Posts Tagged ‘AVIMA 2010’

It came into being two years ago, on a sudden impulse, as Voize.my Managing Editor, Siva Chandran, sought a way to unite the diverse peoples of the Asia Pacific region through the universal language of music.

That brainwave resulted in the creation of AVIMA, The Asia Voice Independent Music Awards, which recently announced the winners of the second awards run, AVIMA 2010.

Indie artistes — solo acts and bands — from across Asia had flooded Voize.my, the organiser of the awards, with hundreds of entries.

The stage had gotten bigger, expanding from last year’s 16 countries, and the music lovers more vocal and enthusiastic and the talents truly varied. The world, it seemed, couldn’t get enough of indie talents in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

But AVIMA 2010 marks the last under this banner (check out the winners’ list here). It will relaunch under another name next year.

2010’s winners, who come from different parts of Asia, were invited to a no-fuss awards presentation ceremony, where their talent was acknowledged and honoured. The event was held in Petaling Jaya today and hosted at the premises of P1. One of AVIMA’s biggest supporters, James Chong, the CEO of ruumz presented the awards.

After the “prize giving ceremony” Voize managed to corner a few of the Asian indie stars to share with us their excitement and plans for the future. Here’s what they had to say:

Crush, Malaysia

“All this while we’ve been listening to only rock music. You know, hard rock stuff. We’re very happy to win the Silver award for Best Rock Song of the year. We never expected to win anything, but knowing that there are people out there who listen to us makes us really happy. It took us three to four years to make it this far. Thank you AVIMA, thank you ruumz.”

Gila Monstarz

“We’re very happy to see that AVIMA has grown into such a massive awards contest, attracting acts from all over the world. Initially, none of us expect to bring anything back home. It was very last

minute but the universe works in its own wondrous ways. This is our second award actually. Our first award was five years ago (Blast Off). Oh yes, we’re currently working on our new track to celebrate our award. It’s going to be available for free and it’s called “Out of Control.” Do check out our Facebook and Myspace page for the free song.”

Kraft, Malaysia

“Hello! Yes, it was an overwhelming experience for me. I released the winning song called Diamonds last year and this year, that song won the AVIMA award for Best Hip-Hop song. I’ve been busy recording songs; hopefully it’ll be out in the near future. My next album is going to be more polished and sound more mature. I am also doing a partnership with Blackbox studio, so if any of you want to do music projects, come to us. Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to say that I appreciate all the love and support from family and friends. You can catch me at my Twitter at Twitter.com/kraftonline.”

Young Stunna

“I won the Best Hip-Hop song and it’s really great. I’m still working on more singles and drafting my new album. You can check me out at my official site at www.iamyoungstunna.com

I’d like to thank those who had voted for me, Siva for giving me this opportunity, ruumz and Voize for the great experience. A big shout-out to my manager and Halfeyez for their support.”

Melissa Indot and Altimet, Malaysia

“Feeling really great and superb now. It’s always nice to have awards based on votes.

Any future collaborations after this?

Always. Watch this space. It’s hard to get everyone together as you know each one of us has our very music career to manage. But we’re doing it again, so there’ll more to come later. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who had voted for us. And keep supporting the local acts.”

Congrats again to all the winners!

It’s been 2 months or more after Amanda’s win at the VIMA 2010 for Best Pop Song (Selamilah Cinta) and Amanda Imani has been busy with so many things, it’s amazing how she drives herself towards her passion. The VIMA 2010 has definitely helped Amanda to continue to further her music career and Charlene Joseph from VOIZE is glad to be the one to be able to catch up on this individual who shows so much promise as a musician in Malaysia.

1. What are your plans for 2010? Anything exciting your fans or us should be looking forward to (gigs, upcoming shows, new album, etc)?
One of the most thrilling invitations to-date is to the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prize Kick Off Concert on the 4th, April, 2010 – an opening act for Wyclef Jean and Fatboyslim. The performance will be for 30 minutes with my band. Last weekend, I made it to the semi-finals for the “Road to Hollywood “competition in the vocal category!! It’s a long way to go and I am prepared to work into the semi-finals and finals. I hope to get to represent Malaysia. Yes, I am overjoyed that I received a phone call and I have been shortlisted for AIM 2010 — in the Top 5!! I am attending the Press Conference on April 17, 2010. I hope my album comes through for me. I am also in negotiations with parties for a new single. I have a few gigs lined up in April and May and will keep it updated through my Facebook and website.

2. How has your music & lifestyle as a musician evolved since you got involved with VIMA 2010?
Amanda Imani – Best Pop Song (Selamilah Cinta)…. it’s given me a lot of boost and I am even more confident of the songs and arrangement in my album. I think all good things happen in a series, and I hope this will evolve into better things to come… I will continue to work hard on my vocals and delivery of performance for my fans, continue to give my best and enjoy what love most. The VIMA Award is a catalyst to the near future and profound encouragement to me. It couldn’t have been timelier! Just what I needed!!!

3. What has been your biggest challenge in 2009? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
My performance delivery….. Singing and recording as a recording artist is one. But delivering the best performance takes more to give one’s best. It’s not the technical aspects of the song, its emotion and interphase with the live audience that in the end makes it a good performance or an outstanding one. It’s a balance of skills and arts… how every unique performer bring on every audience onboard the journey of her song. I am learning all the time, both through a personal coach and practice…

4. What’s your ultimate direction for you after the VIMA 2010? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
To be an international artist and composer. I am aspired by turning my passion into a business, hence I can sustain myself economically and enjoy what I like best; making music and performing. Yes, in order to be a successful performer, I think one must marry artistic talent and entrepreneurial expertise so it’s leveraged to realize a potential.

5. What are your plans for the AVIMA 2010? Will you be participating?
I am keen on participating. I hope I have a chance to perform at the Awards Night.

6. What were your immediate music career goals after being involved in the VIMA 2010?
Promote and exploit my BM and English albums even more, performing more gigs, experimenting with more sounds, trying new things, discovering things as an artist, performance at corporate events, charities, and exploring international opportunities…

7. List down 5 of your favourite brand of perfumes and why you like the scent:

• With Love – Hilary Duff (because it makes me feel sophisticated and mature)
• Harajuku Lovers (Music) – because it’s playful and young
• Annick Goutal (Mon Petite Cherie) – because it’s sweet, fresh and classic
• Goddess – Kimora Lee Simmons (because it’s very glamorous, I like wearing it when I perform)
• Juicy Couture – Viva La Couture (it’s funky, girlish and fabulous)

8. If you were a cookie, what would you be?
A peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie.

9. Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering emotional support?
Especially my Mum!

10. Any last words?
“My songs are like a slow burner… the more it cooks the better it sounds, and tastes”… My fans say that to me so many times…and I am becoming to believe that it is true. I love my fans for believing in my music and me! Thank you for your undying support and keep rocking on!

Amanda’s Official Website