Celebrating New England's Finest: A Recap of the 2024 New England Music Awards
Boston’s The Far Out kicked off the New England Music Awards event at Six String Grill & Stage.
On Sunday, November 10, 2024, the vibrant sounds of New England’s indie music scene took center stage at the 2024 New England Music Awards, held at the iconic Six Strings Bar & Grill in Foxborough, MA, located at Patriot Place. The event brought together some of the region's best and brightest independent acts for a night of stellar live performances, camaraderie, and celebration of the local music community. From rock to folk to funk and everything in between, the 2024 NEMA ceremony was a dynamic showcase of the diverse musical talent that thrives throughout New England.
A Night of Eclectic Performances
The evening kicked off with a thrilling lineup of original acts, each bringing their own distinct energy and style to the stage. The performances were a true testament to the creativity and passion driving New England’s indie scene, from up-and-coming artists to more established acts making waves across the region.
The Far Out opened the festivities with their signature blend of psychedelic rock, setting the tone for an adventurous night of music. Their hypnotic rhythms and harmonies born of lifelong friendship immediately captured the attention of the crowd, transporting listeners into a world of joyous soundscapes.
Chase Stebbins & The Only Known brought a fresh wave of Electro/Hip Hop to the venue. Stebbins’ soulful vocals and the band's tight instrumentation set a captivating mood, blending rootsy sounds with some bounce and energy. Their performance was a crowd favorite, drawing in both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Frank Viele, known for his smooth blend of rock, soul, and folk, delivered a powerful set that showcased his commanding voice and emotional depth. His guitar work was crisp and resonant, while his stage presence created an intimate connection with the audience. A standout performance that reminded everyone why Frank Viele is one of New England’s most beloved singer-songwriters.
Next, Anna Daley Young brought a refreshing burst of indie pop to the stage. With her ethereal voice and reflective lyrics, Anna’s performance was refreshing. The intimate setting of Six Strings Bar & Grill allowed her delicate vocals to shine through, offering a beautiful contrast to the louder acts of the evening.
Kai Wilson, a rising star in the local scene, followed with an energetic set that seamlessly blended alt-rock and indie pop influences. His performance was a breath of fresh air, showcasing his impressive songwriting and soulful vocals. Wilson’s performance demonstrated exactly why he would later be honored as the Songwriter of the Year by NEMA.
Another act that demanded the attention of the crowd was The Side Chick Syndicate, a powerful collective of musicians known for their unapologetic funk and groove-driven sound. Their performance was and energetic kick that had people moving and definitely elevated moods with their blend of pop and hip hop.
Honoring Local Talent
While the live performances were the heart of the night, the event featured its annual award ceremony. Local country music star, Annie Brobst and comedian Adam Lopez were engaging as the awards program hosts. Once again, the NEMAs accomplished their mission to honor the incredible talent that makes up the New England music scene. The New England Music Awards have long been a platform to recognize the hard work and dedication of independent musicians across the region. This year’s ceremony was no exception, with awards presented to a diverse range of genres and artists who have made significant contributions to the local music landscape.
The brilliant country act 12/OC took home the Artist of the Year honors and Jennifer Tefft and the Strange’s ‘Strange Beginnings’ was honored as the Album of the Year. Connecticut’s Frank Viele ‘The Trouble with Desire’ netted the Song of the Year and the newly minted Songwriter of the Year, Kai Wison, also hails from the nutmeg state. The Far Out, whose performance opened up the evening, took home New Act of the Year honors.
Stoneham, Mass’ very own Kooked Out were honored as the Live Act of the Year, and they demonstrated those chops with a killer performance. Plymouth Mass’ Total Strangers were honored as the Rock Act of the Year and Rhode Island’s Lainey Dionne was crowned as the Pop Act of the Year. For a list of all of the winners, please check out the New England Music Awards website.
From musicians to producers, the 2024 NEMAs highlighted the importance of community support in the thriving New England music ecosystem. As the ceremony celebrated artists who have pushed creative boundaries, it also reminded everyone that local music scenes are built on collaboration, passion, and a deep love for the craft.
A Bright Future for New England Music
The 2024 New England Music Awards proved that the region’s independent music scene is alive and well. The night was a celebration of both the established acts that have shaped the sound of New England and the emerging artists who are pushing the boundaries of genre and sound. With each performance, it was clear that New England is home to some of the most exciting and innovative talent in the music industry today.
For fans of live music, the event was a reminder of the power of community and the incredible artistry that exists just beneath the surface in New England. Whether you were seeing your favorite local band for the first time or discovering new acts to follow, the 2024 NEMAs were a celebration of what makes the New England music scene so unique and vibrant.
If you weren’t able to attend this year’s awards, make sure to keep an eye on these talented artists as they continue to make waves throughout the region and beyond. The future of New England music looks brighter than ever.