Charleston’s City Paper Music Awards Invite Community to Celebrate Local Talent

Charleston Celebrates Local Music with City Paper Music Awards

Hey there, Charleston! It’s that time of year again, when our vibrant local music scene gets the recognition it truly deserves! The City Paper Music Awards are now live, inviting all of us to **honor the best of the best** in our city’s creative community. This is your chance to cast your vote for your favorite Holy City performers, and the best part is, you can do it every day until October 22!

Cast Your Vote

Voting is super simple and can be done at vote.charlestoncitypaper.com. Just a couple of clicks and your favorite artists will be in the running for a coveted award. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover or just enjoy a good jam now and then, participating in the awards is a great way to show support for the local talent that keeps our city buzzing with creativity.

A Year of Incredible Music

What a year it has been! From intimate local gigs to larger concerts showcasing a mix of genres, Charleston’s music scene has truly blossomed. Our talented musicians have poured their hearts out into their work, creating tunes that resonate with so many of us.

Among the exciting talent making waves is acclaimed folk rock band Judah & The Lion. Fresh off the release of their 2024 album, The Process, the band takes a deep dive into their personal experiences, weaving together struggles and triumphs that many listeners will find relatable. The band is known for its unique blend of American roots infused with a modern twist, and they are eager to share their journey with us.

Judah & The Lion: A Journey Through Grief

In a recent interview, frontman Judah Akers opened up about the tough topics that influenced their songwriting for this album. Coming from a place of heartbreak, including a divorce and deep personal losses, Akers initially hesitated to tap into those feelings. But with the help of mandolinist Brian Macdonald, the band explored the Kübler-Ross five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—as a way to frame their new work. “Sometimes you’re the one going through the grief,” Macdonald said, reflecting on the powerful connection they build as musicians.

The album is divided into five sections, each introduced by an instrumental piece that captures one stage of grief. Listeners are then welcomed into a narrative journey filled with richly textured melodies, from reverb-heavy synth-pop to acoustic ballads, all rooted in the band’s beloved banjo and mandolin Americana sound.

Live Performances: Connecting with Fans

As they embark on their tour, Akers cites how meaningful it has been to connect with fans and share this deeply personal work live. “The people that are coming really want to be there,” he expressed, highlighting the emotional bond that these new songs have created. Songs like “Floating in the Night” are particularly resonant, striking a chord with audiences who may also be grappling with their feelings.

The Power of Honesty in Music

With an emphasis on vulnerability, The Process dives into authentic storytelling. Akers notes that the more intimate and specific the lyrics, the more listeners reflect their own experiences in the music. From the candid depictions of depression to the lighter moments exploring themes of acceptance and moving forward, the album reminds us of the shared human experience.

Judah & The Lion will be taking the stage at the Refinery on October 23 at 7 p.m. so mark your calendars now! Tickets start at a reasonable $35, making it a live show you won’t want to miss. It promises to be a night filled with beautiful music and heartfelt connection.

Support Local Journalism

As you enjoy all that our city has to offer, remember that supporting independent journalism is essential for keeping our community informed. You can donate to help keep our local stories alive, and don’t forget to sign up for the daily newsletter to receive the latest news straight to your inbox!

So let’s get out there and support our local musicians during this special time of recognition. Vote for your favorites, catch a live show, and embrace the creative energy that makes Charleston such a unique place to live! Music is in the air—let’s celebrate it together!