Best Indie Rock Act
Nominees 2024
Shannon Darcy
Essex, United Kingdom
Best Indie Rock Act nominee Shannon Darcy brings a fresh edge to the indie and alternative rock scene with her gritty sound and emotionally charged lyrics. Hailing from Essex, Shannon first made waves with her debut single, Snakes and Ladders, which showcases her raw attitude and unique blend of 90s rock influences with a modern twist. Following her breakout, she released powerful tracks like Easier Said Than Done and Freak Show, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike. Her music explores themes of personal struggle, resilience, and empowerment, earning her a growing following and a dedicated spot in the indie rock world.​
Jack Austin
New York, USA
Jack Austin, nominee for Best Indie Rock Act, is a versatile artist celebrated as a singer, actor, and recording artist. Known for his performances at New York's acclaimed 54 Below, Jack has shared the stage with prominent Broadway stars and has captivated a broad audience on TikTok, amassing over 15 million views. Recently, he starred in the musical Boy on Billboard, with plans for an NYC debut and a cast album. Jack's music, including his acclaimed single Veronica, has earned critical praise and is available on major streaming platforms, marking him as a standout in the indie music scene.
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Jack Austin, nominee for Best Indie Rock Act, is a versatile artist celebrated as a singer, actor, and recording artist. Known for his performances at New York's acclaimed 54 Below, Jack has shared the stage with prominent Broadway stars and has captivated a broad audience on TikTok, amassing over 15 million views. Recently, he starred in the musical Boy on Billboard, with plans for an NYC debut and a cast album. Jack's music, including his acclaimed single Veronica, has earned critical praise and is available on major streaming platforms, marking him as a standout in the indie music scene.
Hayden Lloyd
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Hayden Lloyd, a Birmingham-based musician, has been nominated for Best Indie Rock Act. Originally from Bath, UK, Hayden is celebrated for his distinctive blend of blues, rock, funk, and soul, creating a unique and modern sound. His music has been described as unapologetically bluesy, setting him apart as a distinctive artist in recent times.
Hayden's authentic and raw sound, combined with his thoughtful lyricism, has earned him recognition as a rising talent in the UK music scene. His nomination for Best Indie Rock Act highlights his growing influence and the anticipation surrounding his future contributions to music.
Rusty Reid
United States, Seattle
Rusty Reid, an American singer-songwriter, has been nominated for Best Indie Rock Act. Born and raised in West Texas, Reid honed his songwriting skills in Houston before relocating to Los Angeles and later the Seattle area.
His music is characterized by melodic, guitar-driven compositions that often explore philosophical, political, and spiritual themes. In 2023, Reid released the album Bayou Line: Songs from Houston, featuring 17 of his finest songs from the confines of old reel-to-reel demos and work tapes, allowing them to take flight on the wings of reinvention.
Jack Austin, nominee for Best Indie Rock Act, is a versatile artist celebrated as a singer, actor, and recording artist. Known for his performances at New York's acclaimed 54 Below, Jack has shared the stage with prominent Broadway stars and has captivated a broad audience on TikTok, amassing over 15 million views. Recently, he starred in the musical Boy on Billboard, with plans for an NYC debut and a cast album. Jack's music, including his acclaimed single Veronica, has earned critical praise and is available on major streaming platforms, marking him as a standout in the indie music scene.
Gary Dranow
Utah, United States
Gary Dranow, frontman of Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions, has been nominated for Best Indie Rock Act. Based in Park City, Utah, the band is celebrated for its dynamic fusion of rock, blues, and country influences. Their recent album, Never Give Up, showcases a rich variety of styles, reflecting Dranow's adventurous spirit.
The band's music has been described as a revolutionary blend of blues, country, and rock, setting a new standard for genre fusion.
Best Indie Rock Act
Nominees 2023
28to15
Teddington/Hilperton, United Kingdom
28to15 has burst onto the scene with a dynamism that is impossible to ignore. Garnering significant industry attention right off the bat (as evidenced in their press kit), the act has hit the ground running with their debut release and already has a roster of finished songs awaiting their next album or EP.
The project, led by Nikiforos Antonatos and Marc Ros, delivers rock tunes with a pop edge, crafting a sound that appeals to a wide and diverse audience. With influences ranging from Counting Crows to Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews Band, 28to15 has managed to create a modern yet familiar sonic experience. Their tracks are generally uplifting, infused with a contemporary electronic groove that positions them comfortably among current mainstream artists.
With original songs conveying relatable messages, a burgeoning momentum in the industry, and a sound that resonates with a broad spectrum of listeners, 28to15 is a compelling nominee for Best Indie Rock Act.
Hover Bird
Moscow, Russia
Based in Moscow, Hover Bird is redefining the art-rock landscape by blending funk, ethnics, British, and alternative rock elements into a singular, impactful sound. Their reach is global, with their latest EP drawing accolades from various corners of the world—UK, France, Brazil, Poland, Egypt, and India—within just two weeks of release.
Critics like Camil Bobin have applauded the EP's exceptional production quality, noting the inclusion of studio-recorded instruments and a grand piano, which lend both authenticity and emotional depth. Chris Mariotti highlights the band's mesmerizing dual vocals as a unique standout feature.
But Hover Bird is more than just sonic craftsmanship; they are storytellers. Their lyrics offer keen observations on the world, tackling life's ironies while fostering a thoughtful approach to both people and nature.
Considering their innovative blend of genres, technical excellence, global recognition, and narrative depth, Hover Bird stands as a compelling and deserving candidate for Best Indie Rock Act.
Tomm
Bologna, Italy
Hailing from Bologna, Italy, Tommaso Monaco—professionally known as 'Tomm'—is a force to be reckoned with in the indie rock scene. Born in November 2002, Tomm has been crafting songs since childhood, but it wasn't until age 16 that he released his first song, "Ginger Ale." What started as a lighthearted endeavor has evolved into a serious musical career, boasting three albums and an EP.
After a three-year hiatus, Tomm burst back onto the scene with 'ATLAS,' a project that stunned audiences and critics alike. This latest release has led to multiple radio partnerships overseas, as well as a plethora of positive reviews and playlist placements. As a self-made artist who continually strives to elevate his craft, Tomm embodies the qualities deserving of the Best Indie Rock Act award.
JANE N' THE JUNGLE
Phoenix, AZ, United States
Jane N’ The Jungle, hailing from Phoenix, AZ, is making waves in the modern rock scene with their sharp, unyielding vocals and a potent blend of alternative rock, metal, and a dash of punk attitude. This dynamic band has quickly captured the attention of major music platforms and outlets, including MTV Spankin’ New, Music Choice, and spots on Spotify's Fierce Femmes and Apple Music's Breaking Hard Rock playlists.
Shannon Darcy
Essex, United Kingdom
Shannon Darcy, an emerging talent from Essex, is swiftly carving a niche for herself in the alternative music scene with her unique and authentic style. In just eight months, she has made significant strides, releasing three singles that have garnered widespread acclaim and resonating deeply with her growing fan base. Shannon's music transcends mere entertainment, evident in her participation in an international charity single that has made a substantial impact.
Shannon's diverse musical influences, ranging from punk rock to dark pop, ensure that her music is always vibrant and storytelling-focused. Her versatility as an artist is apparent in her live performances, which have earned her two music awards and acclaim at various venues, including private events and charity functions.
