When the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) consulted Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and the Bangas about the significance of independent venues to live music, she shared her heartfelt perspective:
“These independent venues are so important because, without them, there wouldn’t be Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, or Taylor Swift. Every artist has to start somewhere, and these venues are crucial to the development of a true artist. Before performing in stadiums, artists first need to rock their local clubs. It’s a rite of passage.”
This sentiment is shared by NIVA, which has partnered with Bandsintown to launch and support Live Independent—a groundbreaking new certification program that highlights independent venues, promoters, and festivals across the United States.
A rallying cry akin to “Shop Small” or “Buy Local”, “Live Independent” is meant to inspire artists and fans to support these culturally vital stages and events. Becoming Certified Live Independent is intended to be a “badge of honor that amplifies your visibility among fans and solidifies your credibility within the national independent live entertainment community.”
Certified Live Independent venues, promoters, and festivals will benefit from official signage for on-site and online display, a certified seal, and prominent placements on Bandsintown, among other upcoming advantages. To receive certification, venues, promoters, and festivals must be NIVA members. Current NIVA members automatically gain Live Independent certification and its associated benefits. To check certification status and learn more, visit liveindependent.com.
Artists and fans are encouraged to join in celebrating and supporting independent venues, promoters, and festivals. Explore certified Live Independent venues near you by visiting liveindependent.com. NIVA venues also gain exclusive perks and discounts on Bandsintown Pro, along with the new Live Independent seal and promotional placements on Bandsintown.
NIVA is a relatively new organization, formed in response to the devastation in live music that occurred beginning with pandemic in March 2020.
For more information, click here.
