How to Get Your Music Noticed with an Interstate Music Award

In 2020, Interstate Music launched its first-ever annual awards program by searching for up-and-coming artists and bands and helping introduce them to the world. For some, this has been completely life-changing. Check out the live performances and thoughts from last year’s top three award finalists below!

 

• Grand Prize, First Place Winner: Card Reader (Long Island, New York)

Card Reader is a pop-punk band known for songs “Familiar Voices,” “True Enemy,” and “Mental Scars” – now streaming on all music platforms. Last year, the group took home $5,000 in gift cards and received generous exposure reflected in today’s music scene, including the chance to play the Interstate Music stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Card Reader Live @ Interstate Music from Interstate Music on Vimeo.

• Second Place Winner: The Stephen Hull Experience (Racine, Wisconsin)

Stephen Hull from The Stephen Hull Experience is a self-taught blues artist who has been honing his craft since age 14, eventually being dubbed a young BB King. Hull and his band earned the second-place spot after submitting performances of “Call It Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker, “Big Legged Woman” by Freddie King, and “Killing Floor” by Howlin’ Wolf. On September 16, 2021, he took the stage at Summerfest (the World’s Largest Music Festival).

Stephen Hull Experience from Interstate Music on Vimeo.

• Third Place Winner: Billie Jo (Grand Saline, Texas)

Billie Jo is a proud native of Texas, a singer, songwriter, and recording artist blending traditional country vocals with honest songs. Billie Jo released her first country single back in October of 2018 called “Favorite Place To Be,” – which was also nominated for Song of the Year in 2019 at the Texas Country Music Awards. Billie Jo continues to grow in the music industry, and her performance at the IMA's provided her with a stepping stone to keep climbing the mountain.

 

The IMA's aren't just another music award ceremony. The IMA's are here to recognize the stars of tomorrow, while giving back to them today.

Submissions for the 2022 Interstate Music Awards are still open until February 28th, 2022.  Show us what you've got! Click here to enter!