Welcome to the 2nd Annual WPGU-buzz Local Music Awards!

If the idea of people giving awards to members of the music scene around Champaign-Urbana seems a bit strange to you, you’re probably not in the minority. A little over a year ago, I was absolutely clueless as to how amazingly vibrant our local scene is, and would have looked on attending a show featuring local musicians with skepticism. Then I started working at WPGU. As I became familiar with the station’s playlists and standard repertoire, I slowly became aware of which artists in regular rotation were not only good, but local. I was amazed to find that pretty much every song that made me do a double-take when driving and go “Whoa, this song is awesome! I wonder who does it…” came from a band or a solo artist that is active in our local scene. It slowly dawned on me that not only could I listen to recordings by these people, but I could see them live—and often—around town. And fortunately for myself, I’ve taken advantage of this opportunity to see fantastic local shows for a reasonable price.

Now that I’m familiar with it, I am truly awed by the diversity of the Champaign-Urbana music scene, and consider myself lucky to have been able to see it in action. In fact, I’ve come to include several of our local artists in my pantheon of all-time favorite groups and best live shows, and honestly have no idea why many of these artists haven’t gotten the national attention they deserve. If you still need convincing, just look at all the categories we have here, comprised of artists that each have every bit as much right to be on the list as the next! No matter what genre you’re into—rock, folk, hip-hop, DJ mixes, and more—or whether you appreciate listening to the album or attending a live show more, there really is something for everyone in the C-U musical community.

So take a look around, check out the nominees’ live shows and the sound clips we’re providing you, the member of the public, on this site in order to make an informed choice about which act in each category you want to distinguish with a WPGU/Buzz Local Music Award this year. The decision of who gets this year’s awards, like this superb scene’s survival in general, is in your hands. Happy voting!

Take care, and I’ll catch you at the awards show!

Susan Schomburg
Disc Jockey, WPGU-107.1
Staff Writer, Buzz Weekly Music Section