On March 20 at Fête Music Hall, we once again celebrated local with one of Motif’s favorite annual gatherings: The RI Music Awards.
Although we’re the smallest state, RI has a never-ending supply of fantastic music spanning all genres. We seem to be post-COVID, at least as far as live music coming back is concerned, and we loved celebrating spring and reemergence with our diverse music community.
Along with the awards ceremony, which was hosted at the legendary venue Fête Music Hall, the night also included food from Refuel Catering, drinks and live music. Performances by School of Rock, Appala’s Eclipse, Vudu Sister, FINE. along with photos, interviews, wacky hijinks and more created a memorable evening. The event is sponsored by FMH and R1 Indoor Karting.
You can watch footage and interviews from the event below:
No matter who the winners were each category, we feel it’s important to recognize and appreciate just how much creativity, vitality and talent is represented in our area. Many of these acts have promising futures ahead, and it is always a joy to see how music from this state evolves and captivates ears and hearts, locally and sometimes worldwide.
To all the musicians, venues, labels and audiophiles in RI, we salute you, and we hope you enjoyed the celebration!
How were nominees and winners chosen? Here’s a deep dive into the process. From Nominee to winner is pretty straightforward — readers and members of the public vote (limit one per person please)
The 2023 Winners of the RI Music Awards:
Americana
Favorite Act
World Music
Favorite R&B Act
Favorite Small – Medium Venue
The Parlour
Favorite Live Act
Favorite Country Act
Jake Hunsinger & The Rock Bottom Band
Favorite open mic –
The Parlour
Favorite Singer/Songwriter
Favorite Americana Vocalist
Favorite Bluegrass Band –
Favorite Jazz Act:
Favorite Concert Photographer-
Lisa Gourley
Favorite Blues Act
Favorite Choral Act
Providence Gay Men’s Chorus
Favorite Folk Act
Street Band/Brass Band/Marching Band (Mobile)
Large Instrumental Ensemble (Stationary)
Favorite Americana Festival
Rhode Island Folk Festival
Favorite Music Video
Alternative
Favorite Act
Favorite Jam Band
Indie Rock
Favorite Alt/Rock Live Act
Favorite Reggae Act –
Favorite SKA Band
Favorite Garage Band
Favorite Noise Band
Favorite Pop-Punk Act
Favorite Punk Act
Favorite Hardcore Act
Favorite Metal Act
Favorite PROG / Emo Act
Favorite Cover Band
Take It to the Bridge
Favorite Tribute Band
The Winehouse Project – Amy Winehouse
Favorite Alt/Rock Vocalist
Breakthrough act –
Favorite Album
Favorite Karaoke Night
The Parlour
Favorite Alt Festival
PVD Fest
Favorite Sound Person
Kris Hansen
Favorite Promoter
Rob Duguay
Electronica:
Favorite Hip Hop Act
Favorite Hip-Hop Album
Breakthrough Hip Hop Act
Favorite DJ
Pauly Danger
Favorite Dance Night
POW! Indie Dance Party (@ Dusk)
Favorite Electronic Act:
Gothic / Post-Punk Act:
