23rd Annual San Diego Music Awards took place Wednesday October 16th at Humphreys by the Bay, honoring local bands and musicians of all styles and from all walks of life. From live performances to surprise wins, we have your recap and complete winners list right here.
Last night (October 16th) marked the 23rd Annual San Diego Music Awards hosted within the confines of Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on Shelter Island. The venue found itself chock-full of local music fans who gathered with the purpose of honoring some of San Diego’s best musical talent.
The show itself presented some great performances including The Palace Ballroom, Sara Watkins, Tristan Prettyman, Sara Petite, Old Tiger and Blackout Party. We also saw some surprise awards and surprise guests, plus a couple of, “huh?” moments from the podium. All of which, in my very nonprofessional opinion, are to be expected.
People may have varying opinions about the SDMAs, or about award shows in general, whether they think “it’s a popularity contest,” “it’s a fashion show” or any assortment of critical comments, but an awards show on this small of a scale is an exciting night for San Diego’s local musicians. Whether you agree or disagree with nominees, or even better with the winners, I think that we can agree that what really came out triumphant was our wonderful city’s large variety of musicians.
But why, as a local musician or band, should you care? Well, when speaking about the SDMAs with local singer and songwriter Jesse LaMonaca in Episode 9 of our Three B Zine Podcast he stated, “…There is some sort of feeling of obviously an accomplishment or validation. It’s nice to be recognized amongst your peers and people you respect.” Boom. Point made, perfectly.
Local music was showcased in a huge way, and as much as I like to think I have a finger on the pulse of the local “scene” I was able to discover some great new music just by being a spectator. As I, very poorly, live-tweeted the winners along with my boorish comments, I noticed that the categories that seemed to get a generous portion of the crowds applause, were the World Music, Hip Hop and Club DJ categories. It was exciting for me to see and opened my eyes to areas I admittedly wasn’t as aware of as other nominees. I type this as I currently listen to, and enjoy Best World Music Album winners, Tribal Theory (Album- Hell of a Night).
Other personal highlights last night included seeing the reunion of Old Tiger and witnessing them pick up their first SDMA for Best Pop Album (Album- Love Have Mercy), Blackout Party blowing what roof existed right off the Humphreys stage and an absolutely awe inspiring performance by Lifetime Achievement Award winner Mr. Daniel Jackson.
All in all, it was a great night for San Diego musicians and was a positive good time between musicians from many different walks of life. And, if nothing else, you got to see Turko on stage wearing a cowboy shirt and some slick tight jeans.
See the full list of winners below. TBZ!
Complete San Diego Music Awards 2013 Winners List
Best Cover or Tribute Band – Cash’d Out
Best Jazz – Gilbert Castellanos
Best Jazz Album – Gilbert Castellanos – Federal Jazz Project
Best Singer/Songwriter – Gayle Skidmore
Best Blues – The Bayou Brothers
Best Blues Album – Low Volts – Oh My Stars
Best Americana – Sara Petite
Best Americana Album – The Tree Ring – Brushbroom
Best Hip Hop – The Lyrical Groove
Best Hip Hop Album – Odessa Kane – Cuetes & Ballsongs
Best Pop – The Silent Comedy
Best Pop Album – Old Tiger – Love Have Mercy
Best Alternative – The Heavy Guilt
Best Alternative Album – The Night Marchers – Allez Allez
Best Rock – Blackout Party
Best Rock Album – Dirty Sirens – self titled
Best Hard Rock – Schitzophonics
Best Hard Rock Album – Author & Punisher – Women and Children
Best Club DJ – Marc Thrasher
Best World Music – Tribal Seeds
Best World Music Album – Tribal Theory – Hell of a Night
Best New Artist – Soda Pants
Best Local Recording – The Midnight Pine – Awake Now
Best Live Performer – The Creepy Creeps
Best Music Video by a San Diego Artist – Slightly Stoopid – Don’t Stop
Artist of the Year – Gilbert Castellanos
Album of the Year – The Burning of Rome – With Us
Song of the Year – The Silent Comedy – God Neon
Lifetime Achievement Award – Daniel Jackson