In 2008, the IMWS will...
Showcase 24 independent artists (selected by Billboard magazine)
Crown 4 Grand Prizes Winners
Award $250,000 in total prizes (including $24,000 in CASH!)
Produce 4 compilation CDs featuring 60 indie acts
The 2008 IMWS features showcases in LA, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago and will award a huge Grand Prize at each show. This is your opportunity to perform in front of music industry VIPs and win the gear to build your own home recording studio, a 1,000 CD manufacturing package, showcases at major music conferences, cash money, and more!
The IMWS exposes musicians from every genre to music industry participants through our live showcase finals. This isn’t a popularity contest. Our goal is to discover, showcase, and reward the best independent artists in the country.
In each region, entries are judged on Songwriting, Overall Vibe, Musical Performance, Vocal/Lead Instrument Performance, and Originality. Genre and production quality are not a factor.
From the initial screening, 100 semi-finalists are selected and sent to the offices of Billboard magazine. Editors at Billboard screen the semi-finalists to choose six acts to play each showcase.
At the regional showcases, a panel of industry professionals judge each performing finalist on the same criteria Billboard and TAXI used in the screening sessions. By the end of the night we award the Grand Prize to the artist with the highest overall score!
