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Charlotte is known for banking and football. But what can be said of the Charlotte music scene?Join award-winning host Joni Deutsch every other Thursday for Amplifier, the new music podcast from WFAE, where we shine a light on the artists who call Charlotte home. You just might find a new favorite song along the way.In 2019, Amplifier was named Charlotte Magazine’s “Best Podcast,” received a local Edward R. Murrow Award for “Excellence in Innovation” and was honored for innovation in music/arts podcasting by The Webby Awards (named “The Internet’s Highest Honor” by The New York Times).Subscribe to the podcast:Apple Podcasts NPR One Google PlayStitcher TuneIn RadioPublic RSS

The 10 Charlotte Musicians Who Inspired Us In 2019

Elevator Jay

Since it launched in September 2018, the "Amplifier" music podcast has received more than 600 submissions from artists and music professionals across the Charlotte area. On our submission form, we asked one question in particular: “Who has been your favorite person to work with in the Charlotte music scene?” The responses were inspiring and showed us that there is definitely more to Charlotte music than meets the eye (or ear).

Scroll through to see some of these artists and how they have inspired others in Charlotte in 2019 (and beyond).

Elevator Jay

“When I first met Elevator Jay, I instantly saw how special he was. Seeing how much of a huge impact he is to the city makes me want to be a better person and artist.” – Neo-R&B artist Cyanca

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Elevator Jay here

Credit Lucia De Giovanni
Justin Fedor

Justin Fedor

We've played the Benefit for Levine Children's Hospital show a couple of times, which is put together at the Neighborhood Theatre a couple times a year by Justin Fedor. It's always wonderful to be able to play music, but especially when it actually supports something beautiful outside of ourselves.” – Alternative/indie band Bless These Sounds Under the City

“Justin Fedor is an incredible person and musician who does a tremendous amount of good for the community.” – Electro-alternative act The Wormholes

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Justin Fedor here

Credit SOLIS

SOLIS

“Leo Solis has been an incredible producer and engineer and has worked hard to push us to sound our best and mesh as a band.” – Alt-country group The Wilt

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with SOLIS here

Credit Greg Cox

Greg Cox

“Greg Cox is a vibe guy. Good vibes just flow from his attitude and his work as a producer, musician and artist. We’ve produced, written and recorded a few songs together and they are all songs that you don’t just listen to… you feel.” – Music producer Dae-Lee

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Greg Cox here

Credit Steve Moore

Joe Kuhlmann

“One of my favorite people to work with in Charlotte is Joe Kuhlmann. Joe was one of the first venue owners/managers I talked to in Charlotte, and he’s continued to support me and help me improve as a performer. I wouldn’t have been able to be where I am without him, and I will always be grateful for what he does for the Charlotte music scene as a whole.” – Singer-songwriter Dane Page

“I can always count on Joe Kuhlmann of The Evening Muse to give me real, critical feedback about my performance and music. It's also the reason why he's one of my best friends.” – The Eyebrows’ Jay Garrigan

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Joe Kuhlmann here

Credit Kara Perry

Self Aware Records

“Sarah Blumenthal and Josh Robbins have an almost bewildering passion for supporting musicians and the art they create, and it’s knowing that people like them still exist that makes me feel slightly less dispirited about the music industry.” – Indie band Petrov

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Self Aware Records here

Credit Amy Vanderplow

Dexter Jordan

“Dexter Jordan is one of those rare, genuine souls. His connection with God and the spiritual is so real, you just feel it in his music and when you're with him in person. He's really given me so much strength to keep pursuing music and inspired me with his voice.” – Latinx artist Quisol

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Dexter Jordan here

Credit Caroline Keller Band

Caroline Keller Band

“Caroline Keller Band is one of the nicest bands in Charlotte. The fact that they write absolutely stellar songs, are great performers, and are incredibly hard-working makes them one of my favorite acts around. I'm extremely fortunate and grateful that I get to work with these fine folks.” – Music producer/sound engineer Chris Garges

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Caroline Keller Band here

Credit Daniel Coston

Jason Scavone

“My favorite has been Charlotte-based producer Jason Scavone. He truly gets my music and as a singer songwriter himself has been a great mentor and collaborator.” – Folk-pop artist Brit Drozda

“Far and away, Jason Scavone. He has produced all of my music. Jason is a very talented musician, writer, producer. He hears my songs, hears my vision and helps me achieve what I want. He has an excellent 'ear.'” – Lucinda Lucas

Listen to the "Amplifier" episode with Jason Scavone here

DJ Fannie Mae
Credit Chris Smalls
DJ Fannie Mae

DJ Fannie Mae

“Tiffany Berry - a.k.a. DJ Fannie Mae - is extraordinary in her craft. She is an atypical disc jockey because she is a musician in her own right. That makes our experience and relationship with her different than we've had with other DJs; her musicianship makes her an actual collaborator of musical ideas. I love the fact that talking and working with her has opened up a unique opportunity for A Sign of the Times to learn about and share 'ideas' with younger members of the music scene. We've 'adopted' her as part of our 'family.' Fannie is the real deal.” – A Sign of the Times’ Toni Tupponce

Listen to the Amplifier episode with DJ Fannie Mae here

Joni Deutsch was the manager for on-demand content and audience engagement, at WFAE, where also hosted the Amplified podcast and helped produce such podcasts as FAQ City, SouthBound, Inside Politics, Work It and the Apple Podcast chart-topping series She Says. Joni also led WFAE's and Charlotte's first podcast festival.