Tracey and Trica. With an impressive song list on their myspace and a handful of good recordings, watch for Tall Tale in the 2008 LMA Awards and keep on eye on their schedule for upcoming shows. ... Full profile (new window) »
Zmick
Labeled on their Myspace profile as a “Progressive” band, Zmick draws influence from every genre under the sun. Born and corn bred in Urbana, Zmick is made up of members from the Chicagoland area. With the necessity of “audience participation” like dancing up a storm at their shows, Zmick has been making its mark as an up and coming band on the CU scene. Opening up for acts at the Canopy Club like Hadag Nachash and Blind Melon, Zmick also maintains a residency every Monday at the Canopy. Zmick will surely be heard from a lot ... Full profile (new window) »
For Album of the Year:
The Delta Kings
Starting in 1993, The Delta Kings were already tearing up the Champaign music scene with their distinct blues/rock sound. After many practices and gigs in random roadhouses and bars, the band decided to record their first LP. The result of those six hours in a dining room turned studio was the beginning to the band’s first full length album, "Damn Thing Bites," released in 1997. Now, with a total of six albums released, the band is continuing to rock out at Central Illinois’ finest roadhouses, biker bashes, and festivals, though without guitarist Kenny McNichols who quit the band in early ... Full profile (new window) »
Mit'n
This intriguing quartet from the Champaign-Urbana area has been described as “noise terrorism”. The band has shocked audiences with a barrage of low fidelity rap choruses and their general bad attitude for the past few years. As the story goes, the band formed when singer, Amelia, paid a visit to the home of another future band member. Her intentions were to beat up the so called “nerds”, but after hearing what they had recorded decided to instead beat them up then join the band. The rest was history. Mit’n went on to record two albums, including Colorful Conversation and their ... Full profile (new window) »
Ryan Groff
Ryan Groff, of local favorite Elsinore, didn't start playing guitar or singing until he was 17 but he has sure come a long way since then. Three years later, he had written and recorded his first album. At the ripe young age of 20, Ryan, then a student at Eastern, made the hour long drive from Charleston to Champaign every Friday to play at campus favorite, White Horse. For these shows, Ryan is forever indebted to former Lorenzo Goetz frontman, Larry Gates, who he considers a “big brother.” Other local musicians that he considers favorites are fellow LMA nominees, Headlights ... Full profile (new window) »
Shipwreck
Shipwreck might be known as the ‘Fab Four’ of Champaign-Urbana, if not for their lack of mop toppage. Instead, we who live in the CU area are lucky enough to be stuck with the solid four piece rock sound of songwriters John Owen(guitar, vocals) and Harman Jordan (guitar, vocals), drummer Christopher Waage and bassist Vladimir Brilliant. In 2004, Shipwreck graced the world with their first EP, Six (Buttery) Megahits. The next year, their debut full-length Origin was self-released, complete with photo of Illinois Street Residence Hall. Because of their early releases, Shipwreck is definitely no newcomer ... Full profile (new window) »
Angie Heaton and the Gentle Tamers
Representing some of the best folk rock music the Champaign-Urbana scene has to offer is Angie Heaton. As a former member of Liquorette, Corndolly and Tractor Kings, Heaton is nothing new to the area. Debuting in 1991, Heaton and others first played in the band Corndolly. A couple of years later, shortly after disbanding Corndolly, Heaton and some of the past members of Corndolly created a new band called Liquorette . The band only came out with one album called When You Work I Sleep in 1997. Since these past projects Heaton has been recording as a solo artist and ... Full profile (new window) »