Bandcamp Friday Roundup: Special Edition Homey Awards 2024
(Clockwise: Roberta Faceplant, Brett Talley, The MAKs, All The Living And The Dead, Emily Drinker, Maggie Mae)
In this special Bandcamp Friday edition, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the winners and performers from this year’s Homey Awards. For over 20 years, Mark Rogers has been championing the region’s best music on his radio show Hometown Heroes. And for the past 19 years, the Homey Awards have brought the community together for a friendly showdown to see whose tunes are the catchiest, vibiest, and all-around best live at Wilmington’s favorite venue, The Queen.
Since 2020, Hometown Heroes has been part of the Delaware Public Media family, airing Sundays from 7–9 PM on 91.1 WDDE (Dover) and 88.1 WMHS (Wilmington), with a Wednesday 9 PM rebroadcast. You can also stream it anytime at delawarepublic.org, or catch additional airings on WCHE 1520AM/95.3FM. The show is made possible in part by the Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, and the generous donations of listeners like you.
If you missed the Homey Awards but still want to celebrate our local music scene, consider jumping in on Bandcamp Friday—when Bandcamp waives its fees so more money goes straight to the artists who deserve it. Browse, buy, and spread a little local love.
If you’re a musician who wants to be featured in The Gable Verse, send your links here.
Roberta Faceplant
Roberta Faceplant is a rowdy, good-time honky tonk band straight out of Philadelphia. Frontwoman Katie Feeney, known for her infectious personality and powerhouse vocals, snagged Best Lead Singer at this year’s Homey Awards. The band also took home Best Band and Best Country/Americana Song for their foot-stompin’ hit “Yee Haw Stuff.” You can dive into their music online ahead of their next big release — a self-released six-song EP, Brisket & Cigarettes, dropping Friday, September 26, 2025. Celebrate with them that same night at Dumpster Out Back in Philly, where they’ll share the stage with Mandy Valentine and Candy.
Brett Talley
Brett Talley is a Delaware-based musician who had the crowd in the palm of his hand, delivering tearful speeches after winning Best Male Solo Artist and Best Guitarist. His deep appreciation for longtime Hometown Heroes host Mark Rogers, and for the music community that continues to support and love him, was evident in every word. Often known as the “hired gun” in other projects, his solo work is an intentional, beautifully executed dive into the mind of Brett Talley. Give his music a listen and catch him in one of his many musical endeavors.
The MAKs
The MAKs are relatively new on the scene, a Philadelphia based folk-rock supergroup featuring Melissa Menago (June Divided), Angelique Zuppo (Zupang), and Karina Patricelli (Valendina). Finalists for Song of the Year, with their gentle yet stunning tune “Milky Way”, they may not have taken home the trophy, but they certainly won over a room full of new fans with their live performance alongside a full band. Their music is well worth a listen, and even better experienced live, as they continue to quickly bloom into one of the best musical acts in the region.
All The Living And The Dead
All the Living and the Dead is a five-piece, Philly-based indie pop band that came together in 2022 after branching off from separate projects. Their indie pop tune "Show Them Your Teeth" earned them a Song of the Year nomination, and while they didn’t take home the win, their performance was dynamic, driving, and passionate. Blending high-energy rock with multi-layered vocal harmonies, they create a sound that keeps listeners coming back for more. Check out the track that landed them on the Homey Awards stage and catch them live at Parkside Lounge in New York, NY, on September 27.
Emily Drinker
Emily Drinker is a gifted singer-songwriter from the Philadelphia area whose catchy, uplifting tune "Turn Your Face to the Sun" earned her the trophy for Best Folk Song. Usually a busy bee in the summer, Emily spent part of the season sharing her beautiful music aboard a cruise ship. Now, she’s back and ready for a grand reemergence at this year’s XPonential Fest on September 21. For more info and tickets, visit WXPN’s website.
Maggie Mae
Maggie Mae is a funky, female-fronted folk, soul, and rock & roll project from Philadelphia. Their feel-good track "Ghost" won Best Pop Song—and for reasons anyone who listens will understand. Her vocals are crisp yet powerful, and the band is tight yet groovy. The song soars, taking listeners on a journey with rocking guitar, fun synthy textures, and a disco beat to boot. Check out her music and catch a live show ASAP.
