Music Video Submission And Independent Music Awards

By Christopher Allen


Designers, singer-songwriters and bands used to have to put a lot of hard work, time and effort into becoming well known. Now, with the ability to provide a music video submission to websites such as YouTube, Facebook Live, and others, this is no longer the case. In fact, when having a quality video, artists can also enter contests such as the Independent Music Awards.

In most cases, the best of the best will not only be nominated for an award but will most likely get attention of promoters. For, whether or not an artist wins an award, there are many who gain the attention of studios and promoters. With work being put before judges ranging from Tom Waits and Aimee Man to Zooey Deschanel and Pete Wentz, these and other notable musicians will no doubt be taking notice.

The Internet and airwaves are cluttered with self-identified musicians, whether working alone or with a band. While this is the case, not all are as good as others. In fact, there are many individuals and bands whom can now upload videos using a camera or phone. As such, while these individuals might be talented, that does not mean that these artists will be able to win awards or move forward in the music business simply by doing so.

When it comes to submitting work, there are a number of categories and genres to which artists can submit. While most are music genres, there are also categories related to design and songwriting. In addition, for the first time in history, the IMA are accepting entries of long multi-song videos.

For those only wanting to submit a video to share online outside the IMA website, there are several sites which now allow individual submissions. These sites range from BET to YouTube and beyond. Whether submitting a single video, or an entire live show, there are many sites which welcome these submissions.

Individual artists and bands should note that being nominated or winning an IMA can go a long way when it comes to building a music career. For, the organization actively promotes winners and nominees to millions of fans. Whereas, a great deal of work from the IMAs often makes it way to broadcast media, industry gatekeepers, programmers, talent buyers and music supervisors.

Individuals submitting to the awards and other sites often continue to build a live and online fan base. In the process, many are offered private and public gigs and in some cases, studio time. In particular, groups such as HIP Video Promo and The Planetary Group have access to distribute, promote and book artists for a number of large and small scale events.

With over 50 different categories in which artists can submit work, the IMA has often been a favorite among artists and fans. For, self-identified talent, independent record labels and even bands with a political message can enter various categories. Some of these include, Live Album, Social Action Song, Eclectic Album, Merchandise Packaging, Gig Poster, Concept Album, Video Albums, Love Song and Cover Song.




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