November 27, 2021: With the intent to promote independent music and create a platform to honour Indian independent musicians, the First Edition of IIARA – Indian Independent Artists & Recognition Awards – India’s Biggest Independent Music Award has been launched https://www.iiara.in, celebrating the best talent in South-Indian music industry and their outstanding projects, handpicked by industry stalwarts and fans throughout the nation.
Partnering with global digital music company Believe and TuneCore, the leading independent DIY digital music platform, IIARA aims to recognize the emerging independent talent who are shaping their future in the South-Indian music industry and bring them to mainstream music with an opportunity to build their career in their respective field of expertise, across various genres.
Founded by Kiran T, who kick-started Yopra Digitainment, a music production and distribution company in 2019, IIARA is a one-stop solution for all independent artists. With the right guidance and support, Kiran visioned IIARA as the most definitive platform to recognize and honor emerging artists.
With an in-depth analysis of the music industry with respect to independent artists, IIARA plans to make a huge presence in the industry with the evolution of such a platform to showcase the brilliance of the emerging artists in the southern music industry. Spread across 4 different categories, the first edition covers music ready to be released by independent artists in 2021 for IIARA Season 1. The genres range from the usual pop, hip-hop and rap to niche forms such as folk-rock and EDM.
The awards for the show are categorized as Main and Individual awards which will be judged by popular artists in the music industry such as AlokR babu akaALL OK, the Kannada rapper& music producer. Along with him present will be Indian film score and soundtrack composer Chandan Shetty, Indian playback singers Sangeetha Rajeev, Vasu Dixit, Leon James, Hema Chandar and Naresh Iyer, Indian film music director and singer Raghu Kunche and Shilpa Sharda, Director of Believe Artist Services to complete the list.
Commenting on the first edition of IIARA, Heena Kriplani – Head of TuneCore, India said, “‘We launched our India website TuneCore.in in 2020 and since then our focus has been on needs of the South-Asian Independent artist. When an award show like IIARA comes around and is intent on showcasing and rewarding artists for their innovation and musicality, we see a natural alliance. We’re happy to partner with the IIARA and help them bring this project to life.”
Speaking about the initiative, Vivek Raina – Managing Director, Believe India said, “We are already witnessing an evolution in the Indian music industry with the rise of such emerging artists across all genres throughout the country. The kind of talent and enthusiasm that these artists show are tremendous, which has already elevated the music industry with their contribution, and this speak volumes considering the fan base they have created. We are excited to partner with IIARA which aligns with the vision of Believe, as a leading digital music company. I am sure that this platform will help the artists get the recognition that they deserve.”
Kiran T – Founder, IIARA added, “We are thankful to Believe and TuneCore for recognising our initiative and the core objective of IIARA and supporting to be a part of platform that’s inclined towards the growth and giving the right path for independent artist to grow their career in this challenging filed of Inde scene. Artist by participating for IIARA Awards, they not only get the chance to showcase their talent to the world, but they also get their tracks distributed by IIARA to more than 150 download and streaming stores worldwide via TuneCore, for absolutely free. At IIARA we are hopeful for Artists, and We believe this will give a new wave for upcoming artist and musicians.”
About TuneCore
TuneCore is the global platform for independent musicians to build audiences and careers – with technology and services across distribution, publishing administration and a range of promotional services. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels and managers sell their music through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, Tencent and more than 150 download and streaming stores worldwide, while retaining 100 percent of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by administering their compositions through licensing, registration, worldwide royalty collections, and placement opportunities in film, TV, commercials, video games and more. The TuneCore Artist Services portal offers a suite of tools and services that enable artists to promote their craft, connect with fans, and get their music heard. TuneCore, part of Believe, is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, and Austin, and operates globally through local teams based in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, India, Japan and Singapore across 5 continents. www.tunecore.com
About Believe
Believe is one of the world’s leading digital music companies. Believe’s mission is to develop independent artists and labels in the digital world by providing them the solutions they need to grow their audience at each stage of their career and development. Believe’s passionate team of digital music experts around the world leverages the Group’s global technology platform to advise artists and labels, distribute and promote their music. Its 1,370 employees in more than 50 countries aim to support independent artists and labels with a unique digital expertise, respect, fairness and transparency. Believe offers its various solutions through a portfolio of brands including TuneCore, Nuclear Blast, Naïve, Groove Attack and AllPoints.
Believe is listed on compartment A of the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Ticker: BLV.PA, ISIN : FR0014003FE9)
