It’s hard to believe another year on Greenville’s music scene is in the rearview mirror, but it’s time once again to look back over the year and talk about the best and brightest in the Upstate. Here’s a brief, and by no means complete, breakdown of who and what rocked our 2021.
Album Of The Year: Niel Brooks, “Senatohoba”
In a turbulent year, Niel Brooks released a sort of tonic with “Senatohoba.” The homemade gem is a multi-layered mix of instrumental and vocal tracks, mixing folk, country and progressive influences into a cohesive whole. Whether he’s recalling classic country divas on “Nashville Babylon” or bidding farewell to his grandfather on “Winter Mourn,” Brooks created a lovely, compelling musical world on “Senatohoba,” one that rewards repeated listens.
Best Band: Phantom Ships
Phantom Ships’ music mixes the darkness of goth-rock with the sheer noise of early 1990’s shoegaze to create something unique, ominous, complex and eerie. Their debut album, released in February, was a thrilling collection of wide-screen epics, and it’ll be exciting to see how the band continues to evolve. If you like bands that make a big noise with their guitars, give Phantom Ships a shot.
Local Artist Of The Year: Saul Seibert
This year, former Boo Hag frontman Saul Seibert turned his artistic life into an open book. Posting frequently on social media, Seibert discussed everything from breaking up his signature band to his upcoming projects to his need for new musicians, going into remarkable depth about each step of his artistic process. He also occasionally gave advice to up-and-coming musicians on the local scene. Whether or not you actually agree with what Seibert said in those posts, he made a brave choice to pull back the artistic curtain on his career and his passions, and he should be commended for it.
Best Show (Small Venue): Local Flowers at Fall For Greenville, Live At Aloft Stage
Combining one of the Upstate’s most talented rappers, Shyland Flowers, with a collective of live musicians including guitarist John Durham, drummer Dr. LuvBeatz and vocalist Barryle, the Local Flowers project was one of the most exciting musical blends of the year. Their Fall For Greenville show, mixing Flowers’ verses with rock, soul and funk backdrops, was a glimpse into how great the Upstate music scene could be with a little more collaboration and a little more cross-genre pollination.
Best Show (Large Venue): James Taylor and His All-Star Band w/ Jackson Browne, Bon Secours Wellness Arena
James Taylor’s body of work is so iconic that it deserves a legendary band to perform it, and that’s what Taylor brought with him to his Bon Secours Wellness Arena show on Nov. 16. Taylor and his All-Star Band navigated their way through a delightful setlist of favorites, covering everything from “Fire & Rain” to “Copperline” and beyond. Add in the fact that Taylor brought equally beloved singer/songwriter Jackson Browne along for the ride, and you have the makings of a classic, unforgettable concert.
