The Toronto Independent Music Awards (“TIMAs”) are an indie awards ceremony founded in 2004. Independent musicians from the province of Ontario that meet the TIMA eligibility criteria can submit their recorded material to be considered for a nomination in a genre category. Winners of recorded material and live categories receive over $60,000 in industry sponsored prizes. The TIMAs expose up-and-coming musicians to national and international opportunities. Our ultimate aim is to create an infrastructure for independent musicians by providing industry support and by connecting them to the larger music community.

The TIMAs also wanted to award musicians on their live performance capabilities. In 2006, the TIMAs created two live categories: BEST LIVE – Electric and BEST LIVE – Acoustic and began showcasing artists at live music venues in 2006.  After popular demand, the TIMAs added the BEST LIVE – Urban category.  The BEST LIVE showcase series grew extensively in subsequent years. In late 2009, the TIMAs began developing a separate management plan for the BEST LIVE showcase series. In 2010, the BEST LIVE showcase series evolved into the Home and Native Sound Series (“HNSS”). HNSS operates and oversees the live showcasing component of the TIMAs.  Artists that participate in HNSS comprise the live showcasing categories for the TIMAs, which include: HNSS – Electric, HNSS – Acoustic and HNSS – Urban.

- In 2009-2010, we gave away over $60,000 in INDUSTRY CONNECTED prizes to over 20 recorded material categories.We have SEVERAL MAIN PRIZES, and UNIQUE PRIZES that are geared towards genre categories. Stuff you can actually use!!!

- The BEST LIVE showcase series has been reformatted to bring more exposure to participants. The BEST LIVE showcase series is now known as the HOME AND NATIVE SOUND SERIES (“HNSS”). HNSS will showcase artists on a weekly basis for the entire year beginning in October 2010. We have organized three $15,000 prize packages for the winners of our three HNSS categories.

- We had over 70 different independent and national media publications at our showcases and at our awards date. In addition, we broke into main stream media with coverage from: Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, CityTV, Exclaim, Eye Weekly and much more!

-If you are a selected winner, you not only receive a MAIN PRIZE and UNIQUE PRIZE, but you get to showcase your music in front of a SOLD OUT CROWD at the following award show to take place at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto.

- We have a team of INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL JUDGES that are trained in each genre category, judging is completely blind.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE FROM TORONTO TO APPLY! We have “Best International” and “Best USA” categories, all other categories are ONTARIO-WIDE.

So you ask yourself, “Why have I never heard of any of these bands???”

Founder and producer of the TIMAs, Daniela Oliva, noticed that there are several outstanding bands in Ontario, but many do not have the means or knowledge to propel themselves to success. The TIMAs were created as a platform to award and acknowledge “up-and-coming” independent artists ONTARIO-WIDE (You DO NOT have to be from TORONTO to win a TIMA!!!!). Our ultimate aim is to give independent artists a hand and to put the music industry within their reach. Through the TIMA awards platform, we do our best to help independent artists to achieve their personal level of success.

Then you may ask , “OK… but why aren’t bands like Malajube, Final Fantasy, Shout Out Out Out etc. acknowledged!?!”

After our first year, we realized that eligibility criteria is an essential part of establishing the function of the TIMAs. In order to apply for the TIMAs you/your band must be a domicile of Ontario and 100% Canadian owned and operated (with the exception of the USA/International categories) with no affiliation to a multinational, with the exception of a distribution deal. For more details on our eligiblity criteria, go to the “entry” section of this website.

There are many other platforms already in place to acknowledge bands who do not meet our eligibility stipulations and it is likely that these bands already have some form of success. As for other bands who do meet our eligibility requirements, it is likely that they have not applied.

“Why is it necessary that bands apply and pay a fee to enter?”

Ideally, it would be great if we did not have to charge an application fee. However, it costs our team a lot of time and money to put this show together. It is a year-long process and we have many, many individuals who volunteer their services. The majority of show expenses has been funded out-of-pocket and we are very grateful to the judges, companies, friends and bands who believe in the potential and progress of the TIMAs.

“OK, so what do I get if I win or I’m nominated?”

For the 6th TIMAs award ceremony we aim to provide $60,000 in  USEFUL music industry sponsored prizes (Check out the “Prize” section for a detailed list). This consisted of MAIN PRIZES and UNIQUE PRIZES that are geared toward each category. Furthermore, all previous years winners get a chance to perform and showcase at the next SOLD OUT award ceremony. The audience consists of general admission attendees, major and independent media, music industry professionals, VIPs, special guests and A&R for various labels….

annnd of course, you win a gorgeous custom TIMA award.

“Why does your TIMA music blog include major label content and non-Canadian content? I thought this was a Canadian INDIE Award show! How does this content fit with your mandate?”

As you can see, we try to maintain a variety of content. We mix up the indie music content with cool things we find on the internet, major label news, non-Canadian content, stuff that our staff likes to write about and stuff that we think you will enjoy reading. We do this in hopes to attract new people to our website and also because we get a ton of cool news in our inbox that we want to write about it! Our mandate via the awards platform is to promote independent music. However, our mandate is also to help independent artists stay in touch with the music community and to help artists attain whatever level of success that they feel they want to achieve, not limited to but including: major label success, personal growth, DIY ethos or otherwise! Remember that coin phrase “What is indie?” Well? What is indie? The line between what is considered mainstream and indie can truly become blurred. Although we have very clear eligibility requirements for what we think is indie, we are going to let you define it yourself via our blog! So enjoy the content you like and comment on the stuff you don’t! We want to hear you! That’s what the “comment” button is for! Stir up a discussion and lets talk about it! Be Bold Canada!

If I am unable to attend a showcase or the TIMA awards, am I able to get a ticket refund?

Unfortunately, we do not refund tickets or seasons passes. Ticket and season pass sales go back into our operating budget.

Have even more questions? Email: daniela@torontoima.com