OEA Award nominations announced; and who is Daniel Christian?
by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com
Well, despite my stepping down as an Academy Member (see why here), the OEAAs continues to function. The list of nominees was announced on their website yesterday, here. As always, there are lots of surprises. Among them: Who is Best Roots/Americana/Country/Bluegrass nominee Lymphnode Maniacs? Who is Best New Artist nominee Hello From Ghost Valley?
But the biggest question of all: Who is the multiple category nominee (including for Artist of the Year, and Best Alternative/Indie) Daniel Christian? How has this maverick, who apparently is better than Tim Kasher, Conor Oberst, most of the Slumber Party roster (congrats, Noah’s Ark) and Speed! Nebraska artists, and acts like Box Elders and Digital Leather (currently touring in Europe) managed to escape my ever-inquisitive ears?
I did a little research on Christian’s Myspace page and here’s what I found: “Out of Nebraska comes a singer-songwriter who blends pop/rock sensibilities with country/folk roots. He weaves hooky, stick-in-your-head melodies backed by big harmonies with thought-provoking lyrical content. The result is a style of art and entertainment that audiences have dubbed organic ‘thought rock,’ which, according to fans, ‘sounds like cinnamon rolls taste!”
The entry goes on to say that Christian has won two National Country Music Festival awards. His debut album, I Am Merely Sand, was released in 2007. “The collection of critically acclaimed songs features such notable talent as Grammy®-winning bassist Charlie Chadwick (Pam Tillis, Steve Earle, Peter Frampton) and guitarist Pat Bergeson (Chet Atkins, Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett).” Impressive.
In addition, Christian is a “member of the American Federation of Musicians, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and the Nebraska Arts Council. He is also a founding member of Nebraska’s chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and in 2008, composed the school song for Johnson County Central High School in his hometown of Tecumseh, NE.”
So there you have it. I may never have heard of him, but obviously someone has or else he wouldn’t be nominated for an award that honors the best musician/performer in the Omaha/Lincoln area for the past year. I listened to a few of the songs while on Christian’s Myspace, which I would describe as middle-of-the-road James Taylor. Well recorded, if not boring. But I figured the best way to really check out Christian’s music is to see him perform live, but according to his gig schedule it looks like he’s currently on some sort of regional pumpkin-patch tour, as he has a slew of gigs slated for Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, followed by a dining hall performance at Central Community College in Columbus. He is, however, playing at Myth in the Old Market Oct. 28 (no cover!), but that’s it for Omaha/Lincoln gigs. So… How did he manage to get nominated for Artist of the Year? It’s just one of the many mysteries that surrounds the OEAAs.
Regardless, good luck to all the contestants.
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Tonight at The Barley Street Tavern, All Young Girls Are Machine Guns (an OEAA nominee for Best Adult Alternative/Singer-Songwriter) performs with The Migrant, Tenderness Wilderness, and Chad Wallin. $5, 9 p.m.
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Tomorrow: Reviews of last Friday night’s Conduits/Dim Light show (w/pics).
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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2010 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.
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Daniel Christian was nominated by the public. One slot in each category goes to the top public nominee. He was nominated in some categories last year as well. He has played the Barley Street many times, and other venues in town.
Hello From Ghost Valley is a new project featuring Dustin from Paria and Lawrence from Civic Minded. They have an EP out and have been performing live.
Lymphnode Maniacs is the public nominee imn R & B and Soul and not Americana-the website does look a little messed up (getting fixed) and so that may be why it looks like it does.
Comment by MarQ — October 19, 2010 @ 2:11 pm
Daniel Christian is an incredibly talented musican! I was so ecstatic to hear that he was nominated! His lyrics are thought provoking and inspirational, not to mention he can really tear it up on piano and guitar! Not only is he an amazing performer with an impressive background, but he possesses a likeable charm and humor that draws audiences in. I would absolutely suggest catching a show if you get a chance. Shake his hand and say hello. Daniel Christian is the real deal.
Comment by Anne — October 21, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
Daniel Christian has also played The Acoustic Roundtable, Micks (when it was opened), The Pizza Shoppe, a slew of coffee houses, The Roxbury…and more. He’s been around for a number of years. One would do themselves a great service by checking them out if they are interested in checking out some rare talent.
Oh, and I also feel compelled to mention he plays guitar, piano, drums, sings lead vocals, can harmonize with the best of ’em, built his own website, and produced both of his OUTSTANDING albums (not boring, as long as we’re throwing out personal opinions here).
And all of this from a guy who couldn’t be kinder if you paid him to.
Comment by Chalee — October 21, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
Very talented musician, indeed, and worthy of the nomination. I have been fortunate enough to have met him and experienced one of his shows. Unfortunately, I haven’t had an opportunity to see him lately, but I am hoping I will soon! And Chalee is spot on with her comment about his demeanor. Very, very nice guy.
Comment by Matt — October 21, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
I have not come across a talent as great as Daniel Christian in a very long time! He is extremely deserving of these nominations and I am so excited to see someone is giving this musician the recognition he deserves. He is not only an amazing performer, but will take the time to come and personally thank you, and shake your hand for being at a show to listen to his music. He is truly appreciative of his fans. I agree with the previous comments, you will not find a kinder man, and dare I say it, more talented guy around these parts. Well done, DC! I’m rooting for you!
Comment by Amanda — October 21, 2010 @ 5:53 pm
Daniel Christian is a very talented musician and singer/songwriter who has played at a multitude of venues over the last several years, most frequently in the Lincoln/Omaha area. Both of his albums are a refreshing change from the norm, and his lyrics are unique, moving, and as frequently described, thought-provoking.
Boring? Did you LISTEN to the songs?
I don’t feel like listening to a “few songs” once is enough to make a judgment about an artist. And I don’t know what gig schedule you were looking at, but there are several Lincoln and Omaha gigs booked in the coming months, and certainly more will be added. Yes, you DO need to attend a gig to accurately make judgments about, well, frankly, ANY artist!
I could go on and on, but I won’t. Regardless of your opinion, the proof is in the nominations! And if you’ve never heard of Daniel Christian before…you certainly won’t be forgetting him now!
Comment by ~mandy~ — October 21, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
Feels like an episode of When Daniel Christian Fans Attack.
Comment by Mike — October 22, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
[…] feedback on Tuesday’s blog entry regarding OEA nominations. You can read most of it in the comments section. OEA organizer MarQ Manner posted that anonymous Artist of the Year nominee Daniel Christian was a […]
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