Music Resource Group has announced the official Call for Entries for the 18th annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs) to honor the year’s best indie music and visual design work from around the world.
Now in its 18th year, The Independent Music Awards is the premier platform for independent creatives from around the world. Honoring artistry, diversity and excellence, winners and nominees are promoted to millions of music consumers and industry insiders via ongoing promotion, performance and distribution opportunities, and celebrated during the annual IMA ceremony and Indie Konference in New York City.
Entries are judged – for their artistry and innovation rather than streaming stats or social influence – by panels of influential recording and touring artists, programmers, talent buyers and other influencers worldwide. Previous IMA judges include Keith Richards, Tom Waits, Laurie Anderson, Snoop Dogg, Amanda Palmer, Keith Urban, Chris Thile, Aimee Mann, M’shell Ndegeocello, Norah Jones, Peter Gabriel, Melissa Etheridge, Buddy Guy, Ozzy Osbourne among many others.
The most diverse awards on the planet, the prestigious program celebrates achievements by established and emerging talent in more than 100 Album, EP, Song, Producer, Video and Graphic Design categories. Projects can be submitted for review here through December 12, 2019. Enter by September 29 to take advantage of the early entry period.
Fans are able to register to determine this year’s Vox Pop Nominees and will be in the running for the IMA Super Fan Award by promoting their favorite Song and Video entries to their social networks.
Nominees will be announced in Spring 2020, and all Winners revealed in June at the annual ceremony during the IMA Indie Konference in New York City.
Known for championing artists who follow their muse rather than metrics, the program receives submissions from 119 countries from artists previously on major labels, as well as notable indie label and self-released talent in all styles and mediums.
Past IMA Winners & Nominees include:Amy Lee, Asking Alexandria, fun., Melissa Auf der Maur, Five Finger Death Punch, Meghan Trainor, Passenger, Valerie June, …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Lacuna Coil, Macy Gray, All That Remains, Band of Skulls, Ben Kweller, Chris Whitley, Cursive, Dale Watson, Flying Lotus, Girl in a Coma, Jamie Lidell, JD McPherson, Miguel Migs, Jackson Browne, Spinnerette, Team Me, The Apples in stereo, Tony Trischka, Vienna Teng, and many, many more.
Carving a wide path through the musical spectrum, Ezra Bell brings thrir folk/soul/rock sound to New York City on Friday, September 27 and Syracuse on Sunday, September 29. Featuring the irreverent and introspective songwriting of Benjamin Wuamett, Ezra Bell has been a staple of the Portland, OR scene since 2013, with three well-received EPs under their belt.
Ezra Bell features Maurice Spencer (bass), Tom Trotter (drums), Aaron Mattison (horns and arrangements), Honora Hildreth (backing vocals and percussion), and Jeremy Asay (keys and guitar) more-than-ably backing up Wuamett’s story-songs and satirical jigs with organic precision.
Ezra Bell has released three EP’s: Don’t All Look Up at Once, 2013; We Came by Canoe, 2014; and Farewell Griffin, 2016. Their first full length eponymous album dropped in May 2018 and is streaming now. They are currently recording regularly and releasing singles almost as quickly as the months fly by.
Monte Vayo has reemerged with a brand new track, “Sunrise 98.” The Rochester-based electronic artist made his debut last winter with the atmospheric EP Count Me Out. While his body of work thus far has been minimalist in terms of lyrics, his latest endeavor “Sunrise 98” ventures into a purely sans-vocals soundscape.
This push to create more instrumental work comes as I’m taking time to study the emergence of abstract art from the turn of the 20th century. I see instrumental music without any direct language or lyrics as parallel to artwork created without any distinct or recognizable visual forms. There is still color, there is still texture, but in lieu of a direct, explicit representation comes an unavoidable sense of space. Much like standing in an empty theatre or cavern for the first time, there’s a natural captivation that comes with experiencing atmospheres both vast and intimate.
Gov’t Mule and Warren Haynes made a stop on their Bring On The Music fall tour on September 19 with a performance at Albany’s Palace Theatre. The name of the tour is a play on the band’s new concert film and corresponding live album, Bring On The Music – Live From The Capitol Theatre, which came out in June on CD, vinyl, DVD, and BluRay.
To see the Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule live at this beautiful and historic Albany landmark was an amazing experience. The lighting was nothing short of perfection, which added greatly to the experience.
Photo by Stephanie J Bartik
Gov’t Mule is comprised of guitarist Warren Haynes, drummer Matt Abts, multi-instrumentalist Danny Louis, and bassist Jorgen Carlsson. Haynes took the stage and commanded the crowd’s attention with his soulful vocals and guitar chops while wowing the eager fans with the first song, “Traveling Tune.” His talent is known throughout the music world and he is the inspiration of many guitar players. He was the guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band and put together Gov’t Mule with the late Allen Woody (bass) in 1994 as a side project.
