Singer-pianist Amber deLaurentis has won the Northeast edition of the Independent Music World Series (IMWS). A national unsigned artist competition, the IMWS is presented by CD manufacturer Disc Makers in association with Billboard’s “Musician’s Guide to Touring & Promotion” and other sponsors.
DeLaurentis was among six finalists chosen by a Billboard judging panel to take part in a live showcase and competition Nov. 14 at the Lion’s Den in New York. At the live competition, deLaurentis and her band — Dave Anstine on bass, Kevin Hanson on guitar, and Erik Johnson on drums — were voted best of the batch by a second panel of judges comprising music business and media professionals.
The Philadelphia-based deLaurentis performed all original material, co-written with lyricist Sarah Blue. Her repertoire leans toward jazz- and blues-influenced rock and ballads.
As an IMWS winner, deLaurentis was showered with prizes valued at $35,000, including custom-manufacturing services from Disc Makers and professional gear from brand-name sponsors.
The next installment of the showcase series takes place Jan. 16 at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles and covers the Southwest region. Subsequent showcases will take place in Chicago and Nashville for the Midwest and Southeast regions, respectively. For details, visit discmakers.com/music/imws.
