Heels clicked against the pavement as students entered the College Taphouse. As attendees entered the building, they were greeted with a red carpet and signage for the “Limeys” — Limelight Records first formal award ceremony.
Senior Juliana Kuhno, who is Limelight’s vice president of promotions, said the label wanted to create a “Grammy-esque” event highlighting the work of student artists.
Voting was open to the Elon community leading up to the event on May 10. Throughout the night, 11 different awards were announced, including “Best Female Artist.”
Kuhno said she was excited to celebrate everyone’s successes and was especially proud to see Limelight uplifting female artists in the organization.
“I think that’s really special that we can showcase these talented women,” Kuhno said. “I’m really excited to see what they do at Elon and also after Elon.”
Junior Ashlyn Wenner, who releases music under the name Ashllyn, accepts the “Best Female Artist” award at the Limeys on May 10.
Later in the night, Kuhno presented the “Best Female Artist” award to junior Ashlyn Wenner, who releases music under the name Ashllyn.
“I was not expecting it,” Wenner said. “I feel very appreciated. … Females in the industry tend to go under appreciated a lot — and I know it’s just Elon and the ‘industry’ is a big word — but it is still really cool to get the recognition.”
Wenner joined Limelight in her freshman year and describes her music as “a cross between Pop and singer/songwriter.” She said she was excited to see the turnout and celebrate Limelight artists, as well as the organization itself.
“It’s nice to see everyone show up here tonight,” Wenner said. “The organization means a lot to me, so it’s really nice to see that it means a lot to everybody else as well.”
In between announcing the awards, the event included performances from Limelight artists North Towards Home, Ali and Andi, Meenali Dream, Wisteria, Thistle Ridge Band, prettylarceny, Yards Davis Band and a closing set from The Germaniacs.
Elon band Yards Davis performs an original song at the Limey's on May 10 in the Taphouse. The entirety of the event was live-streamed on Instagram.
Sophomore Joey Schwartz — who performs under the name Joey Madeline with the band Wisteria — said she was excited to perform at the “Limeys” where the attendees shared her passion for music and Limelight Records. Schwartz’ band Wisteria joined Limelight’s roster earlier this year and performed two songs, including Paramores “Still Into You.”
Limelight President and junior Jacob Laxton said he wanted the Limeys to show the community and support system Limelight Records has built for its artists. While he acknowledged awards are inherently competitive, he said it also created space for students to uplift one another.
“We’re here to support each other as a community and strengthen that bond that we have,” Laxton said.
Senior Zeke Davis, an R&B artist also known as Meenali Dream, joined Limelight during his junior year as a way to step out of his shell.
“I’m an introvert, so I just needed something to show people I can make music,” Davis said.
Senior Ezekiel Davis performs an original song at the Limey's on May 10 in the Taphouse.
During the “Limeys,” Davis performed his original song “What I Would’ve Said,” which was nominated for “Best Production.” Since joining Limelight, Davis has released eight songs.
Senior Gabe Germain has been involved with Limelight since his freshman year and said throughout he was excited about how much the organization has grown. When he first joined Limelight, Germain said he was in one of only two bands signed to the label. Currently, Limelight Records includes over 20 bands and individual artists.
Germain and his bands, North Towards Home and The Germaniacs, were nominated for a total of seven awards and took home three — “Artist of the Year,” “Band of the Year” and “Record of the Year.”
“It feels very complete, satisfying and very nice to be validated for my work and be appreciated by everyone here,” Germain told Elon News Network.
Senior Gabe Germain receives an award and gives a short thank you speech at the first Limey's on May 10 in the Taphouse.
Kuhno said the event was bittersweet. While May 10 marked the first-ever “Limeys,” it also marked the last official Limelight event Kuhno and the other seniors would be involved in. Toward the end of the event, there was a “moment of silence” slideshow for seniors in Limelight.
In addition to celebrating senior artists, the “Limeys” also uplifted freshmen members and those new to the organization. Among them were Ali and Andi Dalton, who were nominated for five awards and won “Best New Artist.”
Andi said she was grateful for the opportunities and support Limelight had given them and their music, and for the opportunity to support her peers.
“There’s a big, diverse group of artists in Limelight,” Andi said. “They have a lot of performances and it’s nice to come out and listen.”
Kuhno said she hopes Limelight Records continues to grow and be a space for students aiming to enter the music industry or just make art with their friends.
“This is a great opportunity for any student who wants to enter the industry to get a taste of what it's like,” Kuhno said. “We’re here to support them and make their dreams a reality and it's super exciting for any musician out there.”
Elon band Ali and Andi performs an original song at the Limey's on May 10 in the Taphouse.
Awards
Best Viral Moment
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Winner:
- Thistle Ridge Band, 171k views on Instagram Reels
- Other nominees:
- Salf, 13.4k Monthly Spotify Listeners
- Milsey, 154.4k total likes on TikTok
Best Production
-
Winner:
- Nicole Bazos, “Your Love’s What I Want”
- Other nominees:
- Jacob Laxton, “Numb”
- Jack Salfia, “sugarfree”
- Zeke Davis, “What I Should’ve Said”
Team Player
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Winner:
- Inky Jepsen
- Other nominees:
- Gabe Germain
- James Sease
- Khari LeVard
- Erik Houck
Best Performance
-
Winner:
- Yards Davis Band, April 20 at Limelight v. Limitless
- Other nominees:
- North Towards Home, March 21 at Spring Break Send Off
- The Germaniacs, March 16 at St. Patty’s Day Oak Hill
- Thistle Ridge Band, April 27 at The Fat Frogg
Music Video of the Year
-
Winner:
- Thistle Ridge Band, “Your Love’s What I Want”
- Other nominees:
- North Towards Home, “Garden Song”
- Ali & Andi, “C’était Toi”
- Ali & Andi, “Into Blue”
Best Female Artist
-
Winner:
- Ashllyn
- Other nominees:
- Ali & Andi
- Nicole Bazos
- Joey Madeline
Best New Artist
-
Winner:
- Ali & Andi
- Other nominees:
- JaRon
- Inky Jepsen
- Milsey
Band of the Year
-
Winner:
- The Germainiacs
- Other nominees:
- Wisteria
- Thistle Ridge Band
- Yards Davis Band
Artist of the Year
-
Winner:
- Gabe Germain
- Other nominees:
- James Sease
- Ali & Andi
- Erik Houck
Song of the Year
-
Winner:
- Thistle Ridge Band, “Your Love’s What I Want”
- Other nominees:
- Ashlynn, “Numb”
- James Sease, “Ridgeline”
- Gabe Germain, “Perched”
- JaRon, “Credit Swipe”
Record of the Year
-
Winner:
- Gabe Germain, “Fragments”
- Other nominees:
- Ali & Andi, “Ali & Andi”
- Salf, “plastic koi”
- Meenali Dream, “I Didn’t Mean To”
All award winners gather for a final group photo as the first Limey's neared its end on May 10 in the Taphouse.
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Abby Hines and Charlotte Pfabe contributed to the reporting of this story.