Independent CD manufacturer Disc Makers is set to kick off thisyear’s Independent Music World Series, a showcase for independentmusicians based in the Midwest. The showcase finals will be held at theElbo Room in Chicago on May 13, 2004, and will feature the top six actsas selected by Billboard magazine. The finalist will receive$35,000 in music gear and prizes.
The competition is open to all musicians not currently signed to amajor record label and to all genres of music. To be eligible for theMidwest showcase, at least one bandmember must reside in Illinois,Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota or Wisconsin.Submissions must be postmarked by March 11, 2004. Each artist whosubmits an entry (with $20 entry fee) will receive a free copy ofBillboard‘s Musician’s Guide to Touring and Promotion andElectronic Musician magazine. Artists who submit their entryonline will be automatically entered to win a Fender Stratocasterguitar.
Independent A&R company TAXI (www.taxi.com) will select 100 semi-finalists, and thesix performing finalists will then be chosen by Billboardmagazine for the Elbo Room showcase.
For more information on Disc Makers Independent Music World Series,visit www.discmakers.com/imws or call 888/800-5796.
