Online Music, Offline

Brandweek,  July 3, 2000  by Jennifer Owens

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Roll out the red carpet and dial up the modern as the 3rd Annual Yahoo! Internet Life Online Music Awards returns to Studio 54 in New York on July 24 to honor those who might be giants online. Hosted this year by actor and comedian John Leguizamo, the awards feature 11 categories, including best overall music site, best new site and best label site. Netizens choose the nominees, while a 43-member "academy," consisting of such industry heavy-weights as Recording Industry Association of America head Hilary Rosen, VH1 president John Sykes and soul singer Isaac Hayes, chooses the winners, The event itself will be Webcast, natch, beginning at 8 p.m.

Can you dig it?

Andrew Kramer, Yahoo! Internet Life publisher and the award show's executive producer, spoke with IQ about this year's event.

IQ: How is this year's event different than the previous ones?

Andrew Kramer: Last year, the transformation was that technology was sort of center stage and it came around to be focused on the artist and what they're doing. Now this year, it's that the climate continues to heat up in the online music space with both parties trying to represent themselves as best as they can.

What is the academy looking for in a music site?

We look at it from the perspective of the consumer, and it's a matter of what is available, how easy it is to get at what you want. When it comes to best Internet-only album or single, it's the best album or single that was released online first. It's just artists that see where the future is going and understand it.

Have you talked to Isaac Hayes about his votes?

Suffice it to say, we're very excited about our involvement with Isaac, which began last year. With Shaft and everything that's going on, I think people will be pleasantly surprised when they dial into the Webcast or attend the event, for those who are lucky enough to be invited to see what Isaac (who will be per forming) will be doing.

Do you have a favorite music site?

(Laughs) I have to remain agnostic. As publisher and executive producer, I have to say I like all of the nominees, and I like all of our sponsors.

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