Winner:
Myra Flynn

Runner-Up:
Justin Levinson

COMIN’ ON STRONG

It may come as a surprise that some readers consider Myra Flynn “up and coming.” Not because she doesn’t deserve recognition as one of the best voices in the Vermont music scene, but because one could say this soulful diva already “arrived” with her 2009 debut Crooked Measures. After all, she was runner-up to rock star Grace Potter in the Best Vocalist category last year. But Flynn’s still got places to go — she’s working on her second album of classic-R&B-tinged neo-soul in the vein of Erykah Badu, India.Arie and Sharon Jones. This time, Flynn has friend and fellow songwriter (and 2010 Daysie winner) Gregory Douglass acting as producer, and he describes her new album as “a little bit edgier.” While the disc probably won’t be out until early next year, until then you can hear Flynn and Douglass collaborating as ’80s cover band Side Pony, as well as playing separate shows. From neo-soul to new wave — now, that’s versatility. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: Flynn and the runner-up in this category, Justin Levinson, are getting married!

-Tyler Machado