Here Are Your 2011 RFT Music Awards Nominees

• Is there any reason there are not categories for Best Jazz Band and Best Blues Band?

• To whom it may concern: I'm not here to complain about the nominees; some are great, & some probably could do w/out another nomination. The reason that I'm commenting is to inquire about why in the world would this showcase be held on Washington Ave? If you've been paying attention to the music scene at all for the past year, it's painfully obvious that Cherokee Street is where it's at. (The music, that is.) Oh yeah, & get this: Cherokee Street has free parking. Hopefully next year the new music director will pay more attention & hold the showcase in a more St. Louis music friendly area. Yours truly, Michelle

• The upright animals are robbed again....

• vote for, that is. for noise thingy category

• CATHOLIC GUILT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTJMH4-AE44&feature=autofb and yes, i am biased.

• Well I vote for Celia :)

• Yeah, your right Roger......i'm evidently just not able to make you understand my point....sorry.

• Whoa, whoa, whoa here! Where is Alex Hendrix on this list? Why is he not on this list? Dubstep got ROBBED!

• A bunch of whining a crying about an award that doesn't matter. My band is nominated. I don't know how or why because I don't know how anyone at the RFT even knows who were are. More importantly I don't give a shit because it is all meaningless.

• If you really want recognition in print you're probably playing music for the wrong reasons. And if you want the major recognition the only way you're going to do that is to kiss some major ass and let the record industry rape your music. Also, music isn't a popularity contest, no, but if people aren't coming to your shows it's probably because no one likes your music.

• I want my Paper Dolls!

• To all the complainers... you know that being nominated (or winning for that matter) does absolutely nothing to further your band's career right? PS: Write Harkonin in under best metal band. They rule.

• cando's just fucking with everyone. obviously she isn't trying to convey a point as much as she's just trying to stir the pot

• finally, a normal comment

• Jesus Howard Christ, you'd think the nominees were getting their faces chiseled onto Mt. Rushmore or something.

• "But the fact is, there an bands in this town that are WAY deserving of something like this..." Deserving of what, exactly? What do you think any of these bands even get, aside from a brief mention in an alt-weekly that's increasingly turning into a stapled, large-format majority ad space? Am I missing something? It's not like there are cash prizes and trips to Showbiz Pizza for all the winners. This list isn't very useful beyond anything more than a "huh, yeah, those guys"-type of notice. Seriously, in the age of the internet, print recognition just t'aint what it used to be.

• so....when do you vote? and where?

• Gork, The thing is (again), these bands are "in fact" deserving, I am a great admirer of some of these bands and the rest are local bands, even if I don't know of them I know that much about them. I personally know some of these bands because I make it a point to know who they are and that is exactly why I am on about this. The fact that I can seek out bands and know who's who in the local music scene begs the question, why doesn't the RFT? Opinion's ARE like butt holes, you are correct, but that's not my concern here, my concern is why aren't bands being seen and heard when they are comprising a list of local bands to nominate them for an award that should be comprised of all the bands that matter in this town? Doesn't anyone from the RFT actually go out and see who's who in this town? Why would that not be a part of this equation? Frankly speaking, I doubt very much that the bands I am thinking of give two craps about being included on this list, but I care as a fan! And the thing is, I am offended by the fact that they are not included.

• The formula for success was a joke. I don't think any of us thought for a second that we'd be nominated. Are we deserving? Opinions are like poopers... I can think of a band off of the top of my head I'd put in our spot or, perhaps, in best metal. I may write them in if that's still an option on the ballots. Just so you know, my comment wasn't directed at you. It was truly a general statement. We all think we're in great bands or we wouldn't be doing what we're doing. We've all seen great locals that we feel deserve recognition. I was merely suggesting that people keep doing what they do and not put too much thought into being overlooked by the RFT.

• Roger, I won't name names simply because I don't want to speak for people who may not want to be spoken for. But the fact is, there an bands in this town that are WAY deserving of something like this and you don't really have to look that hard to find out who they are. This is exactly why I am saying something, it's rediculous that anyone should have to point them out! The fact is, if you don't know who they are then you are not trying to find them, which is exactly why this list is shorter than it should be!

• Well, there are bands on this list that have not been together for longer than a couple of years so that's really not the formula for being nominated to this list. I know of several bands that are not on the list that have been in the local music seen for over 20 years and are thought of very highly. One of the bands that come to mind have toured the world and released several albums/CD's worldwide and another has released one album/CD worldwide...how many of these bands have done that? My intention is not to imply that any of these bands are not derserving in any way, but honestly, how can this list be comprised of any portion of bands that is not all inclusive to each category and still make it valid? I am not in a band, so let's stop thinking that I am somehow feeling sorry for myself and that is my motivation for saying something here....not the case!

• Who are u referring to when u say the nominees play the same four venues?

