The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has introduced its first Live Independent Tour certification, with Los Angeles indie rock band Spanish Love Songs set to play a 19-city run exclusively in independent venues.
The tour is the inaugural outing under the Live Independent certification program, which NIVA launched with Spotify to support independent live entertainment across the United States.
Program initiatives
The certification provides resources intended to help independent venues and the artists who perform in them. Its initiatives include:
- Amplifying independent events
- Highlighting artist tours through monthly playlist features
- Recognizing independent venues through NIVA’s Live Independent seal, launched in partnership with Bandsintown
Artist and NIVA comment
Dylan Slocum of Spanish Love Songs said:
“Our band was born and grew in independent rooms willing to take a chance on us. We’re proud to partner with NIVA, the venues, and promoters to put people over profit and work directly with the bands, crew, and fans that keep independent music thriving. Special nights happen in a 250 capacity room where the AC can’t quite keep up, the drinks are cheap, the PA is blaring, and nothing in the world matters outside of the people in the room. We always want to be right in the middle of that.”
Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director, said:
“The Live Independent Tour is a testament to our mission and artists like Spanish Love Songs. Together, the goal is to build and strengthen the independent live entertainment ecosystem where artists, venues, and independent promoters can thrive while creating meaningful fan experiences. We invite every artist to join this movement and choose to route the majority of their tour dates through independent venues.”
