Each year, the Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA) carves out space for originality, risk-taking, and true independent spirit, bringing together artists from across the globe who are driven not by radio play, but by passion, innovation, and a refusal to conform.
Now, with the 2025 edition on the horizon, HIMA is officially calling for music submissions—and the deadline is set: all entries must be received by June 15.
This year’s awards season comes with a meaningful new mission. In response to the Los Angeles wildfires that devastated many in the music community, HIMA is pledging a portion of its 2025 revenue to the Guitar Center Music Foundation. A statement from the organization discloses that this initiative is “dedicated to helping those affected in the music community by replacing instruments and equipment,” allowing musicians to rebuild what matters most, their ability to create.
Here’s what artists need to know:
- The submission deadline is June 15, 2025.
- Music is eligible if it was released any time after January 1 of the prior year, or is scheduled for release before the end of this year.
- Unreleased tracks are allowed—private links are accepted, and HIMA makes it clear: “We will not share or display to the public unreleased music unless we request and receive authorization.”
- If a song or piece wasn’t selected for nomination last year, it can be resubmitted for 2025 consideration.
- Each submission must include only one link per entry, per category.
- Album submissions require a separate form, available on the HIMA website.
- All music is reviewed by the HIMA Selections Committee.
- Actual audio files like MP3s, WAVs, or MP4s will not be accepted.
Nominations will be posted under the “AWARDS” section at www.himawards.com, and winners—along with special recognition honorees—will be announced at the main event and online thereafter.
For indie artists, this is more than just a chance to win an award, it’s a chance to be part of a community, to contribute to a cause, and to have your work heard by people who genuinely care about music made with heart.
To review the full submission guidelines or to enter your work.
