• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Vote in the Austin Chronicle 2020 Music Poll

January 11, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Austin Music Awards 2020
Cast your vote in the 2020 Austin Music Poll.

When we think back on the local music scene in 2020, it’s easy to be disheartened. The ongoing pandemic crippled the live music scene. Venues closed, artists suffered, and while a steady stream of in-house livestream concerts helped soften the blow, there’s nothing like experiencing music with a crowd of people.

But take heart! Austin music remained strong and prolific in the face of COVID-19. New music from nearly every beloved artist flooded our fair city and what better way to celebrate than Austin Chronicle’s yearly Music Poll? A great opportunity to not only vote for your favorite artists but discover new ones, this year’s poll is a who’s-who of local favorites. As a primer, here’s how to get involved, some of the key categories, and five of my personal picks. The choice is yours!

Exercise Your Right to Choose

Like everything during the pandemic, this year’s Austin Music Poll needed to adapt with the times. The Chronicle team slashed the normal slate of categories from the usual 50 to a trim 20. The team also jettisoned the genre categories (except for best Hip Hop) in favor of 2020-centric awards like Best Livestreaming Artist and Best 2020-Themed Song.

Polling is open until February 1st and can be done via their official website. And some of my picks are…

My Five Cents

Singer Eric Burton of Black Pumas singing at ACL Live in 2019
Singer Eric Burton of the Black Pumas performs during the Austin City Limits taping at ACL Live on August 28, 2019 in Austin, Texas. [Suzanne Cordeiro for AUSTIN360]

Band of the Year

  • …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
  • Black Pumas
  • Sam Houston & Blk Odyssy
  • Ley Line
  • Sit Woman

My Take: While Black Pumas will most likely walk away with this one (that Grammy nomination never hurts), I would love to see Ley Line take the gold here. This year’s “We Saw Blue” is a sensational collection of soul-stirring world music incorporating influences from a dozen cultures and climates. Ley Line is the embodiment of what we need as a society right now. Sounds and rhythms from around the world combined to create something beautiful and welcoming.

Musician of the Year

  • Gina Chavez
  • Jake Lloyd
  • Walker Lukens
  • Mobley
  • Jackie Venson

My Take: AlthoughI adore every artist in this category, you can’t deny what Jackie Venson did this year. She released four albums, performed on ACL Live, and pioneered weekly livestream sessions when COVID hit. All the while, successfully fighting for social equality in the Austin music community by curating an All Black Blues on the Green concert. And she’s still one of the best guitarists in Austin. An exceptional woman who more than deserves this honor

Blackillac playing on the VRBO stage at the 2019 ACL Music Festival.
Blackillac dominated the VRBO stage during ACL Fest 2019 (credit: John Cabuena/Flipintex Fotos).

Hip Hop Artist of the Year

  • Blackillac
  • Deezie Brown
  • Kydd Jones
  • Magna Carda
  • The Teeta

My Take: This is an insanely tough category. You could make an argument for every artist on this list, but I’m going to buck tradition and go Blackillac. ZEALE and Phranchyze’s one-two lyrical punch is one of my favorite musical tricks and this duo pulls it off beautifully. Plus “6 Ringz” is a straight-up banger.

Album of the Year

  • “End the Summertime F(or)ever” – Botany
  • “Candy Blue Like Screw” – Deezie Brown & EC Mayne
  • “Welcome to Hard Times” – Charley Crockett
  • “2020” – Eliza Gilkyson
  • “Primates” – Greyhounds
  • “We Saw Blue” – Ley Line
  • “My Love is a Hurricane” – David Ramirez
  • “Skeleton” – Skeleton
  • “The New Sounds of Late Capitalism” – Star Parks
  • “Trinidad” – Sweet Spirit
  • “The Quarentine” – The Teeta
  • “Vintage Machine” – Jackie Venson

My Take: Why oh why must you give me 12 choices! Taking away Ms. Venson and Ley Line, as I already picked them for an award, I’m still left with a wealth of good options. Despite some wavering, I keep returning to Star Parks for my best album of the year. Laid back, lo-fi, and steeped in late 60’s Brian Wilson-esqe songcraft, “The New Sounds of Late Capitalism” is a fantastic listen front to back. But, this is an incredibly good list to pick from.

