ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2016, Volume 28 | Page 42

ION INDIE MAGAZINE COVERS

Story and Photography by Gary Carota • Gary Carota Images
www.facebook.com/garycarotaimages

When ION Indie Magazine was given Press Credentials to cover the 9th Annual Carolina Music Awards and I
knew I'd be traveling to Raleigh, NC, to cover this event, I never expected to see such a well-attended,
elaborate production for a "state level" music awards show. Very reminiscent of a "Grammy-type" format,
the show featured categories and winners in virtually all genres of music and special awards categories for
the industry professionals.
While the standard norm for most awards shows are for a distinguished panel of judges to select the winners,
the Carolina Music Awards does it a little differently. Of the 1000's of submissions each year by bands, solo
musicians, and music industry professionals, the awards committee reviews and creates a list of nominees
for each respective category. The music categories and nominees for each are then publicly posted on the
CM Awards website for approximately 1 month for the public to vote on. The winners are then selected from
the most votes received.
In their own words, the Committee's Mission and Vision Statement is simple: "We are proud of the Carolina
Music Awards and our focus continues to shine light on artists in the Carolinas in a variety of musical genres,
production, and DJs. Every year we look to make this event more beneficial to Carolina artists and to
celebrate their achievements. We are focused on one singular objective, the development of the music
industry in the Carolinas while encouraging growth in our music, both present and future.”