Indie Week prides itself on being the "alternative" music festival. As the name suggests, it's about independent artists.

As an artist-friendly festival, each act is listened to in the selection process and chosen on its musical merits. Indie Week Toronto 2010 had 160+ acts, and Indie Week Ireland had 15+, meaning our artists aren't lost in a giant band-stew!

Each year Indie Week connects the Irish and Canadian music scene by bringing one act from Ireland to Toronto and vice versa. Members of the music industry judge select showcases, and the 'Best of the Fest' headlines the next festival across the Atlantic. But don't be wary if you're not a fan of music competitions: Many attendees, performers and press have raved about the balance that Indie Week has achieved between festival and competition.

It's about the music, not the competition. It's about giving the underdog a chance. It's about networking, learning, sharing ideas and giving your act a chance. It's about getting a leg up in the near impossible landscape of the music business.

Many acts have made connections and have moved on to work with managers, lawyers, producers, agents - all because of their performance at Indie Week.

These Electric Lives, winners of Indie Week Canada 2010 sing - "We Should Be Believing." They did, and now they're on their way to headline Indie Week Ireland 2011. Plus a number of other opportunities have arisen since their winning performance at Indie Week 2010.

We hope to see your act onstage at Indie Week 2011 - Keep Believing!