Blurt posts about the IMAs!

Pitchfork Plugs the IMAs!

"Prestigious!"- Pitchfork on The Independent Music Awards

Pete Wentz Joins IMA Judging Panel!

We just confirmed three new IMA Judges!

She & Him, The Black Keys, Mark Hoppus, Aimee Mann and Bettye LaVette Join Judging Panel For The 9th Annual Independent Music Awards

Honors For Love Song, Eclectic Album & Concept Album Added to Program

May 26, 2009 The Independent Music Awards (IMAs) announced today the first group of influential industry veterans who will determine the winners of the 9th annual IMAs, currently accepting submissions.

The list, comprised of stellar solo artists, top duo and large acts and founding members of seminal bands includes: Aimee Mann, Shelby Lynne, Paul Miller aka DJ Spooky, Bettye LaVette, Jonatha Brooke, Suzanne Vega, Judy Collins, Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward
(She & Him), Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney (The Black Keys); the brothers Zac, Isaac and Taylor Hanson of Hanson; the members of The Apples in stereo (and 7th IMA Pop/Rock-Song Winners) Eric Allen, Bill Doss, John Dufilho and John Ferguson; Mark Hoppus (Blink 182),
Dennis Diken (The Smithereens), Butch Walker and Brian "Head" Welch (Korn) are among the impressive line-up of
IMA judges.

For a complete list of 9th Annual Independent Music Award Judges, go to IndependentMusicAwards.com/Judges

Artistry Has Its Awards

The Independent Music Awards the awards program for independent artists and fans, is a prestigious international program that helps top-ranked artists and releases reach new markets via promotion, distribution and performance opportunities that place them in front of millions of Fans, Programmers, Talent Buyers, Film, TV & Gaming Music Supervisors, Press and other industry gatekeepers.

The IMAs supports artists who broaden the definition of commercial success & represent the diversity of the global Indie scene. The program honors artists with previous major label releases as well as artists that have only self-released or appeared on indie labels.

Past winners and nominees include: Koko Taylor, Martin Sexton,
Jamie Lidell, The Apples In Stereo, Lacuna Coil, God Forbid,
Sweet Honey In The Rock, Jeff Healey, Denque Fever,
Joan As Police Woman, Twilight Hotel, Speech Mary Gauthier,
Jennifer Nettles, Girl In A Coma, Marco Benevento, Tannis Slimmon and Dan Zanes.

Adding to an already broad spectrum of music and design categories, awards added to this year’s program include: Story Song, Love Song, Concept Album and Eclectic.

Submissions for the 9th annual Independent Music Awards program must be received by Friday, August 21, 2009 to be considered for the upcoming program.

Program details and entry forms are available at IndependentMusicAwards.com, Sonicbids.com/IMA2009 and in the 2009 edition of the industry contact directory, The Musician’s Atlas which is currently on sale.

In addition to IMA sponsored showcases throughout the year, a full-day celebration of independent talent showcasing past and current IMA artists is scheduled for February 2010 in New York City.

For more information please contact:
Joelle Caputa [joelle@IndependentMusicAwards.com] 973-767-1816 or Lauren Veteri [Lauren@IndependentMusicAwards.com] 973-767-1818.

IMA Winner Marco Benevento To Play Carnegie Hall

Having just wrapped a ten city east coast tour, Marco Benevento quickly announces a new run of summer club shows and festival appearances in June and July. The Brooklyn-based pianist's upcoming dates will be highlighted by his first ever appearance at Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 20, opening with his trio by invitation of the evening's headliner Jamie Cullum.


Benevento is touring in support of his latest album Me Not Me, which features his interpretations of songs by My Morning Jacket, Deerhoof and Leonard Cohen among others. Joining Benevento on the ten track collection are bassist Reed Mathis and drummers Andrew Barr and Matt Chamberlain. Since its release, the album has received a wide range of accolades: Rolling Stone called it "delightful," The Washington Post wrote that Me Not Me was "an intriguing sonic mosaic" and Jambase praised it as "Benevento's finest hour to date."

