Due to Covid, the Veer Music Awards ceremony was canceled this year with no sponsorships and no funding for awards.
When singer/songwriter Karl Werne saw that friend and fellow musician Holly Kirsten was named Veer Magazine’s Best Acoustic/Folk artist of 2020 for her album “Starlings,” he inquired about how to get a physical award for her.
After presenting Holly with one of the iconic microphone trophies, Karl wondered what it would take to raise money so that each of the category award-winners could have an actual award. He reached out to Karl’s Community, a Facebook group he manages of likeminded musicians and music lovers. In a matter of hours, his Community of music makers had pitched in to make his wish a reality.
We at Veer Magazine are touched by this outpouring of music community camaraderie and generosity.
Thanks to Karl Werne and Karl’s Community, we will have a physical award for each winner listed below to be picked up on Thursday, January 14 between 5-7 PM at Elation Brewing Company, located on north Colley Avenue in Norfolk (Google the location). - Jeff Maisey
2021 VEER MUSIC AWARD RESULTS
Album of the Year
Bennett Wales & The Relief, “Album II”
Live Recording of the Year
Lucky 757, “Live at the Goode Theatre.”
EP of the Year
Koren Grace, “All My Friends”
Song of the Year
Bennett Wales & The Relief, “The War”
Social Justice Song of the Year
Ben Phelps Project, “Where Were You When”
Pandemic Song of the Year
Anthony Rosano, “Isolation Blues”
Music Video of the Year
K’Bana Blaq ft. Mona J, “Blackness”
Best At-Home Video Performance
Karl Werne
Best Holiday Themed Release
Jae Sinnett & Brittany Burrell
Best IndiePop
The Lifehacks
Best Jazz
Left of Center
Best Pop
Koren Grace
Best Metal
Magg Dylan
Best Rock
Exploding Sun
Best Garage/Punk
Norfolk Nightmares
Best R&B/Soul
K’Bana Blaq
Best Hip Hop
Just Archie & ARock
Best Americana/Bluegrass/Old-Time
Lori Creek
Best Contemporary Country
Runnin’ Shine
Best Acoustic/Folk
Holly Kirsten
Best Blues
The Jason Cale Band
Best Electronic/Ambient
From Overseas
Best Cover Band
Last Fair Deal
Best Gospel/Spiritual
Jonah’s Run
Best Live Music Venue
Elevation27
Best Live Music Series
Festevents “Thank Goodness We’re Open”