Disc Makers Independent Music World Series 2008

Ready for the spotlight?

In 2008, the Independent Music World Series will:
Showcase 24 independent artists (selected by Billboard magazine)
Crown 4 Grand Prize Winners
Award $250,000 in total prizes (including $24,000 in CASH!)
Produce 4 compilation CDs featuring 60 indie acts
Want a chance to showcase for music industry VIPs? How about a chance to win cash and premium music gear? Enter Disc Makers’ Independent Music World Series (IMWS) for a chance to do both. In 2008, the IMWS will feature showcases in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and Chicago, and will award a huge Grand Prize at each show – will it be to you?

What can I win?
Tons of stuff. 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, cash money, and more!

What genres of music are welcomed? All genres are welcomed. No matter what style or genre of music you play, you are eligible for the IMWS.

Genres that have been featured in past IMWS showcases include:
Singer/Songwriter • Hard Rock • Punk/Pop • Pop Rock • Hip-Hop • Electronic Pop Rock • Jazz • Bluegrass Rock • Rock • Salsa • Country/American • Jam • Gospel • World • Country • Flamenco • AAA • R&B • Pop • Funk • Crunk • Klezmer • Alternative • A Capella • Punk • Emo • Latin • and more

How is it judged? For all regions, submissions are judged on the following criteria:

Songwriting

Overall vibe

Musical performance

Vocal/lead instrument performance

Originality

Genre and production quality are not a factor. This isn’t a popularity contest. Our goal is to discover, showcase, and reward the best independent artists in the country.

Who picks the finalists? 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.

Regional Showcase Breakdown

West region
Showcase will be held 7/17/08 in Los Angeles, CA
Open to artists from: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY as well as YT, BC, AB and SK Canada

Northeast region

Showcase will be held 8/14/08 in New York City, NY
Open to artists from: CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI and VT, as well as QC and NL Canada

Southeast region
Showcase will be held 9/11/08 in Atlanta, GA
Open to artists from: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA and WV

Midwest region
Showcase will be held 10/16/08 in Chicago, IL
Open to artists from: CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NM, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD, TX and WI, as well as NT, MB, ON, Victoria Island, Banks Island, Baffin Island and Queen Eliz Island Canada