For area musicians, there is probably no more important annual event than the San Diego Music Awards. Taking place this year on Sept. 17, the ceremony has had an impact for bands even outside the local music community, earning international press for both the artists and the local music scene in general. Major labels have also taken notice, placing nomination announcement stickers on albums by their performers.
Though dividing the dozens of nominees by neighborhood is no easy task, it’s clear that Ocean Beach is once again well-represented. At least five artists from the area are among the potential winners this year. It’s a diverse group, including acoustic duo Podunk Nowhere, indie-rockers Vinyl Radio, reggae group Vegitation, the Grams ” last year’s winners in the Americana category ” and three-time hip-hop award winners Al Howard & The K23 Orchestra.
Though artists do their best to win the category by getting the word out to potential voters, there is surprisingly little competition between the acts and zero friction. Within San Diego’s tight-knit music community a “one for all” attitude prevails.
“Anyone in this group is worthy of the prize in our opinion,” said Heather Janiga of Podunk Nowhere. The sentiment is echoed by Vinyl Radio’s frontman, Matt Binder, who said he is a major fan of the other nominees in the “Best Rock Album” category.
“It’s a real honor to be in the same category as Delta Spirit and Dirty Sweet,” said Binder. “I think Delta Spirit is just about the best thing going this side of Arcade Fire.”
Grams frontman Chuck Schiele noted the benefits of an award nomination.
“It doesn’t change your life or anything like that,” he said. “But it opens a few doors at the point-of-sale when locating shows, radio play, exposure, etc. It has more impact when we’re reaching out-of-town venues than it does in San Diego, actually.”
For Al Howard, there is a degree of validation in nominations and more so in winning multiple awards.
“It feels good to be recognized for doing something that you feel is different,” Howard said. “Being within that creative circle, we recognize it, but it adds a degree of credibility, fortification and legitimacy when someone else does as well.”
Schiele agrees.
“I suppose it looks pretty good on our resume,” he said. “(Plus) the exposure from being part of event grew our fan base. And club owners only respect fan base.
Schiele considers the media’s focus on San Diego’s music community during the time surrounding the event a great way to introduce new listeners to artists.
“I think it’s cool in that it creates awareness of our thriving scene,” he said. “People definitely start talking about the music in San Diego and it introduces a lot of people to (it).”
He considers the awards ceremony to be one of the year’s highlights.
“It’s one of the few nights in a year where all the musicians have the night off,” he said. “So it’s a good visit among us, while also being a good networking situation.”
Once the glitz and the glamour of the ceremonies dies down, what might become of the coveted trophies? Ocean Beach’s potential winners have already made plans. Schiele will place it on a shelf in their recording studio with a bunch of other San Diego Music Scene souvenirs.
Janiga will make a shrine for it and place it next to her duo’s guitars.
Howard will place his in a more down-to-earth location ” his bathroom.
“I spend a lot of time there,” he said.
Finally, Vegitation’s guitarist, Mason Boogie, knows where the trophy will end up, though it might take a while to get there.
“We’ll probably keep it in the jam room where we practice,” he said. “Although I could see it going on a little tour from house to house before that, like the Stanley Cup.”
The San Diego Music Awards will take place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Viejas Concert in the Park, 5005 Willows Road, No. 213, in Alpine. Tickets are $30 and $50.
For more information, visit www.sdmusicawards.com.