Live performance is a bit of a dirty secret in electronic music, and perhaps more so in chip music where far too many artist are happy pantomiming and summoning, and few have the talent or charisma to pull off a genuinely charismatic live performance. This list is far too short, as there were a number of great performers active this year, and those left off were done by the barest of margins. Here are the nominees for Best Performers of 2009.

Graffitti Monsters

Sorry for the older video, but even in it’s current incarnation as a two-piece (soon to be three piece), GM are one of the most energetic and fun chip shows around.

tRasH cAn maN

Charisma, CHECK, great tunes CHECK, enigmatic and entertaining crowd seductery? CHECK.

The J Arthur Keens Band

Youthful musical genius overcomes the odds to become breakout performer at industry showcase. IT HAPPENED.

Hally

The world’s best just got better, forever.

Bud Melvin

Last year’s nominee keep it rocking with good times, rad tunes, and live music fade-outs.