There is a connection between Haynes and bass player Carlsson and Abts on drums that can be easily observed. Each band member became completely immersed in not just their individual instruments, but the songs themselves. With Haynes’ soulful voice and virtuosic solos with expansive guitar tones, Carlsson’s expert bass playing, Abts locking it in with insane drumming, and Danny Louis dazzling the crowd on keys, each tune was performed to perfection
Jorgen Carlsson on bass
With rock at its core, Gov’t Mule integrated a full range of musical styles including blues, jazz, soul and some funky rhythms. No one left the room disappointed. If given the chance to see this band first hand, you owe it to yourself to do so.
Check out the Gov’t Mules website for a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates, ticketing, and more information.
Set One: Traveling Tune (part 1), Mule, Pressure Under Fire, Time To Confess, Lay Your Burden Down, Inside Outside Woman Blues, Unring The Bell, Endless Parade, Revolution Come, Revolution Go
Set Two: Wandering Child, What is Hip?, (with Jerry Marotta, without Matt Abts), Freeway Jam, Child Of The Earth, Lively Up Yourself, Fool’s Moon, Thorazine Shuffle, Traveling Tune (part 2)
Robert Hunter, lyricist for the Grateful Dead and the pen behind some of the band’s most beloved songs passed away at his home in Marin County, CA, on Monday night. He was 78 years old. Hunter wrote numerous songs alongside Jerry Garcia, including “Ripple,” “China Cat Sunflower,” “Casey Jones,” “Sugar Magnolia,” “Mountains of the Moon,” “Althea,” “Dark Star,” “Stella Blue” among others.
photo by Scott Harris/The Capitol Theatre
A statement from Hunter’s family stated “It is with great sadness we confirm our beloved Robert passed away yesterday night. He died peacefully at home in his bed, surrounded by love. His wife Maureen was by his side holding his hand.” For his fans that have loved and supported him all these years, take comfort in knowing that his words are all around us, and in that way his is never truly gone. In this time of grief please celebrate him the way you all know how, by being together and listening to the music. Let there be songs to fill the air.”
Grateful Dead guitarist and singer Bob Weir shared his condolences on Twitter
If I’m gonna count my blessings, Robert Hunter and his imagination are gonna be up at the top of that list. I think I can speak for a lot of people In saying that. And then there’s the added blessing that he left us with plenty to go forward with... https://t.co/fnEZloJg9E
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performing member of the Grateful Dead, Hunter wrote with Bob Dylan, Bruce Hornsby, Cesar Rojas of Los Lobos, in addition to Garcia. Hunter also produced a number of books of poetry, as well as solo albums over the course of his life.
For a man who provided us with so many meaningful words, the soundtrack to our lives, he’s left us a bit speechless with his passing. For more than 50 years, since his first lyrical contributions to the Grateful Dead in 1967, Robert Hunter has been just as integral a part of the legacy of the Grateful Dead as those who recorded the music to accompany his words, those who walked out on stage to bring his words to life. More than 2,000 times 1967-1995, these six (or five or seven) proud walkers on the jingle bell rainbow, plus countless thousands of times since then by other performers, the Grateful Dead have brought Hunter’s words to life in front of all of us as their witness. Not a single day has gone by since 1984 that Hunter’s words haven’t been a part of my world; I’ve heard Jerry, Bob and others sing his words literally every day for the past 35 years.
When the final Fare Thee Well show ended in Chicago in 2015, Mickey Hart famously sent us on our way by asking us to “please, be kind,” and that lesson along with its lyrical brethren written by Hunter, “ain’t no time to hate,” and “are you kind?” are some of the truest words to live by. No matter what meaning, solace, lesson you find in Hunter’s lyrics, please go out and do some good with them.
Listen to full show audio from Robert Hunter’s performance at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on October 5, 2013. May the four winds blow you safely home.
Sometimes, often unexpectedly, life decides to take a plate of glass and smash you right in the face. When that happens, you can either retreat and regroup or take that sharp, broken glass and smash back. That is what Adapter did with their first EP, Period. This is a band with a chip on their shoulder, and the chops to go out and make a statement about it.
First impressions as a modern mix between Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers Band are never a bad thing, but as you dig deeper you realize Adapter subtly carved a sound of their own. Their sound can loosely be described as a new aged hard rocking spin on classic blues; however, they possess the in-your-face rock and roll spirit that once dominated life for many. Even through headphones there is a sense of electricity and danger, both musically and lyrically, with explosive rocking chords that nearly beg to be vibrating wall to wall in an arena.
