Local musicians are an important part of what makes Athens unique, and for decades they’ve put the Athens music scene in the wider spotlight. Flagpole started the Flagpole Athens Music Awards in 1999 to recognize hardworking musicians and celebrate the music community. The awards show has been on hiatus since 2019 due to the pandemic, which caused a lot of hardship for the music scene. Although we’re not ready to fully bring back the awards, the Flagpole staff wants to continue highlighting this special community. Athens music industry supporters from promoters to journalists, small business owners, label heads, venue staff and more were surveyed to compile a recommendation list of local musicians who have worked hard and made noteworthy strides in the past calendar year. Names on this list consist of genre staples and up-and-coming artists to watch, but it’s NOT a “best of” or comprehensive list of every genre or worthwhile act to catch. Keep an eye on the weekly “Athens GA Live Music Recap” on the home page to find even more gems in the community. [Sam Lipkin]
Avant-Garde/Experimental
Immaterial Possession
John Fernandes
Marcel Sletten
Mr Blank
Shane Parish
Electronic/EDM
Dado
Indigo Sound
Karezza
OHMU
Organically Programmed
Country
Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
The Howdies
Kimberly Morgan York
Newport Transplant
The Pink Stones
Folk
The Hibbs Family Band
Kiran Fernandes
lighthearted
MrJordanMrTonks
The Rishis
Goth/Deathrock/Post-Punk
Coma Therapy
McQQeen
Tears for the Dying
Vincas
Vision Video
Hip Hop
Cardynal
Cassie Chantel
Ishues
Mack2Tone
Molly Tu Hott
Motorhead2x
Trvy
Tyl3r Davis
Jam/Funk/Fusion
Alien Funk Academy
Cam and his Dam Jam Band
Canary Affair
Kenosha Kid
The Orange Constant
Live DJ
DJ Chief Rocka
DJ Mahogany
DJ Reindeer Games
DJ Sublime
Tomb Lily
Metal
Beast Mode
Dead Vibes Ensemble
Guillotine A.D.
Husk
Sacred Bull
Pop
Elf Power
Floral Portrait
Locate S,1
Nicholas Mallis
Night Palace
Punk/Hardcore
Beat Up
Clavus
Commüne
ConSec
Nuclear Tourism
Tribute/Cover Band
Aquatic Soul Band
Classic City Jukebox
Cosmic Charlie
Good Grief Trio
That’s Rad!
Rock
AD Blanco
Haunted Shed
Lo Talker
Sex Cells
Telemarket
Singer/Songwriter
Clover County
Freeman Leverett
McKendrick Bearden
Sarah Mootz
Sarah Zúñiga
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