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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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Best Online Series: Shakey Graves Presents Hello Gorgeous


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


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Best Radio Personality: Laurie Gallardo


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


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Best Record Store: Waterloo Records


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Best Local Label: Chicken Ranch Records


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


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Best Recording Studio: Arlyn Studios


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


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Emcee of the Year: Kevin Curtin


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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.