Our man with a van, Kevin Curtin, surprised this year’s Austin Music Award winners with a novelty check, gifts, and the appreciation from a thankful city. You voted and we’re celebrating your choices with a little help from our sponsor, Cap Metro.

Below you can find video proof of that celebration thanks to some production assistance from Arts & Labor. Thanks also to photographer David Brendan Hall who not only captured his trademark incredible images but also distracted our winners while Kevin did his best to sneak up on them in a massive van.

Album of the Year (presented by Real Ale Brewing): Jackie Venson

Musician of the Year (presented by Trashless): Jackie Venson

Musician Who Went Above & Beyond (presented by The Soup Peddler): Jackie Venson

Best Livestreaming Artist (presented by Luxe Refill): Jackie Venson


Hip-Hop Artist of the Year (presented by BeatStars): Magna Carda


Song of the Year (presented by Real Ale Brewing): “Revolution” by Heartless Bastards


Songwriter of the Year (presented by Desert Door Sotol): David Ramirez


Video of the Year (presented by Real Ale Brewing): “Outside” by Annabelle Charlegs


Best Nonprofit & Fundraising Effort (presented by Cap Metro): HAAM


Best Innovation/Business Pivot (presented by Becky Beaver): Love and Lightstream


Best Virtual Event (presented by Weird Homes Tour): Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic


Best Online Series: Shakey Graves Presents Hello Gorgeous


Hall of Fame Inductees (presented by Strait Music Company): Iron Age


Best Radio Personality: Laurie Gallardo


Best Radio Station (presented by BMI & Cap Metro): KUTX


Best Record Store: Waterloo Records


Best Local Label: Chicken Ranch Records


Band of the Year (presented by Dulce Vida Tequila): Black Pumas


Best Recording Studio: Arlyn Studios


Best 2020-Themed Song (presented by Precision Camera & Cap Metro): “Stay Home” by Shinyribs



Emcee of the Year: Kevin Curtin


A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

James graduated from Columbia University in 2000 and moved to Austin a year later. Ever since, he has followed the arts and video game scene in ATX, editing and writing stories for the Chronicle along the way. Over his more than 20 years with the paper he has climbed the "corporate" ladder from lowly intern to managing editor.