• sorry to say this, but it really does seem that year after year, all of the same circle of people get nominated...if you are familiar with the people who work at vintage vinyl/anywhere in the loop really/kdhx and the like are in here year after year- whether it be their band thats been around or whatever new band theyre in now. it just seems like all that are nominated are either working FOR the places i mentioned, or have good friends who do. in my humble opinion, i feel that the panel who nominate these bands should maybe have a list of criteria to follow in order to vote. maybe that seems silly, but like i said- just my opinion. for example (and i havnt thought very hard about this, im more throwing out ideas) maybe they have a specific amount of shows they must attend or a list of clubs they normanlly might frequent as well as a list of venues they maybe dont get to as often. things like that so that maybe they can step outside of their workplace (again, like the ones i mentioned above) to see and hear some NEW bands rather than the new band of the guy from "(enter long standing, overplayed, overrated, just plain old (ouch, not fair maybe. sorry) "national" (<---national, REALLY????) band that gets their ass kissed by everyone in the "scene" for whatever reasons(politics and/or motives) which to me seems silly and unneccersary. (come on guys, its really not that hard to get your band booked or covered in the rft) anyhow, i really dont mean to leave another negative comment on here- i think this is overall a pretty fair contest- its just, like i said, i really feel that the voters who make this list should really try to branch out just a bit more and stop putting the same people on the balot EVERY year. now of course i think that some of these people are for sure worth being nominated, dont get me wrong, its just if you really look at the list- like ive said, it just seems REALLY obvious that there is a sort of "clique" or group of "cool kids" who are always getting on and a lot of really deserving bands that get left out. (of the contest and of being covered in the paper/blog, etc) sorry to anyone who may have had their feelings hurt.

• Advice for all of you up and comers who are disappointed you didn't get nominated this year: First, you have to start the long journey of playing shows in St. Louis for 12+ years (preferably in various projects). Second, over the course of said years, stop feeling sorry for yourselves and give up all hope of ever getting a mention in the RFT. Finally, wait for a friend to call you to tell you that you've been nominated. Try these easy steps and you're bound to get nominated. It worked for us. I'm not trying to come off as an ungrateful ass. If you know the members of my band, you know that one of them has been acting like he was when he found out the release date for the newTwilight flick. I guess the point of my post is to tell you all to quit yer bitchin', write and play music you love, and play nice with other local acts that you love. Have fun and stop waiting for the local paper to give you the recognition you feel you deserve. I'm sure that our being nominated was a freak accident or a lost bet and we're sure to lose to our friends Sine Nomine (We've been playing music since they were in diapers), but there are few local acts I'd rather lose to. I love those sexy bastards. I can say that now. They're not jail bait anymore. -Gork There's A Killer Among Us

• what does a band/musician being aware of the list have anything to do with it? they'd all of a sudden work harder or become more well known or just be good at music all of a sudden? who are these underachieving under acknowledged untalented diamonds in rough that everyone's overlooking?

• At the very least (if popularity is the problem) It's nice to give pop minded people the opportunity to pay attention to local artists. Let the quality argument remain, it always will. and shit I don't know all of these artists, at least I now have some sort of list of names to look up and judge for myself. Popular vote or incrowd or any of that always sucks. But I would be willing to bet that all of these artists work their asses off. (God, I hope) Are there any judges out there that are able to scan the entire city, consider all things and still come up with a nomination list we're all happy with? Fuck this city as a whole is underground in comparison to all things so it's no wonder there are gonna be names left off. I'm just glad I have a page to refer to for catching up and looking into people's opinions of who deserves some credit. This is all good conversation, whether we're happy or not.

• He's dope but has he performed any live shows in St. Louis?

• This sort of resembles the local "battle of the bands" contests, where the band that has the most people show up wins. It has nothing to do with talent, or actual songwriting, but rather it comes down to who brings the most people to the party. It's great for a no talent band, it's the thrill of a lifetime for them, but what does it say for the bands who are really well crafted and actually have something to offer? IMHO, you might as well say nothing at all rather than say something that slights everyone that somehow is not included, for whatever the reasons.

• True statement Eric....I know of several bands that were just made aware of it today. I guess if more people actually read the RFT on a regular basis then maybe they would have known about it. I guess that makes those bands that don't read the RFT on a regular basis not as good as the bands who do:p

• Prince Ea is literally one of the greatest MC's alive... he deserves that award for best Hip Hop solo artist

• Yeah, they didn't even know about the list. If only they did this every year...

• There are an aweful lot of great bands left off of this list. Unfortunately, most bands were not even aware that this list was being comprised, so as a result of that, this list means nothing. So, for those of you who are upset that your band, or your favorite band did not make the list...relax. There are some good bands included here, but unfortunately, we'll never really know the real deal here.

• Poster of the year: me.

• This paper is a joke. Who is responsible for nominating these bands? Whoever it is, your giving saint louis a really bad name by claiming that these people are the best this town has to offer. The best musicians in this town are the ones that nobody ever hears of and its because of bought and sold, mainstream, bullshit papers like the RFT.

