The Independent Music Network Awards celebrated winners tonight. The hour-long awards show was streamed live on Ustream via Studio City Sound LIVE! at 6:00 p.m.(PST). Hosted by Michael Damian, Buck McCoy, Jason Rennebu and Carter Bechtol, the awards show allowed viewers to chat live with the artists, hosts and each other.
For those unfamiliar with The Independent Music Network (IMN) this radio program gives musicians, especially those who are independent, the opportunity to have their music heard. According to the website, IMN wants to "level the playing field".
What does this mean for the Wisconsin music industry? Since The Independent Music Network (IMN) is digitally-based, musicians from anywhere can submit their material. This is a great way for Wisconsin musicians who have been working independently to gain some new fans and airplay without going to the usual outlets to do it.
The nominees for each category tonight were artists who submitted material to IMN. These nominees were chosen from fan votes as well as editors choices. With a combination of commentary, music videos and performances, the show provided music lovers a glimpse into music not found on commercial industry stations.
Those performing tonight were: Emil "Night Train", Erica Nicole "What You Think About Us", Matt Backer "All that You've Wanted", Buck McCoy "I Don't Anymore", Michael Damian "Rock My Heart" and John McLennan "Dreams". Music videos included in the show were: Royalush "American Cliche" and Dan Exactly "Two Left Feet".
The winners of this year's awards are:
Mainstream Impact Artist: Steve Northeast
Favorite International Artist: Matt Backer
Crossover Artist: Marsha Jewell and Del Robbins (a tie)
Mainstream Duo/Group: Thadeus Project
Mainstream New Discovery Artist: Greg Merritt and Travis (2 winners)
Mainstream Favorite Teen Artist: Talina and Emil (2 winners)
Favorite Video: "Two Left Feet", Dan Exactly and "American Cliche", Royalush (2 winners)
Mainstream Favorite Male Artist: Jimmy White
Mainstream Favorite Female Artist: Dianne Meinke
Mainstream Favorite Single: "Devil's Soul Pile", Tommy Roe
Country Impact Artist: Marsha Jewell
Country Duo/Group: Hicks
Country New Discovery Artist: Fletcher Avant
Country Favorite Teen Artist: Abi
Country Favorite Male Artist: Earl Wear(pronounced weer)
Country Favorite Female Artist: Christine Van Oy
Country Favorite Single: "When it Comes to Lovin You", John Maines, Jr
For more information on The Independent Music Network or to submit your material please visit their website at www.independentmusicnetwork.com. Congratulations to all of this year's winners and good luck to those in the future.
© 2012 Jenna Cornell, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior permissions from the author or Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com. Virtual Music Cafe, Heroes in Music and Stepping into the Twilight Zone are property of Jenna Cornell.
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