Concert Venues

Independent music is well known for its low profile and refusal to conform to current trends. The artists take pride in their individuality and their ability to survive in a cutthroat industry in the absence of compromising on their beliefs. But even the the majority dogged and persistent artists need a bit of help and luck in breaking into the scene and establishing indie credibility.

Showcase parties are an ideal way for performers to perform to a broad  fans, secure experience, and start building reputations on the indie scene. The Indie Music World Series is one of the largest showcase parties for indie music in the US. Tony van Veen, the vice president of sales and marketing for one of the major sponsors, says that indie performers performance a necessary role in keeping the music industry energised and thriving.

IMWS insists that the showcase is not a popularity contest, but a search to discover and reward genuine skill. Despite its reputation as an indie showcase, musicians from all genres are welcome to enter. The panel of judges consist of 12 music business professionals. musicians are judged on their song writing abilities, originality, musical performance, vocal and persuade instrument performance, as well as their “overall vibe.”

Other showcase parties include the Palais de Festivals held at Cannes, France. The party consists of skill showcases, a conference track and networking parties. The showcases are meant to serve as a platform for emerging artists and to teach artists and their managers innovative promotion techniques. All those involved in bringing music to the public’s attention, such as media programmers and record company representatives, attend to find new trends and sounds.

The Mid-Atlantic Music Conference in Charlotte, NC is a music conference that has been growing in popularity and credibility since its inception. artists from all type ofs have to qualify to win one of thirty coveted slots for the  last performance, which takes place in the Halton Theatre. Talent scouts and music executives who attend the conference give it amazing reviews and use the opening  to sign up and coming artists to their labels.

music industry enthusiasts John Phillips and Bryan Banks started the Steamtown Music Showcase in September 2006. Eastern Pennsylvanian artists use the showcase to demonstrate their original music and song writing capabilities. The event is held in a different town every year. This year that honour goes to downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Showcase parties are vital in giving emerging performers a leg-up in the music industry. It gives them the occasion to obtain stage gig experience. They can also catch the eye of a music executive or label producer looking for the next big thing in Indie sound. As an artist, what do you have to lose, weighed against what you stand to gain?