Lyrically, Period is a familiar peek into a songwriter who has been damaged and cannot decide what to do next. The hard-rocking opening track “The Pains” delves deep into the mental struggle of whether to go back to a lover who has hurt you. This all too human battle continues as the EP continues with “Mean Bitch Blues,” where the band transports you to that dark unknown where you don’t know what to do next now that it has all ended except express anger and sadness. While only five songs, Period gives a good snapshot of the band’s capabilities melding between hard rock, trippy blues, and a more subtle, lighter side at times. Already sounding like a refined, authoritative group, Adapter will be a fun band to watch grow as they continue making music.
Bob Dylan returns to Beacon Theatre in New York City from Nov. 23 to Dec. 6, with a 10-night run. The historic venue has a longstanding tradition of multi-night runs with acts like the Allman Brothers Band, Steely Dan and, most recently, Tedeschi Trucks Band.
The shows will come at the end of the famed songwriter’s mostly college/university fall tour. Dylan first played at Beacon Theatre back in 1989 and continues to establish a tradition of end-of-the-year performances at the Upper West Side venue. He previously played the Beacon 33 times including a seven-concert residency in 2018.
A stop in Central New York will also be on the schedule. Bob Dylan & His Band will
perform at the Ithaca College Athletic and Events Center on Sunday, Nov. 17 as
part of his upcoming tour dates.
The fall tour kicks off Oct.11 in Irvine, CA. Tickets are currently available for purchase through Ticketmaster.
Bob Dylan Tour Dates: Oct. 11 – UC Irvine – Irvine, CA Oct. 12 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA Oct. 14 – Stanford University – Palo Alto, CA Oct. 17 – The Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO Oct. 19 – Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NB
Oct. 20 – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland – Kansas City, MO Oct. 22 – Stifel Theatre – St. Louis, MO Oct. 23 – Iowa State University – Ames, IA Oct. 24 – Mankato Civic Center – Mankato, MN Oct. 26 – Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
Oct. 27 – Indiana University – Bloomington, IN Oct. 29 – Illinois State University – Normal, IL Oct. 30 – Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC – Chicago, IL Nov. 1 – Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend, IN Nov. 2 – Ball State University – Muncie, IN Nov. 4 – Ohio State University – Columbus, OH Nov. 5 – Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI Nov. 6 – University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI Nov. 8 – Northern Kentucky University – Highland Heights, KY Nov. 9 – University of Akron – Akron, OH Nov. 10 – Robert Morris University – Moon Township, PA Nov. 12 – University of Maryland Baltimore County – Baltimore, MD Nov. 13 – Virginia State University – Petersburg, VA Nov.15 – Penn State University – University Park, PA
Nov. 17 – Ithaca College – Ithaca, NY Nov. 19 – University of Massachusetts – Lowell, MA Nov. 20 – Providence Performing Arts Center – Providence, RI Nov. 23 – Beacon Theatre – NYC Nov. 24 – Beacon Theatre – NYC Nov. 26 – Beacon Theatre – NYC Nov. 27 – Beacon Theatre – NYC Nov. 29 – Beacon Theatre – NYC Nov. 30 – Beacon Theatre – NYC
After a sixteen-year hiatus, legendary hip-hop duo, Gang Starr, is temporarily back on the scene with a new release, Family and Loyalty. The record, their first release since their 2003 LP The Ownerz features a posthumous verse from fabled Emcee Guru, along with current hip-hop juggernaut, J. Cole.
Backed by DJ Premier’s renowned scratching and drums, Guru opens and closes the record with his acclaimed delivery, flow and rhymes. With his verses being interrupted by J. Cole, who delivers a devastating lyrical onslaught in his own right. It is the first single from what appears to be a new Gang Starr album.
DJ Premier, one of the most revered producers in hip-hop and the duo’s other half, has been teasing fans about a new LP with cryptic social media messages, tweeting, “I WONDER WHAT PEOPLE WOULD SAY IF I RELEASED A NEW…,” alerting fans that new music may be on the way but left it unspecified.
The mythical Premier seems to have confirmed the suspicions, after posting what appears to be a promotional video on his Instagram which features a voicemail from legendary rapper Nas. Saying, “Yo Premier, what up man it’s your man Nas. Is it true there’s a new Gang Starralbum? That’s crazy man let me know man. Alright chill.”
Nas and DJ Premier have a history in their own right, with the producer handling a lot of the production on the rapper’s acclaimed debut project Illmatic.
A new Gang Starr album would be much anticipated. The duo, known for classic hip-hip songs like “Work,” “Above the Clouds,” and “Mass Appeal,” would surely bring many fans memories of the genre’s golden age.
It will also be refreshing to hear unreleased verses from Guru, nearly a decade after his death from cancer in April of 2010 at 43-years-old.
On September 21, 1970, Vida Blue no-hit the Minnesota Twins in his eighth career major league start for the Oakland Athletics. 49 years later and fresh off the release of their new album Crossing Lines, Page McConnell’s All-Star band with the same namesake reunited at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester and knocked the ball out of the park.
