Medford in the mix at Boston Music Awards
Eight nominees have ties to Medford and 3 have ties to MHS
When the Boston Music Awards are presented in December, Medford will be in the house with a host of nominees.
“I’m amazed at how many Medford people there are,” said Kier Byrnes, of Kier Byrnes and the Kettle Burners.
Byrnes and his band are nominated for Americana Artist of the Year, an award they won in 2024, yet he said this year’s nomination came as a complete surprise.
“We’re a little overwhelmed but it’s a great feeling,” he said.
Byrnes’ band is known for being “a high-octane blend of face-melting accordion and chicken pickin’ electric guitar,” and they are just one of eight Medford based nominees.
The entire list includes:
Max Heinegg: Spoken Word Artist of the Year; The official website of Max Heinegg
Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners: Americana Artist of the Year; www.kierbyrnes.com
KSAP: Video of the Year – “100 Miles” ; Instagram
Jill McCracken: Singer/Songwriter of the Year: Jill McCracken Official
Savoir Faire: Jazz Artist of the Year; Savoir Faire
Medford Brewing Company: Music Night of the Year – “Wednesday Wax at Medford Brewing”; Events from November 25 – November 28 – Medford Brewing Company
Deep Cuts: Music Venue of the Year (under 250 capacity); Eatery - Brewery - Live Music | Deep Cuts
The Ghouls (technically they’re from Lowell, but drummer Bryce Maher is from Medford): Album/EP of the Year – “Handle With Care”; Home - The Ghouls
Byrnes called it great to see Medford talent getting some recognition, “especially at a level as prominent as in the Boston Music Awards. Medford may not be as big as Boston, but it’s got a lot going on.”
Like Byrnes, Max Heinegg was surprised by his nomination and joked that he’s pretty sure it’s a mistake. He said he suspects that when people think of spoken word performances, most think of Button Poetry or slam poetry, which is competitive, often high energy and sometimes includes audience participation.
“I don’t do that,” Heinegg said. “That’s where I’m probably a little different, that’s why I was a little surprised.”
Heinegg, who teaches literature and poetry at Medford High School, has been doing poetry readings for about 35 years. He is also currently the city’s poet laureate.
But, despite being, what he called, the old guard, he’s also thrilled to be included, he said.
“The world has been generous,” Heinegg said.
What really thrills him, however, are just how many Medford artists have been nominated and the variety of ages and genres. The Ghouls are considered alt/rock/power pop, while KSAP is a rapper, Savior Faire is a jazz artist and McCracken is soul. And Heinegg, Savior Faire and KSAP have another connection – Medford High School.
Heinegg and Savior Faire, otherwise known as Sarah Fard, teach at MHS where KSAP is a student.
But Medford has become a growing mecca for live music of all kinds. From the Ford Tavern, Mrs. Murphy’s and Deep Cuts, to The Great American Beer Hall, Medford Brewing Company and of course the Chevalier Theatre, live music is, well, alive and well in Medford.
“Everyone’s got a niche,” said Heinegg, who is also the co-founder and master brewer for the Medford Brewing Company.
He said Deep Cuts lifts up newer indie/ punk bands while Medford Brewing is more acoustic. The Chevalier plays host to everyone from Mary Chapen Carpenter to Cyndi Lauper to Joe Jackson.
Kiers attributes the rise in live music to the support of the community. Not only are residents coming out to local venues for live music, but the city itself sponsors free concerts at the Condon Shell and the Farmers Market, he said.
“I think the support of the town has been a big part of it,” said Byrnes. “My band and I feel very proud to be part of the up and coming music and arts scene in Medford. There is so much talent here in the city.”
Byrnes said he will definitely be attending the music awards on Dec. 17 at Big Night Live.
“I’ve actually gone in the past just to support fellow artists,” he said.
He said it’s nice to celebrate all the talent in one room together because they are rarely in a room all together.
“There is a level of comradery between musicians, it’s very supportive,” he added.
“We’re really excited to represent the city,” Heinegg said. “It’s a feather in your cap and just really cool to be a part of it.”
