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The Upstate Music Awards Over the last three years a local organization has grown from an idea to reality.
In 2019, Wes Gilliam, co-owner and booker of Greenville Radio room Venue, Jeremy Theall, who works in artist development for himself chords of the future The agency, and I collectively had the idea to honor local, original music from within the 864 area code. The first annual Upstate Music Awards was a rousing success, receiving hundreds of nominations and spotlighting all the creative musicians working within the 864.
Now in its third year, with the help of sponsors like Rockerbell’s Boutique and Naked Pasta, UMA graduated big time: the winners’ ceremony took place last March at the Peace Center after an intense nomination and voting period.
Now, with nominations open again on UpstateMusicAwards.com and a ceremony set for April 2 at the Peace Center, the event’s original founders are still a little shocked at how successful UMA has become.
“I don’t think any of us really expected it to go so well,” Thal said. “When it started four years ago as an idea, I don’t think any of us thought it would be at the Peace Center or thought it would get the amount of community participation and response it would get. It exceeded all our expectations.”
“Honestly, it’s weird not being the underdog anymore,” Gilliam adds with a laugh. “I’ve always felt like we’re bootstrapping operations every year, and it’s great to be able to feel like we have a lot of systems in place now, as well as a great committee and years of experience under our belts. Look back.”
Awards are given in 14 categories
- 864 Award (for outstanding activism, philanthropy, ingenuity, character and compassion for the music scene)
- best album
- Best EP ever
- best single
- Best music video
- Best Live Act
- Best New Artist
- Best Solo Artist
- Best Duo/Group
- Best cooperation
- Best studio producer/engineer
- Best Album Art/Visual Design
- Best music photographer
The nomination period is open now through Friday, December 16, and any artist within the 864 area code is eligible to create original music.
Of course, with three years of previous Upstate Music Awards campaigns in the rear view mirror, there’s a lot to learn. Theol says he’s seen enough nominations over the years to know that more types of music need to be considered.
“Electronic music, country, folk, Americana, metal, hard rock — I think there’s something that we’re not getting, that’s not being nominated, that’s there,” he says.
Theol also noted that artists can nominate themselves for the award, something he feels is not widely known.
“I’ve always felt there was a disconnect with how many mainstream artists have electronic elements in their music and how few local artists do,” Gilliam adds. “So maybe more modern electronics would be nice.”
Regardless of flaws, the Upstate Music Awards have found a niche in the local music scene.
“I really think the Upstate is the perfect place for something like this,” Thal said. “I think we’re able to include a good percentage of everything.”
In fact, at least one of the awards’ founders sees room for the awards to grow beyond what they are now.
“I look forward to one day surpassing just our founders,” says Gilliam. “I really like the idea of it being its own thing.”
Nominations are open now through December 16 at https://upstatemusicawards.com
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