>>> BEST LOCAL INTERNET RADIO ACTION

NWCZ Radio

Propelled by the success of the Northwest Convergence Zone podcast, creator Darrell Fortune and crew birthed a full-fledged, Northwest-focused Internet radio phenomenon this year with NWCZRadio.com. With an ever-growing lineup of shows and hosts - including names like Big Wheel Stunt Show's Justin "The Gimmer" Gimse, former News Tribune music scribe Ernest Jasmin, DJ Darren Selector, Dave Samson, Kevin Heiderich, Chance Pittenger and DJ Databit - NWCZ Radio has helped bring Tacoma's entire musical landscape closer together, which is pretty awesome. At this point, it's pretty much the only "radio station" a Tacoman needs. - Matt Driscoll

>>> BEST BAND TO GET WASTED AND FALL DOWN TO

Sok and the Faggots

With one of the more offensive names in local punk, Sok and the boys dish out catchy, booze-fueled "rape-rock" in the vein of legends like GG Allin and Antiseen, yet at the same time are completely adorable and inviting. Your mom and dad would NOT be amused by song titles I can't even put into print, but you'll be screaming the chorus by the end of the night. Try to out-drink these guys and you will end up in rehab. And be careful, if you don't pay attention you might get puked on from the stage. You've been warned! - Jason McKibbin

>>> BEST STRAIGHT-UP ROCK RECORD

Cheetah Milque by Big Wheel Stunt Show

How's this for a mindfuck: at this time in Tacoma music, a straight-ahead, handlebar-mustache-proud, guitar-heavy throwback rock band can seem like a bit of a novelty. In a sea of hipster-driven New Wave reverence, or SOTA-fueled sonic exploration, or the always-pulsing Tacoma metal/punk scene, Big Wheel Stunt Show lays it down old school. The result in February was the release of Cheetah Milque, a damn fine rock record, and an arena-suited, explosive effort well worth its time in your T-Bird ... or Subaru, or iPod Shuffle, or whatever. The fire of guitarist Evan Nagle is hard to deny. - MD

>>> BEST VIDEO

Leezy Soprano's "Back To It"

There might've been videos out there with bigger budgets than this one, but they didn't have the impact of Leezy Soprano's "Back To It." This is the video that set it off for Leezy, the current leader of the Tacoma street-hop scene. The video showcases Leezy's flow and energy. His infectious wordplay, dope cadences and all-around swag are evident. Leezy is quickly becoming one of the most respected MC's out of Tacoma. Not too many other rappers are mixing clever lyrics with street-themes as well as Leezy Soprano is right now. - JR

>>> BEST IMPRESSIVE CROWD

Vicci Martinez at Art on the Ave

Holy shit. Did you see all the people who turned out for Vicci Martinez's recent Art on the Ave gig? I counted, and it was, like, at least a gazillion. But seriously, folks, it was a lot. That's the power of NBC's The Voice. But even more - that's the power of Martinez and her infectious performances. We better get used to it. Really, it's been an inevitability since the beginning. Vicci Martinez has "it." She's one of the few. The crowd she frothed up at this year's Art on the Ave will prove to be only the beginning. - MD  

>>> BEST MIXTAPE

Second Family's 2:53: Sleep Deprivation

So many mixtapes have dropped this year, but Second Family's 2:53: Sleep Deprivation really solidified the group as the top hardcore hip-hop group coming out of Tacoma. Second Family was highly respected before this mixtape, but Sleep Deprivation showcases Noquezt's lyrical abilities. He stepped his word-game up and is now neck-and-neck and toe-to-toe with partner Element. They both are now monstrous MC's, lyrically at the top of the game. Second Family is extremely hungry and is probably the most respected group from the scene right now. - Josh Rizeberg

Photo credit: Steve Dunkelberger

>>> BEST ONSTAGE BANTER

Basemint

The live experience is something that sometimes gets overlooked in the gestation of a band. Making a performance distinctive from the recording or engaging the audience between songs is of no small importance. Of the bands in this town, one of the most enjoyable to see live is Basemint, partially for frontman Spencer Kelley's funny and off-the-cuff interstitial comments. He's relaxed and confident in the best way possible, and a naturally funny person, which makes for a delightful onstage presence. Add to that how kickass Basemint is in general, and it's a near-unstoppable combination. - Rev. Adam McKinney

>>> BEST UNDERGROUND BRINGERS OF MUSICAL GOODNESS

The Warehouse

Although no longer housed in the "Warehouse," fab-three team, Adam Ydstie, Katie Lowery and Doug Stoeckicht strive to keep bringing us some of the best lineups in Tacoma. Collaborating with local venues and house-show locales, the Warehouse team produces performances featuring new and established talents from indie rock to experimental. Remember the Head and the Heart in Tacoma's Graffiti Garage lit with flashlights? Intimate venues, amazing artists - the Warehouse is brilliant at bringing out underground musical goodness. Dare I say one of the leading contributors to Tacoma's flourishing music scene. Bravo. - Jackie Fender

>>> BEST CHARACTER-BASED PERFORMANCE

Swampy Draws

Swampy Draws is an absurd creation - a punk-rock jug band that brings its own outhouse-themed backdrop to every performance. The trio wear filthy overalls and bandanas, tell ridiculous stories, play vaguely Appalachian-sounding odes to supermarkets and sometime slip in the odd Outkast cover. All of this makes for a silly, slightly off-color and truly fun show. Led by Swampy Draws, the band is rounded out by people named Mudbutt Mysterioso and Pootooth McDinglesharts. Swampy Draws is like what would happen if a bunch of 11-year-olds formed a band after watching Quick Draw McGraw while listening to Frank Zappa. - AM