Vida Blue
The band played every song from their new album and a few tasty “seasoned veteran” Vida Blue songs as well as covers from prior tours. The main set included heavy hitters “Jealous Guy” by John Lennon and “Sheep” by Pink Floyd. Gary Numan’s “Cars” was part of the encore, and really got the balcony shaking.
Page McConnell, Adam Zimmon, Russell Batise and Oteil Burbridge love playing together.
Vida Blue’s current batting order includes Page McConnell (keyboards), Russell Batiste (drums), Oteil Burbridge (bass), and newcomer Adam Zimmon (guitar). McConnell, best known for his work with the rock band Phish, was full of banter throughout the show and introduced his bandmates halfway through their marathon two and a half hour set. McConnell, Batiste, Burbridge and Zimmon were all smiles the entire time and clearly loved playing together. At one point, McConnell mentioned that they plan to play together again soon, causing the crowd to erupt with excitement. The fans sincerely loved the show and want more Vida Blue.
Oteil Burbrige
Setlist: Analog , Real Underground Soul Sound, Where Did It Go, CJ3, Jealous Guy, Phaidon, Dry Spell, Checking Out, Where’s Popeyes, Weepa, Maybe, Who’s Laughing Now?, If I Told You, Final Flight, Sheep, Most Events Aren’t Planned
The 19th Annual Native American Music Awards will take place at Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino in Niagara Falls on Nov. 2. Among this year’s nominees are four New York-based acts. Public voting is now open through the NAMA website.
Syracuse’s Irv Lyons, Jr., Joanne Shenandoah, and the Ripcords were each nominated as well as Buffalo’s Nick Lone. Lyons earned two nominations, one for Best Rock Recording for his Sisters and Brothers album and one for Song of the Year, “Looking for the Light” from that album.
Lyons recorded his latest album at SubCat Studios in Syracuse with an all-star cast of area musicians that included Joe Driscoll, Billy Harrison, Melissa Gardiner, Edgar Pagan, Melanie Krahmer, Richie Melito, and others. Lyons is a Oneida Nation native and also a member of the Ripcords, who have also been nominated this year. His band’s sounds are rooted in blues, Latin jazz and country. The lineup he put together for his latest album brings hip-hop, jazz, rock, Latin jazz performers, producing a truly eclectic album.
Irv Lyons, Jr.
Shenandoah is up for Best Indie Single of the Year for her song “We Will Rise Up.” She is a Grammy-winning and 14-time Nammy winning Oneida Nation Native that not only writes and performs but is also an internationally recognized humanitarian and peace advocate. She is a founding member of the Hiawatha Insitute for Indigenous Knowledge and has performed for the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. The Associated Press has described her as “America’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed Native American musicians of her time.”
Joanne Shenandoah
Buffalo’s Nick Lone is nominated in the Best Rap/Hip Hop/R&B category for his song “Native Pride.”
The Ripcords are a Syracuse-based band influenced by the blues, roots rock, rock-a-billy, and the music of New Orleans. They’ve been on the Syracuse music scene since 2003 and have performed throughout the Northeast. The band has been nominated in the Best Blues and Best Live Video categories for this year’s Nammys for their album Live at SubCat Studios.
The full list of this year’s nominees is below.
19th Annual Native American Music Awards Nominees:
Artist of the Year
Bear Fox (Mohawk) – Life Blanket
Murphy Platero (Navajo) – Butterflies, Horses and Guitars
Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) – Simple Truth
Tonemah (Lumbee) – Red Dirt Remark
Vince Redhouse (Navajo) – A Distant Star
Wade Fernandez (Menominee) – Journey of the Heart
Group or Duo of the Year
Crazy Flute (Cherokee) – We Belong To The Music
Cree Confederation (Cree/Various) – Medicine Horse
Larry Redhouse Quartet (Navajo) – Naomi’s Dance
Sihasin (Navajo) – Fight Like A Woman
The Cody Blackbird Band and Connor Chee (Dakota, Cherokee, Navajo) – Live From White Horse Black Mountain
Young Spirit (Plains Cree/Various) – Red Dress Special/Love, Life, Round Dance
New Artist or Debut Artist of the Year
Alex FireThunder (Lakota) – Makȟóčhe Kiŋ Theȟíla (Love For The Land)
D Johnson (Navajo) – K Town
David Lopez (Comanche/Tarahumara) – If I Won The Lottery
DJ Premier, one of the most revered producers in hip-hop and the duo’s other half, has been teasing fans about a new LP with cryptic social media messages, tweeting, “I WONDER WHAT PEOPLE WOULD SAY IF I RELEASED A NEW…,” alerting fans that new music may be on the way but left it unspecified.
