It’s worth noting that Paranoid Social Club won every category they were nominated in — except this one. What is it about Headstart!’s live show that caused fans to mark the box next to their names here, where they didn’t for Best Act? Maybe it’s just that they’re younger and therefore hungrier. Maybe it’s simply that there are more of them, thus more action on stage. Kevin Kennie, as frontman, doesn’t play an instrument, and thus is free to throw himself all over the freakin’ stage.

Maybe people have seen Kennie throw himself off of enough stack amps and stages to know that Headstart! care more about their stage show than just about anything else. Which is saying something, considering the care and attention to detail that went into their recently released sophomore album, Sincerely Yours. This is a band who care about every ounce of persona they project, how every fan sees them, every first impression.

So, who else would have rolled up to the front door of the Pavilion for the Awards Show in a limo? Who else would have outfitted themselves in hideous (sorry guys) blue jumpsuits? Who else would have taken their opportunity to play live for the crowd to add in special guest turns from 6gig’s Walt Craven and the Awesome’s Katherine Albee?

If nothing else, the live show is about creativity and energy, and Headstart! have both in abundance. If you haven’t seen that for yourself, you’re missing out.

Runners up: Paranoid Social Club, Sly-Chi