After dropping a new single this fall featuring the legendary J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.), Weakened Friends look to once again dominate the Boston Music Awards by racking up five total nominations; including (but definitely not limited to) Unsigned Artist of the Year. The indie powerhouse has been stomping around the country for most of the year, ripping off their gleaming rhythms and catchy pop-laden hooks for packed clubs and halls. We have no doubts they have plenty left in the tank for a performance at this year's BMAs, and it's personally one of our most anticipated events of the night. -- Andrew Maroney, Director of Operations, Studio 52

Dynamic surf rockers Vundabar provide a follow-up to their nomination at the 2016 Boston Music Awards of Rock/Indie Artist of the Year by joining our list of nominations for Unsigned Artist of the Year. Their 2017 album "Gawk" is brimming with fuzzy guitars and haunting melodies set to an upbeat rhythm you can't help but move to. Vundabar drop into this year's BMAs with their new album on the horizon, and we have a strong feeling a great year for them is to follow. - Andrew Maroney, Director of Operations, Studio 52

Pop Funk/Party Rock septet Ripe has been making waves all around New England since their 2013 release "Produce the Juice". Dancey funk with a touch of soul creates a feel good energetic vibe for listeners to move to. This year they released their banging single "On My Mind," and left fans with fingers crossed in hopes for a new full-length. Currently on a North American tour that caps off with two nights in a row at Paradise in February, these guys show no sign of slowing down any time soon. - Trevor McSweeney, Studio 52

Hip hop artist Latrell James stands out amongst other rappers for one simple reason; dude can sing. His songs have a great balance of old school hip hop verses and choruses that border on an R&B Frank Ocean type sound. Although James has been a staple in the Boston hip-hop scene since his 2015 debut album "Twelve," he recently gained national recognition after doing a song for the Cheerios "Good Goes Around" ad campaign. Word is James has a new album in the works, set to release in late 2017 or early 2018. -- Trevor McSweeney, Studio 52

Nominated last year for New Artist of the Year, Lady Pills bring their unadulterated indie-rock once again to this year's Boston Music Awards. Lady Pills' dance-inducing tunes have been a favorite of ours since the release of their full-length "Despite." The album displayed Lady Pills' penchant for providing their listeners with authentic lyrics and signature spectral refrains. Their new song (appropriately entitled "Old Song") further solidifies their nomination in our Unsigned Artist of the Year category. -- Andrew Maroney, Director of Operations, Studio 52

Somerville's Julie Rhodes expands the Boston music scene with her sensational soul-filled blues that hits the spot for any fan of the genre. Her latest full-length album "Bound to Meet the Devil" combines her infallible howling with eccentric rock and blues rhythms that has cemented her and her band as one of Boston's greatest unsigned acts. Voted New Artist of the Year at the 2016 Boston Music Awards, Rhodes amasses another four nominations this year including the Unsigned Artist of the Year award. -- Andrew Maroney, Director of Operations, Studio 52

Drawing influence from seventies punk and new wave; bassist, singer, and songwriter Carissa Johnson writes catchy post-punk songs that stand out. Powerful guitar tones and banging drums compliment her gleaming vocals and ripping bass lines. Although her band is a concise three-piece, their sound is so powerful you wouldn't know it, and their on stage energy is through the roof. -- Trevor McSweeney | Studio 52