Winners of the 2nd Annual Artists In Music Awards Announced

Overlooking the crowd during the Artists In Music Awards Red Carpet event

Katie Cole, John Cassese, Glitter Rose, Beu Sisters, Melanie Taylor, “The Ground Above” Among Those Who Take Home Coveted Trophies

Winners of the Artists In Music Awards have been announced at the Key Club in West Hollywood, CA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Hollywood, CA), February 7, 2013—The Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) has announced the 2013 winners in all categories at the world famous Key Club ahead of Grammys weekend.

AIMA trophies were given to some of the finest emerging music artists at the star-studded, red carpet event that included members of Quiet Riot, Patrick Kilpatrick, featured LIVE performances, and concluded with an energized after party for the guests where the winners eagerly awaited for their trophies.  The highly publicized AIMA was executively produced by Mikey Jayy and hosted by Hollywood personality Nic Creznic and Los Angeles Music Awards founder Al Bowman.

Best Rock Artist & Album of the Year recipient Glitter Rose performing
"Kody Was A Killer"

This year’s LIVE performances at AIMA featured artists that are some of the most talented names in independent music, including Mike Ben Yami, Cheating Daylight, Haster, Ko-Lition, Leave It To Us, Travis Royce, The Controversy, Mika Ben-Yami, and Glitter Rose. All of the performers were also nominated.

The 101 Distribution “Artist of the Year” was awarded to Katie Cole. Cole, originally from Melbourne, Australia, describes her own style of music as having flavors of Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac and Colbie Caillat. She calls it "Americana meets British Pop". Acclaimed Record Producer Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow) found her music on the web and reached out to Cole and eventually helped her to produce the successful EP “Lost Inside A Moment”, which received extensive radio play in the United Kingdom. Since then Cole has released a number of songs and has won many awards for her work including an AIMA in 2012.  Her song “Gravity” was featured on all major US Television networks including NBC, ABC, CBS, Bravo and Comedy Central.  Cole has just released her new single “I Can’t Wait” and is working on her new album "Lay It All Down", featuring Kris Kristofferson and Instant People.  At this year’s AIMA, she also carried the “Best Country Artist” category.

Mikey Jayy & Nic Creznic award Katie Cole the Artist of the Year award

The multi-talented choreographer, singer, and producer John Cassese received “Come Back Album of the Year” for his “Never Too Late”.  Cassese is a nationally recognized dance instructor who has trained such celebrities as Adam Sandler, U2’s The Edge, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sir Ben Kingsly.  “Singing is always something I have focused on and has always been a big part of my life,” said Cassese, “but because I was dancing and teaching dance so regularly, I put my singing career on the back burner, though it was never, ever far from me. It has always been and always will be a great passion.”  Critics state that Cassese’s new album “Never to Late” features some of the most touching, emotional and romantic songs.

The Controversy performing "Real"

Glitter Rose, nominated for “Best Rock Artist” and “Album of the Year" for Dead or Alive, won big last night, carrying both competitive categories and giving another excellent stage performance.  “I just can’t believe that I also won Album of the Year tonight!” exclaimed Rose to the press, “This is such an honor for me.  I never would have expected it this year even though I put my heart and soul into this album production.  I am so thankful that AIMA recognized the music on this album.”  Glitter Rose’s career has been highlighted by many awards as she has also won the LAMA in the past.  “Many record labels wanted her to switch to pop, but she stayed true to her music and never gave in.  She loves rock music and will always excel in rock,” explains her manager.  Industry experts agree, stating that Rose feels comfortable in her musical genre and appears to be having fun with her work on stage.  Rose will be showcasing more of her music at an upcoming red carpet event at the Hardrock Café in Hollywood.

Nic Creznic, Mikey Jayy & Al Bowman award Ron Whitaker
and Isabella Shaldan the Lifetime Achievement Award

Beu Sisters took the award for “Best Pop Artist”. The sisters, Candice, Christie and Danielle Beu, came to the attention of award-winning songwriter Desmond Child (Kiss, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith), who introduced them to record producer Steve Greenberg and the sisters became the second act signed to S-Curve Records.  They released their debut album “Decisions” in 2002, which received rave reviews, and then went on to garner numerous movie and television soundtracks: “The Lizzie McGuire Movie Soundtrack”; “Home on the Range”; “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days”; “Because of Winn Dixie”; “Ella Enchanted”; “Smallville”; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” among them.  They have also been featured on “The Disney Channel.”

Haster receiving the award for Best Metal Band

Melanie Taylor took the award for “Best Dance Artist”, a category that some industry insiders felt that  she was an odds-on favorite for after her excellent performance at the Whisky A Go-Go during the AIMA voting party back in September. After releasing two singles, Taylor has just released her debut album, “All About Today”, with Sly Doggie Productions. Taylor is currently working on a brand new dance single that will be released internationally.

