21 Things You May Have Missed in 2021
(Clockwise: Kason Miller and Amillion The Poet - From Artist Page// Hoochi Coochi Photo by Yarissa Luna// Grave Bathers At Micro Music Fest Photo by Scott Supplee// Awake At Last- From Artist Page)
With the incredible amount of unknowns that ensued this year it’s astounding that anything happened. Instead of sitting in a holding pattern there were local artists, venues, and individuals who really kept us all connected to the music world and we are grateful. Here’s a list of 21 things in 2021 - just ICYMI!
Always remember you can check out many of these artists on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter - and Spotify, Bandcamp, iTunes, or your music provider of choice. Every click, like, stream, listening session, merch or album purchase shows your support for their creativity and unwavering hard work. Conversely, show up to one of these or any local venues that host live music and pay that cover, buy the CD or sticker, and tip those bartenders and servers too! We are all in this together.
Thanks to everyone on this list who made such an unpredictable year a bit more palatable. Happy New Year’s, bes safe, and we can’t wait to see what 2022 brings!
New Music
Honestly there was no shortage of new music releases in 2021. One of Delaware’s best kept secrets, Awake At Last released their masterfully recorded and engineered ARMAGEDDON EP in April to all streaming platforms. Our folky big band friends in Cosmic Guilt released a handful of singles from spring to fall that all received lots of love from WXPN (you love to see it). On top of going TikTok-viral on several separate occasions this year, up and coming country music star Jovon Newman released 3 beautifully produced singles that are sure to pull on your small town heart strings.
No Sir E blessed us with an ethereal and beautiful two-song electronic EP Ground in May. Joining him in the electronic music realm, newcomers Workstudy released their very fun debut EP End Credits in October. Sad to say, the band has members that have moved out of the country since the release so we won’t be seeing them live any time soon. However, distance hasn’t always meant a band’s demise, and it would be marvelous to get some new music from them in the new year. Wilmington native Mosperceived also released a very intense and thoughtful 12 track beat tape in March entitled Mauve: A Trillionaire Valley Installment that is perfect to put on, zone out, and get some work done to.
Musician, producer, and open mic connoisseur Tyler Greene released a creative alt-rock five- song EP appropriately named This Is 2020/1? Tyler comments on his facebook page that the collection of music was a ‘celebration of what was a tough year’ for him personally. The context allows you a better understanding and appreciation of the music and we’re excited to share it. Lauren & The Homewreckers promised us boundless love in April when they released their first single Drive You Home to Spotify. March, a new(ish) band from Joe Trainor, released their debut album In This Time in March. He states in an interview that the band hasn’t played together since 1996 but it’s impossible to tell when listening to the airtight recordings on this impressive 16 song album.
Venues/Events
We already highlighted Jackson Inn for their unique and creative approach to hosting shows in a previous article as well as Theatre N for hosting The 10th Anniversary Wilmo Rock Circus, but they weren’t the only ones doing their part to support the original music scene this year. Oddity Bar is under new management but staying true to the tradition of hosting both traveling and local up-and -comers who need a place to showcase their talents. ArtzScape is a black owned and operated venue that hosted all kinds of events both musical and non.The conveniently located venue has even had a hand in hosting all ages indie rock shows.
The Room At Cedar Grove is a venue in Lewes, Delaware that provides the novel experience of dinner and a show. They host bands and musicians in a singer songwriter atmosphere to deliver a one of a kind personalized musical experience. Creator and head chef Paul Cullen is best known for his musical chops in the classic rock band Bad Company.
With the Main Hall, Knight’s Bar, and The Crown all back in operation, The Queen lived up to its name this year. They brought back some of the biggest talent to Delaware since the pandemic including Marcus King Band, Trombone Shorty, and Talib Kweli.
Makers Alley might not have had the big names but they consistently booked amazing original music both local and touring with the help of Gable Music Ventures and Darnell Miller throughout the season. They hosted countless outdoor concerts including the ambitious and spektakular Makers Micro MusikFest. Eyebawl, fresh from the main Firefly stage, and Grace Vonderkuhn were among many of the talented bands, artists, and DJ’s to create a night of unforgettable performances hosted by music scene pillar Rainbow Records from Newark.
World class drummer and creative genius Jonathan W. Whitney put together a star-studded ensemble to bring to life his carefully curated musical event A Celebration of Black Joy. Among the players were TV hosts and musicians Jea Street, Jr. and Nadjah Nicole on vocals, Kim Graham, storyteller, Micah Graves, keys and Mike Boone, bass.
Noteworthy Moments
Outside of releasing new music and holding COVID-cautious events, there were a few instances of outstanding growth and milestones. Rapper and Author Amillion The Poet grew his music label 1NA Records by one when he signed R&B artist Kason Miller in November. They released an album on the day of the announcement to all streaming platforms.
Hoochi Coochi opened up XPoNential Fest on the Camden riverfront this year, playing alongside Cory Henry, Los Lobos, and more. Their frontwoman Sug Daniels stepped out on a solo venture and was quickly scooped by women-led record label Weird Sister Records based out of Brooklyn.
