People from different parts of the world visited the Key Club in West Hollywood Friday for the Artists in Music Awards. The reason — to support and celebrate independent music.

At the beginning of the night, a small red carpet was laid out where guests got their pictures taken and were interviewed.
The doors opened, and people started packing into the club — with the bar getting ready for a busy night. Everyone, excited to see their favorite independent artists, was caught up in conversation. In the audience, there were family members, close friends and fans waiting for the awards show to begin.
Eventually, Mikey Jayy, founder of Artists in Music Awards, walked on stage. With a few words, Jayy welcomed everyone to the show and gave thanks to the audience for their support of independent music. Without independent music, he said, there would be no mainstream music.
The first band of the evening to perform was Nobody Gets Killed. As though the band’s performance was some sort of marker, the show had begun.

All types of genres and musicians came together and showcased their passion and love for music.The best phrase to describe the awards show was “melting pot.”

At one point, the audience was cheering and grooving with the hip-hop performers, Twin Towers. Later in the show, Best Indie Rock Artists, the Aussie band Monks of Mellonwah took the stage.

A few other key performances were given by female pop group, Breaking Bad and towards the end of the night, Donny B. Lord, a dance music artist, who performed along with his team of dancers.

Best Solo Artist of the Year winner, Monte Pittman, concluded the evening with his rock-heavy set.

Although the night consisted of many technical difficulties, they could not stop the people from enjoying a night of music and celebrating independent music.

Musician and winner of Six Chambers Rock Artist of the Year, Katie Cole, described the show as amazing.

“Any sort of awards show where there are indie artists and whole different genres in one room — it’s rare … Even as musicians, you don’t really get to see that,” said Cole.
For music artists like Cole, anytime independent music is being distinguished, there is a call for celebration.
“It’s exciting. This is where the real music industry is, because by the time it actually makes it out to radio the music is already established,” Cole said. “This is where the fans go, this is where they find new music.”

Cole said that devotion is what fuels her.

“Independent artists — we do it for the love of music,” she said.

Best Punk Artist winners, The Bots, enjoyed the recognition they received for their work.  According to them, the best part of the night was the fact that they won.
“It feels amazing. I love it,” said Anaiah Lei, from The Bots. “Just hearing my name of the band being called … I’m just so happy.”
According to Jayy, recognition is the reason the awards show was created.
“The reason why I started … was to educate other people about independent music. I’ve always been a huge advocate of independent music, ever since I discovered it (for myself),” said Jayy. “I would always get mad. Why am I not hearing these people on the radio?”

For advocates like Jayy, who support independent musicians, the goal is to change the music industry.