The Ground Above was nominated for 3 awards and won 2 including Best Electronica Artist.  Following their positive youtube debut, The Ground Above received airplay on Internet Radio stations like "Suck Free Radio" and "Indie 100" and have produced for some up and coming names including "Spencer Kane," which landed Avery Berman the second win in the “Producer of the Year” category.

Glitter Rose with Best Electronica & Producer of the Year,
Avery Berman of The Ground Above

Other winners included Tel Aviv, Isreal native, Mika Ben-Yami (Best Singer/Songwriter), Soren Bryce (Best Folk/Acoustic Artist), Reachback (Best Music Video) for their song "No One Else", Ill Funk Ensemble (Best R&B/Soul Artist), Static People (Best Punk/Post Punk Artist), Trevor Sewell (Best Blues Artist), Tom Slack (Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year), Alex Economou (Best Jazz Artist), Samy Gana (Best Latin Artist), Walla (Best Indie Rock Artist), Soren Bryce (Best Folk/Acoustic Artist), Ko-Lition (Best Urban/Hip Hop Artist), and the group In the Midst 777 (Best Christian/Gospel Artist). The only repeat category winner, In Air took home the Best Alternative Artist award for the second year in a row.

Four other awards were given:  “The Critics Choice Award For Breakthrough Artist of The Year” went to Lisa Panagos, Brad Mercer received the "Alan Freed Award for Lifetime Achievement”, and John Carvalho was honored as “LGBT Person of the Year” for entertainment advocacy to LGBT recording artists.

Executive Producer Mikey Jayy established the Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) two years ago in order to recognize and promote the finest emerging music artists from around the world. Artists are showcased throughout the summers and nominations are given out in multiple categories.

Among the sponsors of the event were 101Distribution, Independent Music Promotions, Greg Bennett Entertainment Group, KGUP 106.5FM "The Emerge Radio Networks" (the official radio station of the Artists in Music Awards), Advantage Distribution, John Cassese, and Tailfish Productions. Taylor Van Arsdale of Tailfish Productions helped publicize the event.

To view all of the nominees or get more information on the Artist in Music Awards and submissions for the awards, please go to: www.aimusicawards.com

The AIMA Awards Ceremony is Almost Here! Last Chance to Vote for your Favorite Artist

What a year 2013 is turning out to be! The excitement that has been generated by our Nomination Night at the Whisky A-Go-Go on Dec. 2 has been palpable and continues to build! Nic Creznic did a terrific job hosting and I am very happy to have him come back to the stage at the Awards Night!

The 2013 Artists In Music Awards is now just around the corner. The voting polls are still open, but they are due to close just a few days away on January 20th. Several categories are still very close and could go to a few top artists. As you know we have a panel of judges, but the fan votes carry a very heavy weight - so show your favorite artists your support and push them into the lead! VOTE HERE

In case you weren’t aware, we are coming back to the Key Club on February 7th and tickets are on sale for only $25. Grab them quick from our website or purchase through Ticketleap 

Due to overwhelming demand, we are adding “seating” to our event so that you and your friends can have a place to camp out and enjoy the entire show. If you really want to party in style, get the VIP Table package. This package includes 4 tickets, a table for 4, premium bottle service, appetizers, and dinner for 4. To reserve your spot, go to TicketLeap

If you’re just looking for a good time, try our balcony tables. For current ticket holders, add a table and get 4 drink tickets with your purchase. If you haven’t purchased tickets, you can get the 4-admission ticket package with table and 4 drink tickets for one low price. 

We are also proud to announce the all new Event Programs. These commemorative beauties display the night’s performers - Also new this year, we are highlighting some up and coming artists from the music community. We are reserving event programs for members of the Press and VIP guests. 

In addition, we are very pleased to be offering a 2013 A.I.M.A. t-shirt. This one of a kind t-shirt will only be available at the Awards Ceremony. These t-shirts will be white, so you can walk up to the performers, award recipients, or Nominee’s and get them to sign your shirt. This year’s Artists In Music Award recepients could be next year’s Grammy award winners, so get an autograph from every artist at the event!  

Looking ahead to the 2014 Artists in Music Awards

This newsletter marks the first time we are publicly sharing this news: the Artists in Music is proud to announce that we will be producing 11 shows at the HardRock Cafe in Hollywood over the next year! We have already begun lining up artists for these shows, so if you are interested at playing at one of the premiere venues in Hollywood, please reply to us or have your representation contact us as soon as possible.  

