Independent Music Awards SUBMISSION Spotlight

As the publicist for The Independent Music Awards, I am one of the privileged who gets to listen (and sometimes suffers through, no lie) every single entry that is submitted before we send the top songs off to our industry and artist judging panel. (By the way, Butch Walker, Daryl Palumbo, Brian Littrell, Billy & Jennifer from Suicide City and a slew of other awesome talents are lending their ears to the IMAs this year). I'm going to higlight some of the bands I discover along the way. Here we go.......

* By Joelle, who has thousands more songs to listen to by September. Stay tuned.

ATTN. ARTISTS: Reach 15 Million New Fans and Industry and win a year of promotion to print, broadcast and online media. Enter now: www.independentmusicawards.com

BOOBIE TRAP



This female-fronted OC band reminded me of Halo Friendlies (RIP) at first listen. Now Ginger's off Smashing Pumpkins and the other Halo girls are off doing their own thing. Play "Never There" of their myspace


LAUREN BRIANT
http://www.myspace.com/laurenbriant



She's clearly inspired by Christina Aguilera, but who said that was a bad thing? Or maybe she's on her way to being the young, white, coke-free Whitney Houston. Either way, this lady's got a powerful set of lungs. Let's hope she doesn't cheese out. This Dallas-dame is currently writing and recording her debut. So keep a tab on her.

DOCILE
http://www.myspace.com/docile



While their sound is anything but, Docile are a very radio ready rock act. I tend to hold that against bands at times, but I'm really digging the song "The Coming." It was nominated for "Best Alternative Rock Song" at the 2007 OIMA (Ontario Independent Music Awards). Go Canada.


Noush Skaugen



Awarded ALTERNATIVE POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR & NATIONAL EP OF THE YEAR 2007, this UK Act, has "rocketed through the alternative circuit building name recognition - and critical acclaim". Skaugen's voice has been described as a Sheryl Crow meets Joni Mitchell. 'Lost and Found' drops June 2008.

LOST AND FOUND Skaugen's debut full-length album, was released June 14 2008.

A % of proceeds is going towards Breast Cancer Research, in the hopes we find a cure.
Her campaign is Love your Boobs.

www.myspace.com/noushskaugen

Butch Walker, Daryl Palumbo, Jennifer Arroyo & Billy Graziadei to Judge the Independent Music Awards

The Independent Music Awards (IMAs) has announced the first wave of distinguished artists and industry professionals joining the IMA judging panel that will determine the winners of the upcoming 8th annual IMA program.

Artist panelists already confirmed for this year’s program:
Peter Gabriel, Roger Daltrey, Suzanne Vega, George Jones, Buddy Guy, Paquito D’Rivera, Lee Ritenour, Keith Urban, James “Blood” Ulmer, Steve Vai, Clint Black, Rob Wasserman, DJ Skribble, John Patitucci, Zakk Wylde, Butch Walker, Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys), Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying, Austrian Death Machine), Daryl Palumbo (Head Automatica, Glassjaw), Kristen Henderson (Antigone Rising), Billy Graziadei (Biohazard, Suicide City), and Jennifer Arroyo (ex-Kittie, Suicide City).

Industry panelists participating in this year’s program include influential music and new media press as well as radio, TV & Festival programmers such as: Anthony DeCurtis (Rolling Stone, Contributing Editor), Bob Ludwig (Gateway Mastering, Engineer), Aimee Allen (Indie 103.1, DJ), Jason Olaine (The Festival Network, VP of Programming), Mike Errico (Blender.com, Editor), Joe Cuello (MTV Networks), Barbara Dacey (mvyradio.com, Director of Worldwide Programming), Lee Mergner (JazzTimes, Editor In Chief), Paul Anthony (Rumblefish, CEO), K. Tighe (Venus Zine, Music Reviews Editor).

The judging panelists are responsible for selecting the winners in the programs’ 54 song, design and music video categories. Additional judges and new program highlights are expected before the submission deadline on August 1, 2008.

The IMAs – ‘the awards program for the indie revolution’ is an unique international program that promotes top-ranked independent artists, labels and releases to more than 15 million music fans and industry decision makers.

“Everyone affiliated with the IMAs is honored to have these visionary artists and influential industry pros participate in what is regarded as one of the music industry’s most effective programs for giving vetted indie talent access to larger fan bases, airplay distribution, broadcast and performance opportunities” said Martin Folkman, Director of the Independent Music Awards. “Their creative and professional perspectives and their industry affiliations help us to support a wide variety of independent musicians and releases that are making an impact on today’s chaotic music scene” said Folkman.

Music Resource Group, parent of the Independent Music Awards and publisher of the music industry’s popular print and online contact databases, the Musician’s Atlas and AtlasOnline is able to promote IMA Winners to more than 15 million music fans and key industry gatekeepers such as radio programmers, talent buyers, film, TV & gaming music supervisors, distributors and retailers due to its unique relationships with the music industry overall as well as its strategic partnerships that include: online retail giant eMusic, digital network ManiaTV; radio promotion gurus The Planetary Group, PureVolume, HIP Video Promo, The Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS), Venus Zine, Burnside Distribution, radio tracking service, MediaGuide and The Stream of Consciousness Interactive Television Network.

IMA Winners & Finalists enjoy a full year of print, online, broadcast and retail promotions as well as performance opportunities throughout the year. The finalists of the 8th program will be announced in October 2008; Winners to be announced in December.

In addition to the winners selected by the IMA reviews panel, the program also features a ‘peoples choice’ component – the IMA Vox Populi poll designed to provide more opportunities for indie artists to be heard and win new fans. The IMA Vox Populi Winners are also promoted to industry and music fans via print, online and other promotional initiatives. Last year, more than 37,000 music fans from around the globe cast their votes in the Vox Populi poll.

To see a full list of judges and to read their bios, visit www.independentmusicawards.com

Contact: Joelle@independentmusicawards.com