• It's not like this post asking for reader input went unnoticed: it has 256 comments http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/atoz/2011/03/2011_rft_music_awards_showcase_washington_avenue_nominees_ballot.php

• No doubt, how about old lights for album of the year. Because it is the best local album on a label of the year!

• GO RA CAILUM

• The very article you're commenting on states clearly: "Like they are every year, the nominations are cobbled together from fan suggestions, writer suggestions and the opinions of other members of the music community."

• Dear Old White Guy, I appreciate that you're trying to start a Grunt/Avengers feud in order to create more interest here, but I don't know that it's gonna work. I only really sorta know John & their manager/advisor/guru Darren, but I've had nothing but pleasant interactions with them. I have no idea why the RFT does what it does, & I assumed that when they gave us that bogus-ass "Lifetime Achievement" award a couple years ago that that made us ineligible for anything else, but evidently that wasn't the case. Who the Hell knows? Organize a write-in campaign if it means that much to you. I do not care. Cheers!

• stay off message boards and write better songs.

• So... how do these bands get nominated. By readers???

• Yeah, figured it was something like that. Thanks.

• Somewhere playing awful music no one wants to listen to.

• Best Punk Band: The Hail Marys!!

• I have a feeling this nominee list would look quite different if "number of shows" was criteria (exclusive, partial, or whatsoever) for nomination. But yes, let's party!

• I can't believe Story of the Year, Greek Fire and the Fuck Off and Dies are nominated! I hope they all win! Amazing!!!!

• I'm starting 2 think u guys work @ the RFT. Or ur girlfriend does

• Um, it's the 2011 RFT Music Awards, not "best of 2011." Like the 2011 Academy Awards aren't the best movies of 2011. #commonsense

• Why do you do a "Best of 2011" if 2011 isn't even over yet?

• SHOUT TO THE FORCE!!!!!

• Hi, I'm Whiteout, I'm gonna be nominated for something next year...

• No nomination for Mary Elizabeth Bell or Sinfinis? Wow! I am not only really surprised, but extremely disapponted. You definitely missed the mark on that one. I'm glad they have a strong and dedicated fan base and don't have to count on your nomination for exposure, but I'm sure it would have been nice to be recognized for their unique and incredible talent. Congrats to Forensic, Rapture and Buxom Space Fish. It's nice to see you looked outside of the "usual" little box, and didn't forget everybody good.

• Where is Saence ?

• Where is Midwest Avengers? & why are there only 4 nominees in best hip hop group? Those guys been rocking & touring longer that bunnygrunt! Something smells fishy.....

• No love for Vendetta Sonata? Ok. Well, we arent playing 36 shows in 6 months like we did last year...so maybe a house party or two? You're all invited!

• I know, dude, we're way more a Schnucks band...

• Thanks for putting 40til5 on the list!!! Awsome!

• Would have been cool to see Tilts and/or Old Lights nominated for something.

• How exactly is Bunnygrunt a national artist???

• Best National Band; Story of the Year! <3

• I concur on the 'Best Residency' category. Quite a surprise! RAPTURE has been going for nearly 6 years as the premier weekly Dark Music spin. We appreciate the nomination!

• couple typos but you know what i'm sayin..lol..

• I think the "Residancy" category is awesome! Please consider "2nd Story Saturdays" for this category the future. April 9th is our next show with best solo hip hop nominee INDIANA ROME and more! We've also have everyone in the hip hop categories at one point or another. Congrats to all the nominees!

• Yay for Celia! Much love to the Love-o-Rama!

• When I was in seminary I had an electronic page-turner for my Bible called The Grace Pro 10!

• Good job at making yourselves look professional and unbiased. I'm glad that people that aren't in the rfc circle got a fair chance. Oh wait.......

• It's usually used to refer to a night that "reoccurs" weekly. Either theme or just the same DJs. I suppose it's similar to "Party". My bias opinion says you should choose _CS_.

• wondering where the RFT staff likes to spend their spare time? Just use the Music Award nominees list as a reference. They all play the same four venues.

• Someday DinoFight!, someday.

• awesome so how do we vote?

• Question??? Does the RFT care about anything that isn't in the "Rock Genre"...The Soul and Jazz categories look like last years with a change here and there... and The UG Project (Live Soul/House) hasn't been a band for over a year...I know...I was a member!!!

• POLITICS! WHY DONT YOU EXPAND OUTSIDE OF THE LOOP AND YOUR LITTLE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND SEE THAT THERE IS OTHER TALENT IN THIS CITY THAT'S MAKING MOVES BUT YOUR TOO SIMPLE MINDED TO PAY ATTENTION...POLITICS!

• Fixed! Thanks for letting us know.

• No Harkonin?

• DUH DUBB NUBB, UV COURSE Née Best new artist FOSHO Sleepy Kittys probably the best band to ever touch stl, so you might as well just pick them already. Ra Ra like a Dungeon Cailum. CAILUM not CALLUM* ;)

• It's actually spelled Ra Cailum!

• What does "Best Residency" mean?

TotalComments: 77