From October 10-12, MI is the site for the sixth annual Independent Music Conference, presented by online independent music store IndieGate.com. IMC founder and Executive Director Noel Ramos explains, “The IMC is a revolutionary new kind of educational and networking event that focuses on empowering musicians to achieve indie success. This event is NOT about ‘how to get signed’ or ‘discovered;’ if you are smart enough to know that the chances are slim to none that someone in a stretch limo will pull up to the curb and hand you superstardom on a silver platter, then this is the conference you want to attend.” 

The IMC schedule includes panel discussions with established artists and professionals focusing on indie media exposure, producers, management, publishing, mastering, street-team marketing, indie touring, and women in music. Hands-on workshops cover vocal technique, online independent marketing and promotion, performing techniques, basics of music publishing, and songcraft. Artists can also gain real-world feedback on their work through critiques by a panel of experienced independent artists and writers (the agenda is still being finalized; check with the IMC website regularly for updates).