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INDIE WEEK INTERNATIONAL : Indie Music Festival in Canada +Ireland \ FAQs

Do you have questions about...

 

...Read on!

 

FESTIVAL HISTORY + OTHER GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is Indie Week?

Indie Week is a twice-annual music festival.   Indie Week is the “alternative” music festival - it’s about independent artists. As an artist-friendly festival, each act is listened to in the selection process and chosen on their musical merits. This means the acts aren’t lost in a giant band stew. It’s about the music, not the competition. It’s about giving the underdog a chance. It’s about networking, learning, and sharing ideas. It’s about getting a leg up in the near impossible landscape of the music business.

How long has Indie Week been around?

Indie Week Canada has been around for 8 years, and Ireland for 4.

Why Ireland?

Irish band Vesta Varro won Indie Week Canada 2007, and the year after, there was a spike in Irish applicants. Lo and behold, Indie Week Canada 2008 was won by yet another Irish band – Walter Mitty & The Realists. We decided that there was something about Ireland and Indie Week Ireland was born! Visit www.indieweek.com/about-ireland/ for festival details!

What’s up with judging and the prize?

Members of the music industry judge Indie Week Canada and Ireland showcases (see a list of past judges here). Both festivals culminate in their own Indie Week Closing Parties, showcasing the Best of the Fest. At this time, the ‘winner’ is decided and that band is treated to free flights for up to 5 band members to headline the upcoming sister festival (The Irish winner headlines the Canadian festival and vice versa).

Is this a battle of the bands?

Heavens no! Judging is done quietly and discretely. Many attendees, performers and press have raved about the balance that Indie Week has achieved between festival and competition. The end result is a fantastic showcase of the ‘Best of the Fest’ at the end of the week.

Can anyone apply?

Pretty much - Acts accepted can be signed to an indie label, an indie label distributed by a major but not acts signed directly to a major label. We accept acts from most genres : acoustic, solo, folk, rock, alternative, hard rock, metal, eclectic, electronic, punk, hardcore, pop, soft rock. We are looking for the best! More details here.

Are you looking to expand to other territories?

Indie Week’s long-term goal is to develop an extensive festival network. If you represent a music festival and want to discuss partnership, email Founder/Director Darryl Hurs at info@indieweek.com.

Who has played Indie Week?

Please go here for a taste of past Irish acts, here for some past Canadian acts, and here for past Irish winners.

Will I get signed if I play Indie Week?

It is up to YOU (the artist) to take advantage of the opportunities we offer. Many acts have made connections and moved on to work with managers, lawyers, producers, agents – all because of their performance at Indie Week.

STAGE TECHNICALITIES

Is backline provided?

If you have been selected to perform at Indie Week Ireland 2011, CLICK HERE for show information.  

When is load in?

 

When is soundcheck?

 

Our show requires special equipment (ie. a video projector + screen). Does the venue provide this?

 

JUDGING, FINALS + PRIZE

How is the Best of the Fest chosen?

A smokin' panel of judges decides. CLICK HERE for a list of past music industry judges. Even if the judging doesn't pan out in your favour, you are guaranteed to be performing for industry, and it's not uncommon for artists to go on to work with judges who are managers, producers, agents, lawyers, etc.

What is the judging criteria?

Judges score 1-5 on:     NOTE : INDIE WEEK takes artist judging very seriously and do our best to ensure a fair and equal process.

Who is judging our showcase?

  • We may release the names of all participating judges on the Indie Week website.
  • In order to maintain a fair and equal process we will not disclose the judges' stations prior to the showcases.
 
 

Indie Week Ireland 2011 Finals

 

What is the prize for winning?

 

TICKETS, WRISTBANDS, PASSES + GUESTLIST

Wristbands? What are they for?

 

Where are wristbands + tickets available?

 

When is artist registration?

How do I collect my performer pass?

 

Can I get an extra pass for my manager?

For sure - especially since we'll know your manager well after liaising over email leading up to the festival.

Is there guest list?

 

I have media coming to see me - can I get them on guest list?

Better yet, get them to fill out the MEDIA ACCREDITATION FORM and they can get a media pass so they can attend the whole shebang, not just your showcase! Media Accreditation Form: http://www.indieweek.com/media-acreditation/

MEDIA + PUBLICITY

Are there media opportunities?

Artists will be notified.

How do I stand out amidst a sea of bands?

Good question! INDIE WEEK exists as a festival for artists to make connections, network, and gain exposure. But you have to do the work - it is up to you to fully participate and take advantage of these opportunities! Here are promotional ideas that will help you get the most out of your showcase:  

Be creative in your promotions and get attention for your act! STAND OUT.

 

I need a publicist. Can you recommend one?

Fantastic Canadian publicists we've worked with. Say we sent you ;)
 

Compensation + Application Fees

Do I get paid?

Unfortunately no. Revenue goes directly to:  

Is my application fee refunded if I'm not selected?

Unfortunately no, the application is non-refundable.

Why is there an application fee?

There are a number of reasons for the application fee: The majority goes to paying for festival promotion and to the top prize (flights). The fee also ensures that interested acts are serious and have a high commitment level.