Mobley's new single, "James Crow," is a must-listen.
Mobley’s latest single, “James Crow” will be the cornerstone of his new record, “Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme,” due out 2/19/2021 (credit: Juice Consulting)

Song of the Year

  • “Revolution” – Heartless Bastards
  • “IDK” – Tameca Jones
  • “James Crow” – Mobley
  • “Karen O” – Sun June
  • “Walk with Me Austin” – Adrian Quesdada w/various artists

My Take: With love to all the nominees, this one’s no contest. The first time I heard “James Crow” from Austinot favorite Mobley, I knew it was a keeper. It’s a prime example of everything he does well. Take emotionally charged subject matter, wrap it into an addictive dance jam, and attach a world-class video to the whole ensemble. The result is an instant earworm that, in a fair and just world, would be a Top 40 hit.

“Walk With Me Austin” is important, and “IDK” absolutely slaps, but “James Crow” ticks all the boxes as a standout track in an uncertain year.

And the Winners Are…

In a normal year, the winners would be announced during the Austin Music Awards as a kickoff to SXSW. Although it’s unlikely an in-person event will be possible, the Chronicle promises something special to celebrate the deserving winners.

Whether that’s a traditional livestream or something with a bit more flavor, there’s no doubt the capstone to an incredibly odd year for the Austin music community will be one to remember. Make sure your voice is heard: Vote today!

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Who are you voting for in this year’s Austin Music Poll?

Filed Under: Discoveries, Music Tagged With: Austin music awards

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Austin Christmas Lights 2023

Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!

Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn the Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around. Everyone loves the Zilker Park lights, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond these famous Austin holiday lights, read […]

11 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of November 24, 2023 include Peppermint Parkway, Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and More!

11 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of November 24, 2023 include Peppermint Parkway, Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of November 24 which include the Peppermint Parkway, Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, The Annual Lighting of the Square, Black Friday Sip + Shop, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may […]

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events – Enjoy These 10 Things to Do, Activities, & More!

Thanksgiving 2023 is just around the corner, and Austin, Texas, is gearing up for a season brimming with festivities, warmth, and community spirit. As we anticipate the joyous celebrations, let’s embrace the essence of Thanksgiving in Austin – a blend of traditional feasts, holiday cheer, and memorable moments with loved ones. Whether you’re a local […]

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023 – Parades, Concerts, and Other Celebrations Near You!

This Veterans Day, honor the valiant hearts who served in the US Armed Forces with a grand salute! The city is set to showcase a spectacular lineup of Veterans Day events in 2023, making it the centerpiece of the city’s annual celebrations. Whether you’re searching for ‘Veterans Day events near me’ or ‘veteran events near […]

Winter Camp Austin 2023 - Your Guide to Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Editor’s Note: We are getting started with our process of compiling our comprehensive guide on Winter Camps in Austin for 2023! We will be making updates to this article on a regular basis. So please bookmark and check back in!  Winter Camps Austin – Explore, Learn, and Grow! Austin becomes a playground of wonder and […]

Recent Posts

  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Christmas tree lighting Austin 2023 Events & Ceremonies to Watch!
  • Planning Your Black Friday in Austin – When to Shop Where And Maximize Shopping Deals
  • Everything you need for Thanksgiving 2023 in Austin – Things to do, Where to Eat, Where to Shop & more!
  • Best Deals on Thanksgiving Meals in Austin 2023 – Where to Dine & Save This Holiday!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • The Complete Guide to Austin’s Moonlight Towers
  • Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • 11 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of November 24, 2023 include Peppermint Parkway, Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and More!

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

x
x