>>> BEST SHIT-TALKERS AND RABBLEROUSERS

Red Hex

In their history as a band, Red Hex have been nothing if not vocal. Offstage and on, the punk rock spirit is pushed and maintained by the band. They make it a point to never slide by with effusive praise, always insisting on people being full of the least amount of shit possible. Red Hex holds grudges, which they are very upfront about, and are not afraid to speak out when they see something they don't like. This can be frustrating and admirable, depending on whether you're in their firing line, or you're the one standing against the wall. - AM

>>> BEST BAND TO INVOKE ANCIENT EVIL WITH

Infernal Legion

For the true rivethead who likes his metal loud and evil, I present to you the granddaddies of Tacoma Metal! This band has been blasting out THE most evil tunes in town for years; they're signed to a European label; and they're genuinely a little scary - much in the same way Venom, Slayer and Celtic Frost were scary when I was 14. All teenage boys should be exposed to dark, mysterious bands that speak of wicked secrets. And these days, bands like Infernal Legion can actually play their instruments instead of just bashing out noise about the Devil! - JM

>>> BEST FREESTYLE

EvergreenOne's "La La La La"

Yeah, I know it wasn't a true off-the-top. Nonetheless, it was an extremely dope verse. We've heard many of those before from EvergreenOne, but "La La La La" had something special. After he dropped this video no one could deny EvergreenOne had chops. Before this video some may have considered him just a cool guy, party-it-up MC. After this video I highly doubt he has any doubters left. EvergreenOne can and does get down with the best of them. Thanks to this video we all know it now. He's young and he will continue to climb to the top. - JR

>>> BEST NEW HIP-HOP ARTIST

Havi Blaze

Not too many artists get as many props as Havi Blaze is getting. Many consider him to be the top MC in Tacoma right now. Technically he lives in Seattle, but he's a Tac' native who still reps the 253. Also, technically he's not a new artist, but a new solo artist; his group, the Realest, are highly regarded in the area. Havi dropped a string of sophisticated, well-thought-out, mature, complex, deeply personal singles that garnered him much respect in the Washington scene. He's now opening for big-time national acts when they hit Seattle. - JR

>>> BEST ATTORNEY WITH A DARK SIDE

Howard Comfort III aka Angus

This dude knows how to rock 24 hours a day. Wielding a Superman-like persona, Howard Comfort suits up as a Tacoma attorney specializing in divorce during the day, but come sunset ... watch out! Comfort doesn't need a telephone booth for a quick change into his nighttime role as guitarist for Soul Stripper, Tacoma's premier AC/DC tribute band. Needless to say, if you're ever going to leave your spouse for someone in a band, he's got you covered. Hey, it happens.  - Steph DeRosa

>>> BEST BAND TO POGO AND DANCE TO

Psycho 78

A band that started by blasting out Misfits covers, Psycho 78 sure has grown into a song-writing powerhouse! Cranking out catchy, bouncy songs one after another, Psycho 78 is quickly becoming a popular draw in Tacoma. Their brand of pop punk reminds me of old Green Day (before MTV exposure) and is definitely more "happy" than most local bands. In my mind that makes Pscycho 78 a breath of fresh air; the band always brings a smile to my face and a constant head nod when they play. Even their self-produced CDs are great for repeated listening. - JM

>>> BEST BAND TO MAKE YOU WANT TO FIGHT THE SYSTEM & START A RIOT

Red White and Die

For fans of the political punk style, à la Dead Kennedys with the power of GBH, you NEED to check out this band! They write fist-pumping sing-along power punk that screams out a great message against racism, sexism, fascism, etc. Larger-than-life frontman Cal Rebels has kept this outfit rolling for a number of years now and has really helped to bring the Pyrate Punx to life in this fine City of Destiny. Songs like "Riot!" and "Fuck Whitey" really get the circle pit moving and are perfect for smart punks of all ages, races and creeds. VIVA R.W.D.!!! - JM

>>> BEST BAND TO SOUNDTRACK A BAR FIGHT

Ten Miles of Bad Road

Full-on bar fights never quite explode in real life like they do in the movies. But if a punch were to be thrown at just the wrong time, and the bar were to erupt in smashed chairs and flying beer bottles, Ten Miles of Bad Road might just be the best band to be playing when the first man crashes through the plate glass window. Their music is a hybrid of punk and country - a ragged and hoarse monster. The band's shows call for copious amounts of whiskey and beer, and it's easy to get caught up in a fuck-you attitude when that harmonica kicks in.  - AM

Photo credit: Jen Cook-Asaro

>>> BEST BAR & VENUE TO MAKE YOU FORGET YOU'RE IN TACOMA

The Swiss

Inside the Swiss lives the thing singles-night legends are made of. Vast expanses of open floor, free-flowing booze and a stage as grand as any in town invite Tacoma's nightlife crowd to come in from the slow pace and slowly changing lights of downtown and shake off the cold. There's nothing a few drinks, a few tunes taken in on the packed-ass dance floor and a few lusty stares from a lubed-up live music lover can't overcome. You'll forget you're in Tacoma, at least until spilling out onto the street sometime after midnight. Good times had by all. - Michael Swan

[The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

>>> BEST DJ TO LEARN SOMETHING FROM

DJ Melodica

Don't you love that moment when you're at a bar, you hear something you like and you ask the DJ just who you're listening to? Known as DJ Melodica, John Hodgson must field many such questions every time he spins. His record collection runs awfully deep, and he has a wealth of knowledge about music, ranging from post-punk and New Wave, to early electronica and Motown, to Britpop and TV show theme songs. In addition to DJ'ing between sets at rock clubs, he also curates a night of music every Monday at Magoo's Annex - Micro Mondays. Go learn something. - AM