Upcoming Marco Benevento dates are:

May 29 / Mountain Jam / Woodstock, NY
June 10 / The Keswick Theatre / Philadelphia, PA (w/ S.M.V.)
June 11 / The Stone / New York, NY (solo)
June 12 / Discover Jazz Festival / Burlington, VT
June 20 / Carnegie Hall / New York, NY (w/ Jamie Cullum)
July 1 / Museum Of Fine Arts / Boston, MA
July 2 / High Sierra / Quincy, CA
July 3 / High Sierra / Quincy, CA
July 7 / The Mystic Theater / Petaluma, CA (solo, w/ Surprise Me Mr. Davis)
July 8 / Moe's Alley / Santa Cruz, CA (solo, w/ Surprise Me Mr. Davis)
July 18 / New Mexico Jazz Festival / Albuquerque, NM

Fans Elect New Winners in 8th Annual Independent Music Awards Vox Populi Poll

'People's Choice' Votes Differ From Industry-Selected Winners

The Fans have spoken. The Independent Music Awards (IMAs), the awards program for independent artists and fans announced the results of the fan-selected winners of the 8th annual IMA program.

Over 33,000 votes were cast in support of independent artists who were nominated in more than 50 music genre and design categories. In most cases, the fan-selected winners were not those chosen by the industry judging panel that included Peter Gabriel, Roger Daltrey, Suzanne Vega, Keith Urban, George Jones, Clint Black and many other industry vets.

The 'people's choice' component of the Independent Music Awards encourages fans throughout the world to make a difference in artists' careers. Launched during the 6th IMA program, voting at the Vox Pop Jukebox begins in the fall when the IMA nominees are announced and continues for several months after the results of the industry-judging panel are determined.

Artists nominated in the the 8th Independent Music Awards who won both the industry and people's choice poll include:

Unknown Hinson (Alt. Country Song), Ridley Bent (Country Song),
Velvet Code (Dance/Electronica Song), The Trews (Hard Rock/Metal Song), Joeldavessel (Holy Hip Hop Song), John Ricci (Jazz Song), April Smith (Pop/Rock Song), Mana Poly All-Stars (Social Action Song), The Wilders (Alt. Country Album), Niklas Sivelöv (Contemporary Classical Album) and Ala-Tan-Ch-Chi-Ge & Zha-Ge-DaSu-Rong (World Traditional Album).

Adding to their IMA win for Alt. Country album, The Wilders' epic "Someone's Gotta Pay" was a hit with fans as well, yielding the Kansas City band additional awards in both Americana Song & Alt. Country Album categories. And the design firm Oxen, headed by Emilee Seymour and Shawn Harris, the front man for the Art-Pop Rockers the Matches, earned Harris' band Vox Pop honors for both the Music Video and Band Web Site categories.



ALBUM WINNERS

** = Artists who won both judge and fan votes.

ALT. COUNTRY
The Wilders- Someone's Got To Pay **

AMERICANA
Valerie Smith & Becky Buller- Here's A Little Song

BLUES
Delta Generators- Devil In The Rhythm

CHILDREN’S MUSIC
The Kerplunks- The Kerplunk

COLLEGE RECORD LABEL
John Common, Autumn Fish, Dualistics- From These Words

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN
Legacy- Legacy

CONTEMPORARY CLASSICAL
Niklas Sivelöv- Improvisational 1 **

COUNTRY
Danielle Talamini- The Road Rises

DANCE/ELECTRONICA
Phileas- Spoken Wor(L)D

FOLK/SINGER-SONGWRITER
Eric Wilson- The Twenties

GOSPEL
J. Parker Scott- Steppin' In

HARD ROCK/METAL
Slickfist- Subharmonic Addiction

JAZZ
Massimo Biolcati- Persona

LIVE PERFORMANCE
The Brakes- Tale Of Two Cities

NEW AGE
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey- Lil' Tae Rides Again

POP/ROCK
Elephone- Canister

LATIN
Various Artists-¡Ayombe! - The Heart Of Colombia's Música Vallenata

PUNK
The Bloody Irish Boys- Drunk Rock

R&B
Lyne'- C'et Moi

RAP/HIP-HOP
Melo Kan- EPU

WORLD FUSION
Lehera- Heart Sky

WORLD TRADITIONAL
Ala-Tan-Ch-Chi-Ge & Zha-Ge-DaSu-Rong- The Mongolian Folk Long-Song **

SONG WINNERS

ALT. COUNTRY
Unknown Hinson-“Torture Town”**

AMERICANA
The Wilders- “Hey Little Darlin”

BLUES
Celso Salim- “Big City Blues”

CHILDREN'S MUSIC
Debbie and Friends-“Hangin' Around”

