MUSIC Matters Curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
WELL, it is the time of the year that I get to hand out (at least virtually) my Pete’s Awards for the local music scene.
Best Local Album – Strip Search Tramp B-Movie Disaster
I said back in March of this year: ‘it’s only March, but already this album is in line for the best album of 2024.
“Well, here it is my album of the year.
“As I said back then: “From the start to the finish B-Movie Disaster rocks the fillings outa’ your teeth, you have been warned.”
Bubbling under were-‘Scenic Roots’ by Sonrisa and ‘Simple Reality’ from Skeet.
Best Local Single – Ghost of You – Caitlin McCarthy
Just magnificently sung, a beautiful song.
As I said: “Caitlin is a star, no question, the complete package and a back catalogue of some superb songs.
“But just when you think it can’t get any better, there comes along a song that is so emotive that it’s really hard to listen to. Wonderful!”
Bubbling under was – ‘Psycho’ by Abz Winter.
Best Local Gig – The Selecter – A Homecoming
Speaking of emotive, well here we had an almost perfect Selecter gig, everyone was on top form, a superb gig from one of our greatest bands.
A perfect gig but for the lack of co-vocalist Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson who left us earlier in the year, it was handled with so much dignity, with pictures of Gaps on the screen as the band played an instrumental version of his signature tune ‘James Bond’, heartbreaking and bitter sweet.
Sonic Boom – The Box, Fargo Village
Best New Local Artist – Project Overload
Project Overload may be a young band aged between 14 to 19, but already they have been on the bill at three Godiva Festivals, headlined at the HMV Empire and played many times at The Tin
Music and Arts, where they have been part of Coventry Music’s Live on Stage project since 2017.
They are a joy to listen to, and they really should be on your download list.
Best Artist of the Year – shortstraw.
What can I say, not yet fully established but shortsraw. has been around a few years now she is hardly a ‘new’ artist.
Real name Erin West, she is a powerhouse female rapper.
Her abrasive rap style and stage presence is making the industry sit up and listen, already she has supported The Libertines and Sleaford Mods.
Her songs are deeply impressive with the tracks ‘Smile More’ and ‘Clean Up’ and ‘Good For Nothing’ – a track that’s all about growing up in Coventry.
2025 will be the year we all pick the shortstraw.
Outstanding Contribution to Local Music – Alun Roberts at Just Dropped In- Fargo
Alun has created more than a record shop with Just Dropped In based at Fargo.
It’s primarily a record shop and live venue and something of a community hub, especially for vinyl junkies like myself.
All hail Alun, Alex Herron and Gary Ball and of course promoter Joe Colombi (last year’s winner) for creating this wonderful place in our city.
