The Independent Music World Series exposes musicians from every genre to music industry participants using impartial judging criteria and a live showcase finale. Our goal is to discover, showcase, and reward the best independent artists in the country.
The IMWS began in 1995 with a showcase featuring six artists at The Lion's Den in New York City. Since then, we've hosted over 230 independent acts in 10 cities around the U.S. and we've awarded over $1,500,000 in prizes!
In 2008, there will be four regional showcases, each awarding one Grand Prize package worth an estimated $50,000 and additional prizes totaling an estimated $12,500. |
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WEST
July 17, 2008, 8 p.m.
Knitting Factory - Hollywood
7021 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
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NORTHEAST
August 14, 2008, 8 p.m.
CRASH MANSION
199 Bowery (@ Spring Street)
New York, NY 10002 |
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SOUTHEAST
September 11, 2008, 8 p.m.
VINYL
1374 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309 |
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MIDWEST
October 16, 2008, 8 p.m.
ELBO ROOM
(CLUB POLICIES: 21 & over only!)
2871 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657 |
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How it Works
In each region, the initial batch of entries is sent to TAXI in Los Angeles to be screened. Entries are judged on Songwriting, Overall Vibe, Vocal/Lead Instrument Performance, Musical Performance, and Originality. Genre and production quality are not a factor.
 Through the TAXI screening, 100 semi-finalists are selected. These semi-finalists are sent to the offices of Billboard Magazine in New York City. Editors at Billboard screen the semi-finalists to choose six acts to play a showcase.
We crown a Grand Prize Winner at each of the four IMWS showcases, awarding a package worth $50,000 to four indie acts! A panel of 12 local music industry judges are in attendance at each show, and based on their scores, the winner is determined. These judges are scoring the live acts on the same criteria listed above.
In addition to the grand prizes, every performing finalist receives a prize package (including cash!), 15 acts per region are selected from the group of semi-finalists for inclusion on a compilation CD, and everyone who enters the IMWS receives a copy of Billboard's Guide to Touring and Promotion and a free issue of DRUM!, Electronic Musician and Remix magazines.
The home state of the main contact for an act determines which region that act is eligible for. For example, if the main contact lives in Philadelphia, PA, the act will be eligible for the Northeast showcase. See the Rules and Regulations page for a detailed list of states and eligibility.
The deadline for the 2008 IMWS is May 21, 2008. |
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