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Independent Music Conference The nation's only music conference just for independent musicians and music fans

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Noel Ramos


Last Updated: 11/17/2009

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008 

Current mood:  accomplished
Category: Music
With well over 230 pre-registered attendees this was a record-breaking IMC. It also set the record for the most heavy-hitter industry folks. What a powerful collection of instructors! The collective brain trust and wealth of experience represented at IMC/LA was mind boggling.

HUGE thanks to all!!!

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Friday, August 08, 2008 

Current mood:  sad
RIP - Robert Hazard

It was only a short while ago i was laughing and talking with you at Cape May. Now you are gone. I am deeply saddened by this news, you will be greatly missed Robert.

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Philadelphia music icon Robert Hazard, best known for writing the Cyndi Lauper hit "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," died at the age of 59 on Tuesday from cancer complications, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. "He was one of the biggest local performers ever," Hazard's former road manager says. "He literally exploded out of Philadelphia."

Hazard's band, Robert Hazard and the Heroes, gained local and national acclaim in the '80s with New Wave hits like "Escalator of Life." Later in life, he turned increasingly to folk music, recently releasing two folk-tinged albums. "His roots were in folk music," another former manager says. "His local fame and international notoriety were not for the types of music that was the essence of his soul."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 

Category: Music
We were made to feel so welcome by all the wonderful Charlestonians we met in the last few days. We greatly enjoyed ourselves in your fair city, and we are grateful to Brad Bradley and all the amazing people of Local 136 of the American Federation of Musicians, especially Corey and Lisa Green who served as our main support staff here in Charleston. Huge thanks must also go to the amazing Clay Center, which was by far the most incredible venue for an IMC that we have ever had the privilege to occupy. Tom Pasinetti, Mike Ramsey, Sherri Harper and Doug Litton of the Clay Center's impressive staff astounded us with their technical expertise, and a level of capability and professionalism that serve as an example that all can aspire to.

Extra special thanks must go to all our generous industry instructors, who travelled from all over the country to share their knowledge and experience with the musicians of Charleston: Bill Pere, Kay Pere, John Kerecz, Brad Lovejoy, Rob Case, L. Kevin Levine, Ron Sowell, Andy Haught, Franklin Toland, and more.

What a memorable weekend this has been! It was inspiring to meet and observe the dedicated and talented musicians who came to the IMC to learn, network and perform. Thanks to Larry Groce and all the Festivall participants, it was an honor to serve as the kickoff even for such a worthwhile endeavor. To all our new friends in Charleston, enjoy the rest of Festivall and keep supporting the arts!

With gratitude,

Noel Ramos, Executive Director - Independent Music Conference.
Monday, June 02, 2008 

Current mood:  animated
Category: Music
Greetings y'all!

We are only 3 weeks away from IMC/WV!

We've got some very informative workshops for you with some really great presenters. Just take a look:

Brad Bradley
Music Biz 101
This is a brief introduction into the music business for all those who are new to the business. From performing to teaching to writing and recording, this workshop brings to light some of the pitfalls associated with the business of music.

Rob Case
Basic Steps of Music Publishing for the Independent Songwriter
The New A&R Scouts of the music industry. Learn the basic steps of the music publishing business including a detailed outline that every songwriter, composer, producer should know: Agreements, Studios, Budgets, and Copyrights.

Jim Fetzer
Myspace & Promoting
In this very competative time a band needs to do things right.
i.e., Proven ways of working smarter & harder.

Maurice Henderson
How to Become a Spoken Word Artist or Recording Artist of Rap, Gospel or Urban Contemporary Music
Participants will learn the basics for the preparation of their talent development.

Arts Management
Participants will acquire ability to distinguish their Skills Inventory Deployment for a Self Actualization of marketing their Individual Talent or developing, operating and managing a Performance Group, Visual Arts Facility (Gallery or Museum), Cultural Organization, Educational Arts Institution and Musical Ensembles.

L. Kevin Levine
Copyright and Business Basics for Songwriters
I will cover the basics of copyright protection and attempt to dispel some of the myths surrounding copyright. I will also cover some of the practical business aspects of songwriting, including the use of split letters and musician releases.

