Last December we were pretty excited about the OutMusic awards because Dallas’ own Gary Floyd was up for three of them. But the day came and without a whole lot of fanfare, the awards were postponed. Ouch. That initial sting is gone and now the awards are set for May 23, three weeks from today, and take place at Live Nation’s Irving Plaza in New York.
With 20 awards to be handed out, along with the usual special awards and honors, I’m going to post some of the nominees, as well as introduce some LGBT artists that may not be on your radar, every Monday up until the awards happen. We’ll talk more about Floyd as the time comes, but in the meantime, enjoy these nominees after the jump in the Pop Song category.
It’s hard to predict who will win, because unlike the Grammys, these noms don’t get the same kinda buzz built up behind them. But I can still write who I think should win.
Chad D. — “Life is a Ride”
Chad D. pulled in two nominations this year. His “Human Link” landed in the Rap Song category. “Life is a Ride” fuses dancey beats over a rap and has catchy written all over it.
Matthew David — “Masquerade”
Feel-good pop that easily fits alongside the likes of Keane or Clay Aiken. This is the title track from David’s debut album.
Jen Urban & The Box — “21”
This pop-rock dittie is also nominated for Dance Song. The duo takes cues from the fun punk rock of Quintron and Miss Pussycat with avant-garde pop stylings of say, Xiu Xiu, another gay-based duo.
21 – Jen Urban & The Box by roc-elle records
Rachael Sage — “Big Star”
Perhaps the biggest star on the list, Sage has an impressive history with nine albums and a few other awards along the way. She’s like the lovechild of Nellie McKay and Bobby McFerrin with both quirk and talent to spare.
Avi Wisnia — “New Year”
Piano pop with some nice flourish. Wisnia has an interesting voice and kills on the piano and he brings a sound that’s a fusion of adult contemp with Brazilian bossa nova effect.
Avi Wisnia – New Year by heycole
Of these nominees, I’d pick Jen Urban & the Box. I think they have the most interesting work here and their song stands out above the rest. Although, I must admit, I can’t get Chad D.’s song out of my head.