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN
Bill Petty- “In You”

COUNTRY
Ridley Bent- “Nine Inch Nails”**

COVER SONG
Megan Slankard- “America”

DANCE/ELECTRONICA
Velvet Code- “Say You Love Me”**

FILM/TV (tie)
Jude Johnstone- “In This House”
Michael Brandmeier- “Returning Home”

FOLK/SINGER-SONGWRITER
Andrea Hamilton- “It'll Be Alright”

GOSPEL
Darcell- “If U Wanna”

HARD ROCK/METAL
The Trews- “Hold Me In Your Arms”**

HOLY HIP HOP
Joeldavessel- “I See”**
Craig Amaker- “Crazy Praise Reload”

JAZZ
John Ricci- “Mode Time”**

LATIN
Muza(Sol Aravena)- “Ausencia”

NEW AGE
Martyrs of Sound- “Ananda”

POP/ROCK
April Smith- “Colors” **

PUNK
The Reveling- “The Great Unknown”

R&B
Izzy James- “Caught Up”

RAP/HIP-HOP
Wondur of Dynamic Vibrations- “The Weight”

SOCIAL ACTION
Mana Poly All-Stars- “Gunshots”**

WORLD FUSION
Baye Kouyate- “Danama”
Pavlov's Dogs Orchestra- “Lines”

WORLD TRADITIONAL
Daniel Payne- “Viking Jig”


DESIGN WINNERS

BAND WEB SITE
Oxen- www.thematches.com

MUSIC VIDEO
the Matches- “Yankee in a Chip Shop”

BAND/VENUE POSTER
Two Hours Traffic/Rebecca Ford

ALBUM ART PHOTOGRAPHY
Kerry Sherck

ARTIST/BAND PUBLICITY PHOTO
Jody Domingue

CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY
Ebru Yildiz

BUSINESS WEB SITE
iMedia Development- www.noisyplanet.net

INDIE RECORD LABEL WEB SITE
Dirty Bandits

Download 8th Annual IMA Winning Tracks for FREE

Sign up for a free trial if you are not currently a member of eMusic.

Then, go here to download the free IMA Winning tracks!

IMA Winner April Smith To Play LOLLAPALOOZA

Congrats to 8th Annual IMA Pop/Rock Song Winner, April Smith, who just announced she will be playing the BMI stage at LOLLAPALOOZA!

Date: 8/7/2009
Time: 3:00 PM
Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois

In other news, Smith was also named one of the Deli Magazine's Top 5 Bands of NYC 2009!

Cocktail Hour at Symphony Space

Just got these great photos from the cocktail hour of our Symphony Space show from Gabriela Alva Cal y Mayor at eyelevelgallery.com. Check out who she captured!



IMA Jazz Winner, Pascal Le Boeuf (right).



Fans having fun!




Publicity guru, Ariel Hyatt of Ariel Publicity/Cyber PR (right) always supports the IMAs. Here she is with Entertainment Attorney Judy Tint.









Here's IMA Judge, Fiona Bloom(right) of The Bloom Effect with a friend.



It's 8th Annual IMA R&B Album Winner, Brentley (right)!

Symphony Space Review

Check it out here. Or below:

On May 7th, 2009 the Independent Music Awards presented Story Songs, an evening of story telling intertwined with music. Artists Kristy Kruger, Richard Julian and Amy Speace were asked questions concerning their life’s stories by host Anythony DeCurtis playing the role of James Lipton, but without a stack of blue cards. Story Songs was the intermingling of MTV’s Unplugged, through its intimate setting and Inside the Actors Studio. Each singer-songwriter presented the background to their song including it’s story or creation.

Richard Julian’s initial song, alternatively titled “Still Crazy After All of These Years” (I can’t quite remember the actual songs name) was a humors and delightful story of a Brooklyn Taxi ride to the airport. Of all the artists, his music best represented a novel, each song representing an actual story of his life, whether it be God’s grandson, travel or relationships. The foundation of each song was unique, interesting, almost as if each unique story was a part of the song.

Amy Speace touched me the most with her voice and her approach to the “story” songs. Each song seemed to represent her and an event wrapped in a heart felt southern foundation. Her presentation best embodied the event, making it seem more like a campfire song and tell, rather than an auditorium space with lights, camera, and amplifiers. Lyrics such as “The killer in me loves the killer in you,” demonstrated the emotional and rocky roads of life.