Steven Memel
But it Sounded So Much Better at Home - Vocal Technique & Conscious and Unconscious Aspects of Singing
If you ever feel like "sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't", this class is for you. Singing is about communicating. It's story telling with music. The last thing you want to be thinking about when you're performing is whether or not you can depend on your voice being there. Steven Memel will help you understand technically, on both the conscious and unconscious levels, what causes inconsistency and what you can do to change it. He will work with participants and have a Q & A. Feeling secure about your voice is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

What To Do With Your Hands, Legs, Eyes, Hips, Spleen and the Rest of Your Body - A Vocal Performance Workshop
If you've ever asked yourself these questions this workshop is with you... even if you've never asked the one about your spleen. Most performers feel at a loss to some degree for how to deal with their bodies on stage - especially when they feel stuck behind a piano, guitar or mic. Vocal technique and performance coach Steven Memel will give you concrete solutions to these questions and many other in this exciting and entertaining interactive workshop.

Risky Business - The Performer as Risk Taker
What does "going the extra mile" really mean? Is playing it safe really safe? What do the great performers and artists all do? In this unique workshop, explore with singing and performance coach Steven Memel what risk taking is all about. Look at what risk takers think and do. Volunteers will engage in performance exercises, vocal exercises and some written and group exercises... but only if they want to risk it! Oh… and just watching is permitted too.

Jason O'Brien
Fan Relationship Management - Creating Your Brand and Selling Directly to your Fans
The music business continues to evolve. Artists are becoming more responsible for their own marketing and branding. Technology is driving the way audiences are consuming music and technology needs to be a core part of artists marketing and communication strategy.

Bill Pere
Role Call - The Key Hats to Wear for Success in the Music Business
Being an Indie Artist requires that you recognize all the roles that must be filled, the skills required, and how to find the right heads to wear those hats. . Music is first and foremost a people-driven business. Understanding the factors that determine how people (band-mates, booking agents, DJ's managers, record producers, partners,and fans) prefer to give and receive information can give you powerful leverage in navigating the maze of human dynamics and assure that you get the right people in the right roles. Bill's work and publications in this area, based on the widely used MBTI, have been called "groundbreaking" by Ian Bessler, Editor, Songwriter's Market. The information presented here can change your life. For additional info and pre-registration, visit - http://www.ctsongwriting.com

Tripling Your Audience with Targeted Songwriting
Are you reaching only 30% of your potential audience? The other
untapped 70% is only a few key words away. You do not have to sacrifice artisitic integrity to reach a wider fan base. You just need to know some of the central factors in effective lyrical communication, and then decide how you want to apply them. The difference between songs that are liked and remembered by broad and diverse audiences as opposed to those that have a narrow following lies in a few easily applied techniques and an understanding of how people prefer to give and receive information. This workshop provides practical application of the information presented in the companion workshop "Role Call-The Key Hats to Wear for Success in the Music Business."

Kay Pere
Your Creative Compass: How to Achieve Sustainable Creativity in a Busy Life
We often focus on learning the business of music and craft of songwriting, but it is important not to overlook the wellspring from which it all comes -- our creativity and inspiration. Sometimes it seems difficult to find inspiration, to try something new, or to just have the time to create amidst the demands of a busy schedule. This workshop will address these issues and provide practical tools and strategies for insuring that your creative self never disappears under a heap of day to day demands on your time.

The Performing Songwriter's Paint Box - Vocal Workshop
Unlock all the colors of your voice. Techniques to release the unique expressive palate of each song. Tools to create a vivid experience for your audience no matter what your style. Learn specific vocal and songwriting techniques which will bring you attention as a Performing Artist. Producers and vocal coaches working to encourage vocal artistry on stage and in the studio will also find value in the distinctive approach offered by this workshop. Kay Pere is a multi-dimensional music educator, performing songwriter, visual artist and activist, whose creative work embodies a message of hope, healing and humanity.

Noel Ramos
Looking for Press in ALL the Right Places
Noel has published a music magazine for 20 years. He'll relate his experiences and results of surveys he's conducted with media peers. What grabs their attention? What convinces them to print one band's story over another? What do booking agents like to see? What else should you keep in mind? Has the advent of EPKs changed things? These answers and more from the perspective of those you want to target. Examples of press kits will be shown, and a free hand-out of Noel's 7-page "Press Kit Primer" will also be available for all workshop attendees.

Cynthia K. Wunsch
Vocal Health
Master class showing how to produce healthy sound while singing, also taking care of the voice.

