Annemarie Picerno                                                                                                                      

ARTICLE in The Debut INDIES VOICE MAGAZINE March 2019 - Annemarie Picerno 
"WHAT is an Indie Artist? and HOW do they succeed?" 
An indie artist is one that may not be signed to a major record label, yet the perception is by some that an indie artist cannot be on the same playing field as artists that are represented by a big label. 
The challenges may be money, smaller fan base due to less financial backing for greater exposure,or even lack of presence on social media. 
The Josie Network of Brands is evolutionary in creating opportunities for artists that enable us to excel at what we do, provide a platform to showcase our talents, and to recognize creative achievements in the music industry. "Industry" = BUSINESS and the more we strive to compete in the fast paced music world, the more we must learn, participate, and support credible resources that support and help artists reach music success. 
Two years ago, I challenged myself to stop worrying about what big names were doing and firmly plant my feet and soar my voice to be heard as an artist with my own style and music. I also wanted to include my friends who inspired me to come out of a dark place after a serious accident, and the song "Bonfire" was recorded in Nashville. 
On any song release, you must properly register your music with your songwriter pro (Bmi, Ascap) Copyright it, Register with Nielsen Bds, Soundscan, and Sound Exchange. These are the necessary business steps to ensure that you will receive proper songwriter credit, play credits, royalties and also provide the opportunity to get to Billboard if a hit. Additionally, sales, reviews, recognition, charts, and overall quality of the music is reviewed by the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs to become a member. I also released songs on Bongo Boy Records, and indie label that offered radio play, magazine reviews, television exposure, and strong support for credits to apply to the Recording Academy. 
A year ago, I made the goal to join the Academy, and I made this goal one week after the 2018 Josie Music Awards. The Josie Music Awards awarded "Bonfire" Best Musical Collaboration, and that very week The Recording Academy received that news I was granted membership. 
Not only was I honored to receive a Josie Award and to be accepted based on the reputation of the Josie Network and my accomplishments, but in October 2018 my song was accepted on the 61st Grammy 1st ballot in American Roots Song and also for American Roots Performance. 
I am thrilled that these blessings have recognized me as an entertainer and it was not without studying, planning, promoting, and committing to each day, taking the steps to reach those goals. 
Thank you Josie and Tinamarie Passantino for being part of my success and an integral family and support system to enable me to reach my dreams. 
www.annemariepicerno.com 
Photo credit: Sam Lynne Beaver-Pryor 
Steve Owen, Annemarie Picerno, and Benny Pitsinger at the 2018 Josie Awards accepting the Best Musical Collaboration Award for "Bonfire" 

INDIES VOICE MAGAZINE https://www.thejosienetwork.com/store/c2/Magazine.html 
*Magazine ABOUT and FOR Independent Artists*