Margo Price offered some advice to indie artists at the recent Rivera Awards 2023, urging them to “do no harm, but don’t take the shit.”
Last Thursday (June 15), A2IM (American Independent Music Association) presented the Rivera Awards at City Hall in New York City. This year’s event was hosted by comedian and rapper Hannibal Bures, aka Eshu Tune, and included a performance by the Sudan Archives. NME We covered the event’s red carpet and spoke to artists about the importance of celebrating independent music.
“It’s important to celebrate independent music and good music in general,” said Barres. NME on the red carpet. “There are also some outlets that focus on mainstream and major labels, so it’s good that A2IM puts the spotlight on smaller independent artists.”
Barrez, who performed under the musical moniker Eshu Tune during the ceremony, also talked about releasing his self-titled EP last April and what it was like to perform the songs from his eight-song collection live. . “It was fun to see how the songs translate and how the band interprets some of the songs, because I produced on those songs, so it’s cool to hear it with a full band.” ‘ he said.
“A lot of those songs were written when I wasn’t playing live, but now I’m out and playing them. is getting better.”
When asked what he would say to an up-and-coming artist, he said: It may not be an idea that you can use right away, so document what you are doing to store your ideas so you can come back to them later. Stay active and keep creating stuff. “
Burles then announced the award for Best Alternative Rock Record. NME later that evening. “Sorry for my ignorance, but I don’t know the difference between alternative rock and rock,” he joked before announcing the winner. “Is it a matter of tone? Is rock like ‘I love rock and roll’ and alternative rock like ‘I’m about to die’?” “
This year’s award nominees include Alvvay’s Blue Rev, Dry Cleaning’s Stumpwork, Mitski’s Laurel Hell, Nilüfer Yanya’s Pain, and Wet Leg’s self-titled debut album, which won the award. was included.
Price, who released his album Strays in January, also said: NME before performing at the ceremony. “Independent music is something that we really need to nurture, and if people don’t put love and care into it, it doesn’t exist,” she said. “As an independent artist, as someone who has been doing so throughout my career, it’s beautiful.”
Price also gave advice to other up-and-coming artists interested in staying independent throughout their careers. “Follow your heart, don’t hurt, but don’t take shit.”
Rapper Remy Ma also attended this year’s ceremony in support of her husband, Papoose, head of hip-hop at DIY music distributor TuneCore. When asked what advice she would give to other artists, she replied, “Be independent.” “Often it’s hard work [to be independent] Because you have a lot to do and it may seem easier to get support. But it’s worth it in the long run. “
She also spoke about the importance of independence in all creative fields, not just music. “Otherwise, you’re surrounded by things you can’t do, artists you can’t work with, people have to approve, and you don’t really have the final say,” she said. “Even if you are in a creative field, I will always vote independently.”
Martha Reeves, lead singer of Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, received the Independent Icon Award at the awards ceremony.Before accepting her award she said NME On the advice she gives to artists looking to follow in her footsteps. “Get a good director,” replied the “Heatwave” legend. She also talked about her feelings upon receiving her Icon award. “I’m so excited. I’m really excited, it’s one of the highlights of my life, it’s amazing.”
Indie rock quartet The Aces announced the best pop record during the event, saying: NME It was difficult to choose just one favorite pop artist. “So you’re asking us in the categories Björk and MUNA, Tegan and Sara. You can’t do that, you can’t choose.”
They also talked about what they’re most excited to share with fans this year. “We are thrilled to be able to take our new record on tour,” they said. “We released it a week ago[June 2nd]and it’s titled ‘I’ve Loved You For Long’.” He also revealed the schedule of his international tour.
Before heading to the ceremony, they shared advice for other independent artists. “I think the indie path is really special because there are a lot of music lovers out there and people who are really into art,” they said. “You get an opportunity where numbers aren’t the only thing that matters. People care about the message. Please take it seriously.”
The Sudan Archives won both Breakthrough Artist/Release and Best R&B Record awards for her album Natural Brown Prom Queen at the awards ceremony. Violinists, singers and producers also performed at night. When asked what he was most looking forward to sharing with his fans next, the artist said: NME, “This stupid character of mine. Ready to present a fun project based on playfulness. “
The Rivera Awards are held annually during Indie Week at A2IM, a three-day conference for the US music community. Held annually in New York City, A2IM Indie Week is the largest gathering of the independent music community, made up of distributors, DSPs, agencies and more.
Learn more about A2IM here. A2IM is a non-profit organization headquartered in New York City that exists to support the independent recorded music sector.