9th IMA Submission Spotlight: Lanny Sherwin

ARTIST NAME: Lanny Sherwin

HOMETOWN/CURRENTLY BASED: Santa Barbara, CA

WEB SITE: www.SandmanRecords.com

INFLUENCES: Beatles, Eagles, James Taylor, Chuck Berry, Carpenters, Manhattan Transfer, Hendrix, Motown.


CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Receiving 35 music awards. Founding a hospital Concert Series at Santa Barbara's Cottage Hospital. Initiating a Songwriting Residency at regional public elementary school. Having my songs played at 35,000 feet on Continental Airline's inflight playlist for kids.


I SUBMITTED TO THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS BECAUSE... You have a Children's category. You provide great promotional opportunities.


9TH ANNUAL IMA JUDGE YOU'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Keith Urban - we shared the same trainer in Nashville and he has a baby - kids music is my specialty!!

I'M PROUD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST BECAUSE: I banged my head against the establishment wall in Nashville for 10, pretty much going nowhere fast. When I started my indie label, Sandman Records for kids, doors started opening left & right: national distribution, retail & online sales, 35 music awards.

WHAT'S NEXT (UPCOMING TOURS, ALBUMS. ETC): Writing songs for new CD; partnering with non-music, Children's-related products to bundle my CDs; hosting a Lullaby Writing Contest; marketing, marketing, marketing!

SUCCESS = The ability to20be a creative person who writes great songs combined with the ability to have a business-like approach to publicity & marketing. Right brain/left brain taking turns being fabulous!


WHAT MAKES YOUR MUSIC STAND OUT: I don't perform all that much, but when I do, it's to 5-12 year olds (who think I'm a rock star because I have a guitar) and their parents (who like my humor and positive lyrics).