So, I got this press release the other day. As I was reading about this amazing plan to honor local musicians, I checked out the MySpace page. I had to do a double take.

I am truly humbled and honored to have been nominated in the category of ‘Outstanding Contribution to The Local Indie Music Scene’. It’s a thrill to be named among the finest and most loyal supporters of music in the local scene.

The full list of nominees in that category are:

• Chris Gibson (Upstart Studios)
• Jersey Beat Magazine
• BlowUpRadio.com
• Stephen Bailey (Hey, that’s me!!)
• Jared-WRSU 88.7FM
• Rolando Gabriel
• Beel Media
• John Seymor

For details on how to vote, and to see the rest of the categories and nominees, go to myspace.com/hobokenmusicawards

The HMA’s promise to shine a light on all the talented bands and singer/songwriters from the area and help create awareness among its participants, the public and the media. Awards are being considered in a dozen categories.

• Singer/Songwriter Male-Local
• Singer/Songwriter Male-Surrounding Area
• Singer/Songwriter Female-Local
• Singer/Songwriter Female-Surrounding Area
• Band(pop/rock/alt)
• Band(hard rock/metal)
• Outstanding Contribution to the Indie Music Scene
• Music Video Production
• Indie Music Publication
• Hip-Hop
• Childrens Music
• Peoples Choice Award

The HMAs are the brain child of David Entwistle, a Hoboken resident, booking agent, sound engineer, host of the popular weekly “People’s Open Mic” at the Goldhawk and musician. David himself should be on this list of nominees. He has seriously done more for this scene that just about anybody else.

I have to say, in all honesty, even if I was not nominated, I would urge everyone to support this. In a world of American Idol and Top 40 radio that rarely plays more than 15 songs, we need to keep local music scenes alive and growing.

This whole wonderful thing will culminate in a jam and party on April 25th, 2009 at The Goldhawk (936 Park Ave, Hoboken,NJ). Don’t miss this celebration of indie music and those who create it. And don’t forget to vote!

See Also:
Hoboken Music Awards