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.
8.05.2009
April Smith Talks About the IMAS
IMA sponsors Venus Zine and On the Verge teamed up to chat with 8th Annual Independent Music Award Pop/Rock Song Winner April Smith. IMA staffer Joelle talks to April about her IMA win, what it’s going to be like being the first act top open Lollapallooza this year and the project she’s launched to fund her new album.
9th Annual IMA Submission Spotlight: The Karl Walters Jr Trio
ARTIST NAME: The Karl Walters Jr Trio
HOMETOWN/CURRENTLY BASED: Brooklyn, NY
WEB SITE: www.kwjtrio.com
INFLUENCES: Kneebody, Mile Davis, Jaga Jazzist, the AACM
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: US Tour Winter 2007 Debut CD release Fall 2008 "Can We Go Back Where We Began?" called "fearless and fascinating" by JazzReview.com Winter 2009
WE SUBMITTED TO THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS BECAUSE... The power of independent music stems not from and individual artist, but in our collective ability to show the world what music can be when the artist themselves are in control.
9TH ANNUAL IMA JUDGE WE'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Vijay Iyer
I'M PROUD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST BECAUSE: I get to make my music my way, there's no one pulling strings and moving money above me that can tell me to go at things a different way.
WHAT'S NEXT: CD Feature in the summer issue of Progression Magazine. Mini-tour featuring out showcase at the Midpoint Music Festival in September 2009 EP featuring Shane Endsley (Kneebody) and J. Granelli (Mr. Lucky) due out Winter 09/10.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BAND STAND OUT: We are a trio led by a trombone player, for one. An ever present desire to do something bigger and better, for another.
WHERE DO YOU TOUR? Mainly in the North East and Midwest, but we're expanding and are looking forward to making a tour out west next Spring.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY AND WHY? Our home field would have to me Freddy's Backroom in Brooklyn, we played our first show there and have been going back regularly ever since. It's a really relaxed vibe and it's great as an independent group to work with independent venues!
