The Independent Music Awards is an influential & effective international
program that helps top-ranked indie artists & releases overcome mainstream obstacles and reach millions of Fans, Programmers,
Talent Buyers, Film, TV & Gaming Music Supervisors, Press and
other industry movers & shakers.
The IMAs broadens the definition
of what is commercial by giving vetted independent talent access
to major market promotional outlets and music fans.
ARTISTRY HAS ITS AWARDS
The Independent Music Awards is not a contest or battle of the
bands. IMA artists receive yearlong print, online & broadcast
promotions plus distribution & performance opportunities including
an IMA showcase at the CMJ Music Marathon.
The IMAs represent
the diversity of today’s vibrant indie scene and supports artists
with previous major label releases as well as artists that have only
self-released or appeared on indie labels.
There are over 50 Music and Design categories including
Genre Song & Album, Social Action Song, Cover Song,
Music Video,
Live Concert Photo, Merch, Band & Indie Label Web Site,
Press Photo, & Gig Poster.
12.19.2008
VALERIE SMITH, Finalist, Americana Album, Here's a Little Song
Hometown: Holt, MO
File Under: Americana
BEHIND THE MUSIC:
---"She's a singer's singer, and it's no stretch to suggest that Valerie Smith may possess the most versatile, dynamic and evocative voice on the current bluegrass scene." -Sing Out! Magazine
-- At the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Valerie majored in Vocal Music Education and studied Jazz, Opera and Broadway.
---Before she decided to focus on her musical career full-time, Valerie was a teacher (elementary & junior high) and dabbled in advertising.
Hometown: Switzerland. Members of the band also hail from Colombia.
File Under: Latin, Pop, Acoustic
BEHIND THE MUSIC:
---The band's second album is Desde Barranquilla. Their aim was to bring listeners to the Colombian coast using a rich mix of traditional instruments and infectious rhythms.
---The gaita, bombardino and clarinette all appear on the album.
COLLEEN COSTELLO, Finalist, Alt. Country Song, "Lavender & Sweet"
Hometown: Ontario, Canada
File Under: Electroacoustic / Trip Hop / Folk
BEHIND THE MUSIC:
---"I grew up in the sticks with church choir and the Beach Boys on records burning harmonies in my mind. Awe-fully drank up pop when my dad hooked up a radio in my room for my 12th birthday, bought a Led Zeppelin tape when I got my first car. In high school, I bought Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana and U2, one of each. Mixed tapes from boys made up the vast majority of my musical education (and actually that is probably still true). Learned to sing traditional Japanese karaoke while traveling and some blessed soul introduced me to Portishead. Thought Ani DiFranco was too angry at first but grew to love her as I grew less satisfied with the world around me. Always thought I would grow up to be Sarah McLachlan’s backup singer until I heard Alanis Morissette and realized you can sing about whatever the hell you want! Lamb is an inspiration to me now, though I don’t actually listen to music that much. I got enough of it running around in my head," says Colleen.
WATCH COLLEEN COSTELLO PREFORM "DIDN'T GOD JUST DIE"
--"Move Along" was selected as a Rage ‘Indie Clip of the Week' and promoted by Channel V on its ‘New Stock’ show.
---The band's sound attracted the attention of global surf giants, Billabong. The company used Casual Projects' song "Golden Egg," in its SURF PRO DVD.
---The video for "Time" was filmed at Kenmore ‘Haunted’ Psychiatric Hospital in Goulburn, NSW.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "MOVE ALONG" BY CASUAL PROJECTS:
