Hello, democracy, our old friend. We’ve come to talk to you again for the 2019 CPMAs. The City Paper Music Awards are here for another year, giving local music fans an opportunity to vote for their favorite local artists in two dozen diverse categories. This year, we saw a few return customers, some exciting new kids on the block, and a couple artists that have been around for a minute, but are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

We’ll celebrate every victor at our winner showcase on Nov. 17, where Benny Starr, Florida Man, the Travelin’ Kine, DJ SCrib, Sexbruise?, Circle Back, and others will perform. 105.5 the Bridge host the Critic will MC 2019’s award show. As always, it’s a good way to show love to local music.

And to everyone that cast a ballot in 2019 and beyond: Thanks for staying involved in the scene. This thing can’t operate without a fanbase, and the people that support the music community keep it alive. We appreciate everyone keeping us from the sound of silence for another year. —Heath Ellison

2019 Winners

Album of the Year:
Benny Starr, A Water Album
Artist of the Year: Ranky Tanky

Bassist of the Year: Corey Stephens


Bluegrass Band of the Year: Marshgrass Mamas


Blues Band of the Year: Sufferin’ Moses


Country/Americana Act of the Year: Travelin’ Kine


DJ of the Year:
DJ Scrib


Drummer of the Year: Stu White

Electronic/Experimental Act of the Year: Sexbruise?


Guitarist of the Year: Scottie Frier

Hip-Hop Act of the Year: Abstract that Rapper


Jam Band of the Year:
Sol Driven Train


Jazz Artist of the Year: Charlton Singleton


Metal Band of the Year: Circle Back


Music Video of the Year:
Sexbruise?, “Party in the ’80s”


Pianist of the Year: Noah Jones

Punk Band of the Year:
Florida Man

Reggae Band of the Year:
Well Charged

Rock Band of the Year:
Jump Castle Riot

Singer-Songwriter of the Year:
Haley Mae Campbell


Song of the Year:
Sexbruise, “Party in the ’80s”

Soul/R&B Act of the Year:
Kanika Moore

Studio/Producer of the Year: Coast Records, Matt Zutell

Up-and-Coming Band of the Year:
Southbound 17


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