Haydain Neale, 1970–2009
The Making of a Medley
Transit City and Transit Cities
The Daily Photoist: November 23, 2009
Torontoist is usually pretty happy to see events that try to celebrate and support independent music in Toronto. Torontoist loves independent music, and collectively we probably go see more than a dozen shows a month.
So were a little flabbergasted when we found out about the Toronto Independent Music Awards. Terrible logo and sloppy website aside there's definitely something lacking in the execution.
With an MC from Edge 102 (a pillar of the independent music community?), a noticeable lack of press buzz, and a list of nominees that we have never heard of, Torontoist can't help wonder whether the California-based producers of the show are in over their heads? That in itself is already a tragedy.
Let's just hope TIMA's failure is just a case of ineptitude and not some convoluted scheme to take advantage of independent musicians who want a venue to play their music. If that's the case or if Torontoist gets wind of it, Toronto indie musicians will be sharpening their knives very quickly.
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Perhaps Torontoist should put its money where its mouth is and organize an alternate indie music awards. Half a dozen shows a month has got to make T.O.ist qualified for *something*.
this looks not-so-good. i can recognize some of the band names, and wish i couldn't. if you know what i mean.
Jeez...
I'm getting a little sick of seeing both the mainstream press (yes Eye Mag, I'm looking at YOU) and blogs like this one that purport to support the independent scene trash these awards. At least these guys are trying to do something positive for some acts that get little press, despite the fact that some of them plugging have been plugging away for more years than some of your readers have been alive. It's also their first kick at the can with this, so why not cut them some slack?
Here’s a thought – why don't you actually go to the awards show before you trash them, or at least check out some of the bands nominated – and yes, there are many, including Angie Nussey, Eden Ants, Chris Bottomley, Beyond the Pale, Slave to the Squarewave, Peter Verity, God Made Me Funky, etc. etc. etc. that are excellent.
Remember - it's a big city, and just 'cus you haven't heard of it yet doesn't necessarily mean it sucks.
Cheers,
Jay Moonah from Uncle Seth:
Proud "Toronto Independent Music Awards 'Best Rock Band'" Nominees
I appreciate the information in your article. I didn't know the producers were from CA, for one and although I know some of the bands, most are not my cup of tea. But your attitude towards the bands on the roster is typical Toronto. Who cares if you've never heard of them? Look, I know this city better than Kirk Cameron knows the Bible, but it doesn't make your claim as the Torontonist any less 'cause I never heard of ya. Indy bands that aren't filled with cute girls, recycled Can-con cronies, and friends/employees of the weekly infotainment papers (or a combination thereof) are rarely worthy of any media attention in Toronto.
Peace,
NP
i'm not sure about this TIMA thing not because i haven't heard of the bands, but because of the quality of the bands. i personally know bands involved this year and last year (and have played with or opened for a few too), and do like a few of them (god made me funky album is awesome). but the problem with this is not local media, but organization, promotion, and most of all, credibility. obsidian closed the festival? and what have previous winners done with their careers? i'm sorry, that's just the nature of the music business. i wish it were as simple as "haven't heard of them, they suck." if these winners were given a legitimate opportunity for exposure, and they don't get their music out to the fairly big music fans, they've wasted a good opportunity. or, more probably, the opportunity from TIMA wasn't that good to begin with. sorry guys.
(ps i did go to a show and no one was there.)
"i personally know bands involved this year and last year (and have played with or opened for a few too)"
- This is the first TIMAs(2005), it did not exist last year
"obsidian closed the festival?"
-It isn't a festival.. nor was it closed by anyone??
"organization, promotion, and most of all, credibility"
- We had been preparing for a year, two of our producers are FROM Toronto. Two have worked in the music industry for over 20 years
(ps i did go to a show and no one was there.)
- we had a count of about 500 people throughout the evening, the Phoenix welcomed us back for this year
"if these winners were given a legitimate opportunity for exposure, and they don't get their music out to the fairly big music fans, they've wasted a good opportunity. or, more probably, the opportunity from TIMA wasn't that good to begin with."
i don't recall posting that, but sorry for the inaccuracies anyway. the above quote does still make sense to me. results results results.
Here is an example of 'results', feel free to contact the TIMAs "Best Female Performer" and "Song of the Year" winner Angie Nussey, who has been working close with our former stage manager and third producer of the TIMAs, Jim Zeppa, who has secured her several shows and helped her extensively with press.
Regarding a "legitimate opportunity for exposure", did anyone from your publication come check out the TIMAs?
^closely