Kristy Kruger was the most unique of the artists on stage, resembling a 1930‘s/1940’s style with overtones of Betty Boop. That description does not represent Kristy’s range. Playing 5 instruments (a piano, a guitar, a standup guitar, a tambourine, and fiddle), Kristy’s music was reminiscent of old style radio. Kristy moved the audience from the novels of Richard Julian and the campfire of Amy Speace to a classic more innocent era, even when the lyrics were filled with sadness and sorrow. While her music was darker, her stories were interesting with a touch of humor and distinctness.

Story Songs was an intimate evening paired with three different personalities. It’s was a good introductory event for the Independent Music Awards with talented artists and a wonderful host. To see musicians actively expose themselves on stage rather than just playing music creates a bond with the audience that won’t be long forgotten. Story Songs ties these two elements in a very unique and I hope continued manner in future events.

Symphony Space recap!

The Independent Music Awards Story Songs at Symphony Space was a smashing, sold-out success!

Richard Julian, Kristy Kruger and Amy Speace entertained industry guests and fans with the stories behind some of their most popular songs. Rolling Stone's Anthony DeCurtis hosted the event. We filmed the entire event, so stay tuned for that footage, PLUS interviews with all the performers and some of the guests- including more past IMA Winners! This is just the beginning of a series of IMA events at Symphony Space. We can't wait to see you at the next one!










Kristy Kruger and one of her many instruments of the night.



Amy Speace performed "The Killer In Me" as part of her set.



Anthony DeDurtis (Rolling Stone) hosted the evening.



Amy listening to one of Richard's stories.



Richard played a humorous song called "God the 3rd."



Jolie Holland was a special guest. She played with Richard on a few songs....



Like this one!



Kristy and Amy performed together.









Kristy told us backstage that she loves to shop in Louisiana.




The group!











IMA program director, Martin Folkman, kicked off the nite.



MRG Artist Relations Director, Adam, supports the free drinks provided by our liquor sponsor for the evening.



The MRG staff, minus Jody, who was working the sound booth and directing the camera crew all night. Stay tuned! We're going to release an online video of entire night!!



Robert, Adam, Lauren, Joelle & James.






Lauren with Tea from Hydrogen Licensing and Marketing.




Joelle, Jude & Lauren.



Joelle interviewed guests. You will be able to watch them online, soon! Here she is with 8th Annual IMA Americana Song winner, Kelleigh McKenzie.



James and Robert taking charge of the guest list.



The Symphony Space lobby!



Outside Symphony Space.



Love our poster? We do!



Our lovely goodie bags.



Joelle & Adam backstage.



Check out our cool IMA logo on the stage...



Thanks to Arbuckle's gourmet coffee, Sweetriot candy, X-rate and all the labels who donated CDs to the gift bags. We had fun stuffing them.



The dressing rooms.



Kristy Kruger's dog, Mojo, hung out backstage.



Pre-show.



Load in- it was pouring rain!

WATCH US LIVE ONLINE TONIGHT AT 8:30pm

www.tinyurl.com/imabuzz







The Independent Music Awards Presents: Story Songs featuring IMA artists in NYC at Symphony Space, home of the popular series “Selected Shorts” is SOLD OUT!




While nothing replaces the intimacy of a live event, music fans without a ticket can tune into UStream.tv/channel/independent-music-awards to enjoy Richard Julian, Amy Speace and Kristy Kruger sharing their stories and songs on stage with the legendary Anthony DeCurtis.



Sorry we won’t be seeing you at the show or at the pre-show industry mixer but stay tuned for more IMA news and great performances showcasing incredible talent supported by The Independent Music Awards.



And don’t forget to go to IndependentMusicAwards.com http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima_new/jukebox2009.asp to discover and support the best indie music at the IMA 8th annual Vox Pop Jukebox. Voting closes on May 12th so go spread the love.

RIP IMA Winner, Maura Fogarty

We just learned that Maura Fogarty, 5th Annual IMA Americana Album Winner, tragically died on March 11th of an asthma attack at the age of 43.

We send our condolences to her family and friends.

Born & raised in NYC, Maura attended the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan. Not only a gifted singers, she also played accordion, guitar, keyboards and violin. She was well known in NYC's Irish music scene and was emerging in Nashville's country music scene as well.




http://www.maurafogarty.com