Moving The Needle: Leveraging The Independent Music Awards
I am always interested in things that can “move the needle” for artists. I think by now we are all past the point of believing in the myth that the “big break” or “ultimate moment” is a thing. Success is the culmination of what we learn from our hits and misses.But that doesn’t mean there aren’t life-changing opportunities that can rock our world – the independent music awards are one of those opportunities.
The Deadline is Past BUT The IMAs Have Extended a Special Offer For My List.
Although this offer ended on their site, our friends at the IMA’s are giving us this special discount. So, click hereto get a free track submission to this year’s Independent Music Awards.
Here’s how to Leverage The Independent Music Awards For Your Career
A Successful Artist Career is About Building Your Brand
A long and fulfilling artist career is about the little wins, the intimate connections you make with fans and the things that help to propel you into the next phase. As you go along all of these moments stack up to create career highlights that can & should be used to enhance your artist story and brand.
Show The World You Belong With The Best
The Independent Music Awards is a perfect example of how to leverage your career highlights. Open to self-released & indie label projects from around the globe,The IMAsaward-winning distinction creates more interest from programers, press, talent buyers and music consumers worldwide.
With their broad range of music, video and design honors – plus speciality categories including Debut, ReIssue, Tribute, Eclectic, Social Action and many more – you have 107 opportunities for even your most unusual projects to build a buzz.
The IMAs Provide a Community of Accomplished Artists & Influencers
Keep in mind, this program is not just about winning. With a 54,000 fan following on Facebook, the IMA’s are also a unique pipeline filled with indie music fans,respected artists and industry influencers. The program champions established and rising talent – in all styles of music – both online during the year, & at the annual award ceremony and artist conference in New York City.
The IMA’s Provide Contact With Industry Luminaries & Rising Stars
Throughout their 17 year history, the Independent Music Awards have amassed a formidable list of high-profile judges including Keith Richards, Snoop Dogg, Peter Gabriel, Erykah Badu, Lou Reed, Norah Jones, Ziggy Marley, Amy Lee, Keith Urban, Ozzy Osbourne, Tori Amos, Tom Waits, and Suzanne Vega. And has championed rising talent such as fun., Killer Mike, Meghan Trainor, and Zoe Keating (to name just a few).
Whether it’s a debut or veteran project, IMA honors showcase the year’s best work & are a stepping stone for more collaborations and opportunities. Here’swhat singer-songwriter Sophie Koh said about her experience as an IMA winner.
“The IMAs got Girlyman their first record deal! Because of The IMAs, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls listened to the band’s album and a few months later signed Girlyman to her label, Daemon Records. Thanks!”~ Genevieve Barber,Manager – Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Valerie June won for her 4th album, Pushin Against a Stone, in the Folk/singer-songwriter category. The album, co-produced by IMA judge Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, was placed on Rolling Stone’s best 50 Best Albums of 2013. Macy Gray (15th IMAJazz Album Winner ) featured the incredible Nik West (16th IMA Funk/Fusion Winner) in last year’s Stop, Drop and Roll single and video.
The IMA’s Expand Your Brand
Gaining accolades along the way count and winning a prestigious award (or several awards) is among them. There are many benefits; not only do you get bragging rights of winning, but you can also leverage the social media coverage that The IMAs provide on their live feeds during the ceremony and long after by and collecting content to share. Moments such as walking the red carpet, accepting your award and meeting other artists can all be made into powerful owned media and video content. Plus you can add that you were nominated to your bio and artist timeline.
The IMAs Provide Networking (For Those Who Hate to Network)
I was deeply touched this past year when the founders of the Independent Music Awards, Martin and Jude Folkman, asked me to create a special event to kick off the awards gala at Lincoln Center. I invited Suzanne Paulinski, also known as the Rockstar Advocate, to co-host the powerful welcome event where we connected many of the artist attendees who came from all around the US and the globe, even as far as Brazil, Australia, and Russia. Many relationships and fruitful collaborations were hatched.
Attendance at the 16th IMAs was more than double the year before. So this year, The IMAs will take over the Symphony Space Performing Arts Center in New York City on June 22nd, 2019. I’ll be back again to lead a session and I encourage you to submit and join the IMA community.
Other music conferences can also be the perfect place for networking – check out our guide here!