Professionalism
How to conduct business in a professional manner so that people will want to invite you back to perform again and again!




Hotel information has also been posted at the official IMC/WV website. Be sure to book your room!

IMC/WV takes place June 20th - 22nd at The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston, West Virginia.

IMC/WV is sponsored in part by The AFM Local 136.

Can't wait to see everyone at IMC/WV! Cheers!

- IMC Staff
Monday, May 12, 2008 
Hello all!

We're offering some truly fantastic workshops at the IMC/WV, presented by some true pros of the industry. More workshops and presenters will be making their way to the schedule, so please stay tuned! In the meantime, check out the list of confirmed workshops thus far at IMC.com/WV. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

-IMC Staff
Wednesday, May 07, 2008 
Thanks again to everyone that was a part of our 2nd IMC/WV promo party! We appreciate the support and we're feeling very good about the upcoming conference in June.

Don't forget to register for IMC/WV! Purchase your registrations now for IMC/WV at IndieGate.com. Registrations are on special for $35.00 each until May 15th!

Thanks again everyone!

-IMC Staff
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 

Current mood:  working
IMC/WV Promo Party in Charleston WV - 5/2/08

Come on out to the 2nd IMC/WV promo party! We're building some buzz for the Independent Music Conference, an educational event for musicians/entrepreneurs!

The IMC/WV will take place at the amazing Clay Center for the Arts in Charleston, West Virginia on June 20th - June 22nd, 2008!

Help us spread the word about this party by reposting this announcement!

If you are in the Charleston area please attend the party and enjoy some great original music from local area bands, and hob-knob with some music industry folks!

Confirmed performances by:
Steve Himes Connection
Anthony Hoey
Freak Tent

ROCK105 FM will be there doing live call-in broadcasts and doing prize giveaways.

For more info on the IMC/WV, please visit www.IMC08.com/WV

Thanks in advance for your help! Hope to see you on May 2nd!

IMC08/WV PROMO PARTY
Where: Sam's Uptown Cafe
Capitol Street – 4 to 5 Blocks from the Clay Center
When: Friday May 2nd, 2008 at 8pm
Why: To build the buzz for IMC08/WV!
Music, food, prizes, fun and IMC info!
Monday, April 21, 2008 
Hello everyone out there in Independent Music Land!

Our beloved video blog series dubbed "IndieBlogg," is now back on line right here on MySpace TV!

Simply click on our videos and check out interviews with:

• Americana diva Christine Ohlman

• British sensation Ben Godwin

• Vocal powerhouse Lynn Carey Saylor

• Original "The Hooters" member David Uosikkinen

• and more!

Enjoy, and get in touch with us to see how you can be featured in one of our upcoming IndieBlogg's!

-Seth
Monday, March 31, 2008 

Current mood:  accomplished
Category: Music
The success of Saturday’s IMC/WV Promo Party in Charleston bodes well for IMC/LA and IMC/Philly. More and more we are encouraged by the now rapidly growing number of musicians and industry people embracing our concepts.

We are extremely optimistic about all three 2008 IMC events.

Charleston wants us back to do one more promo party before the IMC in June! We’ll be announcing the date as soon as it is confirmed!

Thanks to all of the participants for making the party a success! We’ll see you in June!

-IMC Staff
Monday, March 24, 2008 

Current mood:  happy
Wanna PARTY? IMC Promo Party, Charleston, WV - 3/29/08

We are building some buzz for the Independent Music Conference, an educational event for musician/entrepreneurs. The IMC will take place at the amazing Clay Center for the Arts in Charleston, West Virginia.

If you can help us spread the word we’d be grateful!

If you are in the Charleston area please attend the party and enjoy some great original music from local area bands, and hob-knob with music industry people.

ROCK105 FM will be there doing live call-in broadcasts and doing prize giveaways. There will be a free buffet at 8pm with solo-acoustic performances and information about the IMC - details on the awesome Clay Center and the other 5 local venues where the conference will be taking place.

More info: IMC08.com

Thanks in advance for your help! Hope to see you on the 29th,

IMC08/WV PROMO PARTY
Where: Sam’s Uptown Cafe
Capitol Street – 4 to 5 Blocks from the Clay Center
When: Saturday, March 29th, 2008 at 8pm
Why: To build the buzz for IMC08/WV!
Music, food, prizes, fun and IMC info!