About the showcase

Deep Ellum was transformed on Saturday, December 7th to allow the public to sample the sounds of the 31st Annual Dallas Observer Music Showcase. Visitors were able to gather and listen to 40 different local musical acts who performed on several different venues around the neighborhood. Some of the venues included Club Dada Indoor & Outdoor Stage, Off the Record, Reno’s Chop Shop, Ruins, Three Links & Trees. 

How do they pick the lineup? 

Dallas is lucky enough to have thousands of up and coming and incredible bands across the metroplex. Narrowing down the options into a select batch is difficult. In order to cut down to the 40 best fit for the showcase Dallas Observer polls a variety of individuals closely linked to the Dallas music scene-- this includes promoters, fans, and musicians themselves. Close to 200 finalists are then separated into 38 categories on the 2019 Dallas Observer Music Awards Ballot.

How the awards went down 

The showcase was originally created to demonstrate Dallas’ thriving local talent that has continuously been moving the music scene and continues to do so. On Tuesday, December 10th Dallas music fans gathered together to celebrate Dallas’ pride, local artists, and raw musical talent. Several nominated acts, including Jacob Metcalf and Doug Burr, performed, lifetime achievement winner, Erykah Badu, graced the audience with an inspiring speech,  and Midlake even reunited to perform a stellar closing act. We were so excited to see some of our current and past clients including Tippy Balady nominated for Best Music Video, Remy Reilly nominated for Best Female Singer, and Frankie Leonie nominated for Best Country Act participate this year! It's always one of our fave Dallas events. 

Who were some of the big winners? 

Best Album: Wish You Were Here, Joshua Ray Walker

Best DJ: Wanz Dover

Best Female Singer: Leah Lane, Rosegarden Funeral Party

Best Male Vocalist: Keite Young, Medicine Man Revival

Best Group Act: Rosegarden Funeral Party

Best Music Video: “Cocaine Country Dancing,” Paul Cauthen

Best New Artist: Secrecies

Best Producer: Jason Burt

Best Radio Show/Podcast: De Colores Radio

Best Record Label: Dreamy Life Records

Best Song: “Canyon,” Joshua Ray Walker

Best Songwriter: Rakim Al-Jabbaar

Best Talent Buyer/ Promoter: Margin Walker