Charleston Celebrates Local Music at the City Paper Music Awards
Charleston, get ready to jam! The City Paper Music Awards (CPMA) took place on November 6 at the fabulous Commodore, showcasing the best in local talent. From hip-hop to jazz, the night was a celebration of everything our vibrant music scene has to offer. If you missed it, don’t fret! We’ve got the highlights right here for you!
A Night to Remember
The atmosphere was electric as artists, fans, and music lovers gathered to recognize the hard work and creativity of local musicians. This year, readers cast their votes across various genres, making it clear how much they appreciate the diverse sounds coming out of Charleston. The Commodore transformed into a vibrant hub of noise and excitement!
The Big Winners
The ceremony was full of surprises as each winner took the stage, soaking in the applause of an appreciative audience. Big shoutouts go to:
- Hip-Hop Act of the Year AND Studio/Producer of the Year: Slim S.O.U.L
- Music Video of the Year AND Country/Americana Band of the Year: “Red Stripes and Rum” by Mike Martin & the Beautiful Mess
- Album of the Year: Current by Danielle Howle
- Screamo/Metal Band of the Year: All Is Calm
- Jazz Artist of the Year: Gino Castillo & the Cuban Cowboys
- And many more!
This is just a sneak peek of the incredible lineup! Each of these brilliant artists brings something unique to the table, and they all deserve a round of applause!
Meet the Artists
Let’s dive into a few of the standout artists from the night:
Babe Club – A Duo with a Dream
Babe Club made waves with their hit song “WiFi Boyfriend,” which beautifully captures the vibe of young love and identity exploration. Vocalist Jenna Desmond shared her love for storytelling through music, revealing, “I gravitate towards lines that feel like conversation, as it feels more authentic.” Start following their journey; who knows what they’ll create next!
The Rising Star, Tommy Brown
From gospel backgrounds to a bright solo career, Tommy Brown showcased his impressive versatility and charm, winning the Up-and-Coming Musical Act of the Year. He’s not just another artist in the crowd; he’s ready to set his mark. “I’ve got the city’s ear, and all I want to do is sing,” he said. We’re all ears, Tommy!
Jazz Maestro Gino Castillo
Gino Castillo, who leads the lively Cuban Cowboys, brought his heart and soul to the stage. After battling illness, Castillo is back in action and ready to enchant audiences with his upcoming album, Corazin Kamikaze, releasing on November 20. His story is one of resilience, and we can’t wait to hear the sweet sounds of salsa once more!
A Blend of Old and New with Slim S.O.U.L
Slim S.O.U.L not only triumphed as the Studio/Producer of the Year but also stands at the forefront of advocacy for the arts in underserved communities through his nonprofit Soul Power Productions. With the mission of promoting collaboration, Slim sees Charleston’s music scene as a vibrant community of creators. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” he believes, and we couldn’t agree more!
Keep the Rhythm Going!
The City Paper Music Awards isn’t just a night of celebration; it’s a reminder of the amazing talent that permeates Charleston. Whether it’s indie-pop, reggae, or country, there’s a slice of music for everyone! And with award winners like Mike Martin & the Beautiful Mess, All is Calm, and Lauren Hall, the future looks bright for local music lovers.
Make sure to catch these artists at their upcoming shows and support them! Also, keep an eye out for future award nominations so you can join in the celebration next year. As we close out this year’s event, let’s remember to cherish and uplift our local artists – they make Charleston truly special.
See you next November, music lovers! The beat goes on!
