IMR Music Fest

Ever since March of this year, I've been fortunate enough to write for the online magazine, Indie Music Reviewer. When I found out we were holding our first music festival in Atlanta, GA, I knew I wanted to help out. Luckily, two other writers for IMR, Jen (who helped me get this job) and Erin were going to make the drive to Atlanta from New Jersey. So, we jumped in the car (along with Erin's boyfriend, John) and made the 13 hour road trip for a weekend full of music. Not only was I excited to see all of these musicians, but I was looking forward to meeting some of the other writers, our editor (Victor), and publisher (Nate) at IMR. Since we're an online magazine, we all live in various places around the country and the world.

We arrived Thursday night and met up with another writer, Kayt, and our fearless leader/publisher, Nate for some drinks. Then the fun began Friday afternoon around 1pm. The doors opened around 3pm, but we had to set up the venue to prepare for the weekend festival. Even though we were working for free, I didn't mind the work one bit. I've always wanted to be behind the scenes in the music business and I was happy to start by writing the reviews, but helping put on a music festival? This was really behind the scenes. Everything from working the door, to handing out flyers and goodie bags on the streets, to loading gear on or off the stage, or just mingling with various artists all weekend - it was such an amazing experience.

Most of the artists were from the Atlanta area, with a few from New York, New Jersey, and Philly. Each day there were 13 artists, and they played straight through from 3pm till 3am. 26 total artists, 24 hours worth of music - and I enjoyed every single artist. I will admit, some of the music I probably wouldn't have been a fan of in the past, but this job has opened my mind to every genre of music. I appreciate what every artist has to offer and all of the passion they put into their music. One of the many highlights of the weekend was being able to meet Prisca, the artist I did a special feature review on before the festival. She's best described as an indie version of Adele, and she's the coolest chick ever. She put on an amazing show, too and I've actually kept in touch with her (which is just another perk to working for IMR).

Here's the line up from Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th at the Five Spot in Atlanta, GA. Please check these artists out on Facebook, ReverbNation, and especially IMR's website. I must also mention that DJ Wolf did an amazing job spinning records in between each act to keep the party going!
Friday, April 27th
Paper Dress
John Henry Velez
Prisca
Besides Daniel
Leah Marie
Detroit Mutant Radio
The Romans
Jack of Hearts
Baby Baby
CUSSES
Trances Arc
Heavy Mojo
We Roll Like Madmen

Saturday, April 28th
Nick Camillo
William Gruff
The First Stone
Swank Sinatra
Hijacking Music Collective (Featuring heRobust and friends*)
Grand Prize Winners From Last Year
ODIST
Damon Moon & The Whispering Drifters
Novakord
Gun Party
Jungol
Fine Peduncle
Prof Zero

Overall the weekend was one I will always remember, and I am so thankful to be a part of this amazing family at Indie Music Reviewer. We have such a fantastic group of people working for this magazine and after meeting some of them, I really do feel like I'm part of another family. We are continuing to grow as a magazine and I can't wait to see what's in the future. I'm looking forward to the day when IMR gets big enough and makes enough money to have an actual office, because I know I will pick up everything and move wherever that is...that's how much I love this job. :-)

I included some links to our festival website and our official IMR website below. I also included my personal videos I shot at the festival. Please check them out and feel free to share!!!!

IMR Music Festival
IndieMusicReviewer's Website
"Like" us on Facebook!
Prisca performing "Tiny Dancer"
Drummer, Sarah Wilson performing with Jack of Hearts
Heavy Mojo performing at IMR Fest
Nick Camillo performing "Something I Ought to Know"
William Gruff performing at IMR Fest
The First Stone performing at IMR Fest
Swank Sinatra performing at IMR Fest
ODIST performing at IMR Fest
Damon Moon and the Whispering Drifters performing at IMR Fest
Novakord performing at IMR Fest
Gun Party performing at IMR Fest
Gun Party performing at IMR Fest

Indie Music Reviewer Magazine

When I was younger, I remember telling people that it was a dream of mine to not only teach in an elementary school, but to also have a part time job doing something in the music field. Teaching and music are probably the two things I'm the most passionate about. So, when a friend of mine, Jen, contacted me on Facebook asking me if I'd be interested in writing for the indie music online magazine she works for, it didn't take me long to decide it was a great opportunity that I had to take. I obviously enjoy writing about music (as this blog displays) and I loved what the website represented. The Indie Music Reviewer showcases every different genre when it comes to independent music. Almost all of the musicians that are on the website are not well known. So, as writers, it's our job to introduce them to the public and paint a picture as to the kind of music they make. Over the years, I've listened to more indie music than anything else, so this really is a perfect fit for me.

In the week and a half I have been with IMR, I have written three reviews (with two being publish at the time of this blog post) and have read and listened to all the other musicians who have made it to our website. I find myself falling in love with music even more than before I was involved with IMR. It has exposed me to such a wide variety of talented musicians and I am so grateful for the opportunity IMR has given me. I know it's only been a little over a week, but I am having a blast being involved with this project.

From now on, along with my other blog post ideas, I will also be sharing my reviews I write for the magazine on here because our website is all about getting the word out through social media to give these musicians a chance to be heard. I really suggest you not only check out my articles, but the rest of the website. I can pretty much guarantee that you'll find a new musician that you will enjoy listening to. And if you know any indie artists who want to be reviewed by IMR, have them check out the website for more info on submitting their music.

Here's the link to IMR's website : Indie Music Reviewer

My first review that was published was part of Women of Indie feature IMR is releasing. Mycah Chevalier is a jazz, soul, and blues musician from D.C. I really had to open my mind to her music, just because in the past, I haven't listened to much jazz music. After taking some time to listen to her music, I found myself really enjoying her music. She has this soothing way of easing your mind and relaxing you as you listen. So, check out my review on Mycah and be sure to hit the "like" button at the bottom of my article...there's also a Facebook "like" button, too.
My review on Mycah Chevalier

My second review that was published yesterday, was also a Woman of Indie musician, and her name is Yasko. Yasko is a female rapper originally from Toledo, Ohio. My editor asked me what kind of genres I'm NOT into when I first started writing last week, and rap was one of the genres I said I wasn't really into. Well, we were running out of time, and he needed me to pick up another review that no one took yet, but it was a rap artist. He said I may not like the music, but to try my best. Turns out, I don't mind reviewing rappers now. LOL I actually really enjoyed Yasko's music. She uses a lot of popular music as her samples on most of her songs, so I got into the music more because of that tactic she used. She's got a lot of catchy songs and her album/mix tape is available for free download. Like all my other reviews, be sure to help me out and click the "like" buttons at the bottom the articles! :-)
My review on Yasko