MEDIA RELEASE***AIMA returns to Key Club and Ko-Lition joins the Line Up

MEDIA RELEASE***MEDIA RELEASE***MEDIA RELEASE AIMA returns to Key Club on February 7, 2013 and Ko-Lition joins the Performance Line Up Christmas and New Year’s is just around the corner, but I wanted to send out one last newsletter of 2012 and wish you a fun and safe Holiday and Happy New Year! Yes, you read the title right. We are coming back to the World Famous Key Club in West Hollywood, CA on Grammy’s weekend on February 7, 2013 for our Artist In Music Awards Ceremony. We are very excited to return to this legendary venue. The stage is better, the sound is better, and the total experience is…well, just better. ADDITION TO LINE UP We are also proud to announce that we have added Best Urban/Hip Hop Nominee, Ko-Lition to the performance line up at the awards ceremony. Ko-Lition is a Hip Hop duo from Brooklyn, NY. If you enjoy the sounds of Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Digable Planets, you will love Ko-Lition. Look for them on the Red Carpet on February 7, 2012 and on stage. Ko-Lition joins Cheating Daylight, Glitter Rose, Haster, Travis Royce, Mika Ben-Yami, Leave It To Us, and The Controversy. TICKETS If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, they are now on sale on through the website atwww.aimusicawards.com and available through www.aimusicawards.ticketleap.com/2013-aima for only $25. You may also purchase tickets on location at The Dance Doctor www.dancedoctor.com studio in Santa Monica. RED CARPET  Just like last year, we are hosting the Red Carpet outside. We anticipate over 50 members of the media in attendance, so make sure you put on your “best.” If you are planning on walking the carpet; please reach out to Taylor Van Arsdale at [email protected] or via phone at 310.721.0877. She will be coordinating the carpet. ARTIST FEATURE This year, we are printing a special Event Program for the Awards Ceremony. Each program will list all of the Sponsors, Award Ceremony performers, and Final Nominees. 8 pages will be made available for a full-page feature. If you’d like to be featured in the program, please send an email to [email protected] and we will let you know how you can be a part of this opportunity.   BUSINESS OWNERS If you own a business and you are interested in placing your company’s logo or service in the event program, please reply to this email for rates. We are printing 1,000 copies to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get a copy—and this will be given out members of the press and media. Thanks so much! We’re looking forward to a great New Year and will continue to keep you posted on the upcoming event!

Calendar of Events: Artists In Music Awards and Radio Station Update

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
JUNE 1 - Artists In Music Awards Voting Polls Open
JUNE 24, JULY 29, & AUGUST 26 - Artists In Music Awards Summer Showcase, 7pm-9pm PST
FEBRUARY 8, 2013 - Artists In Music Awards ceremony

First of all, the voting polls are just about to open for the first time on June 1, 2012. If you have not submitted your entry to be in the running of the 2nd Annual Artists In Music Awards, we are currently accepting your nomination requests as we speak!

If you are unaware, this summer we are still seeking performers for the Artists In Music Awards Summer Showcase, which is to be held at the famous House of Blues in Hollywood, CA. We have already filled the 3 spots for the June 24th event, but a few spots are still open for the July 29 and August 26 showcases. If you want to be considered for these spots, please send us your submission via www.aimusicawards.com.

Why is the Summer Showcase so important? Why wouldn't it be? To help us decide who will perform at the award ceremony on February 8, 2013, of course! Instead of preselecting who will perform, we thought it would be fun and exciting to watch the artists compete for a chance to perform at the awards event. Have you submitted yet? If not, do it here 

3 of 9 artists will be selected to perform on the main stage, so if you want to compete, send us your submission as soon as possible.

More exciting news I want to share with you! The official radio station of the Artists In Music Awards, KGUP 106.5FM “The Emerge Radio Networks” is LEGAL!

The long short of it, we launched the radio station on April 12, 2012 and after only 3 short weeks, we got a “nice” letter from the Copyright Enforcement Bureau in Washington D.C. telling us we need to get licensed by May 25th or shut down, otherwise pay hefty penalties or face time in prison. Yikes! Why did they contact us so quickly? I guess having 15,000 listeners in our opening 3 weeks was more than enough to trigger a response. It doesn’t seem fair since I know stations that have been broadcasting for over 3 years and they’ve never received a letter from Washington.

Instead of fighting it, we succumbed to their demands and now, we are fully licensed with ASCAP, BMI, SEASAC, and SoundExchange to broadcast music. The good news for musicians is we pay royalties. Check out our new station at www.kgup1065.com. If you have TuneIn, you can take us anywhere you go on your smartphone. If you don’t have it, go to your mobile store and download it for free. Once it’s downloaded, search for “KGUP 106.5FM” or “The Emerge Radio Networks.”

Best wishes and I hope to see all of you attend the Summer Showcase here in Hollywood. For more information, go to www.aimusicawards.com & www.kgup1065.com

Mikey Jayy
Executive Producer