"Jamie is a tireless advocate for the local music scene," sys INDI 101 station manager Les Palango. "He's interviewed hundreds of local musicians and bands on his show over the years, many of them bringing their guitars and performing live during the show. He promotes their CDs and their live appearances on air. And off air he gives guidance and insight that helps bands promote themselves and get the break they’ve been looking for."

As part of the INDI 101 team Jamie also gives Radio and Journalism students opportunities to be involved at the radio station, says Les.

"He gets them into the studio, shows them the equipment and gets them on the air so they gain some experience speaking to a radio audience," says Les. "He has them working on social media for the radio station. He has them setting up for remote broadcasts from our lounge area. He genuinely cares that they are getting the most out of being involved in a living lab radio environment. His commitment is outstanding, and I’m very proud of him.”

"Sounds of the Hammer" is heard every Friday from Noon to 6 p.m. on INDI 101 FM.

INDI 101 FM is a living lab for students in Mohawk’s Radio Broadcasting and Journalism Programs. The station, which broadcasts from Mohawk's Fennell Campus gives students hands-on experience in the radio broadcasting industry. Students host morning shows and anchor newscasts on live radio, in addition to the station’s regular programming.

The Hamilton Music Industry Awards recognize the achievements of those behind the scenes in the Hamilton music industry. Every year the Industry Awards bring together record labels, managers, radio station personnel, producers, engineers, booking agents, talent buyers and venue managers. INDI 101 FM received six nominations in four categories for this year's awards.

The nominations are as follows:

Music Director (Radio) of the Year: Andrew Bell, Music Director, INDI 101 FM

Radio Show of the Year: INDI 101 FM “Lou's Control” with Lou Molinaro, and INDI 101 FM “Sounds of the Hammer” with Jamie Smith.

Media Person of the Year: Lou Molinaro, Radio Host, INDI 101 FM, and Jamie Smith, Radio Host, INDI 101 FM

Radio Station of the Year: INDI 101 FM, Mohawk College

This isn’t the first time that Mohawk College's radio station has been nominated for a Hamilton Music Industry Award. In 2010, INDI 101 took home three honours from the Awards, including Music Director of the Year, Radio Show of the Year and Media Person of the Year.

The Industry Awards recognize the achievements of those behind the scenes in the Hamilton music industry.  Every year the Industry Awards bring together record labels, managers, radio station personnel, producers, engineers, booking agents, talent buyers and venue managers.

Well-respected in the Hamilton music community as a strong supporter of Canadian Independent Music, INDI 101 FM is a living lab for students in Mohawk’s Radio Broadcasting and Journalism Programs. INDI 101 FM gives students hands-on experience in the radio broadcasting industry. Students host morning shows and anchor newscasts on live radio, in addition to the station’s regular programming.

The 2011 ArcelorMittal Dofasco Hamilton Music Awards, Festival and Conference take place over four days from November 17 - 20, at Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus, as well as venues in the downtown core. The Hamilton Music Industry Awards take place Saturday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. in the McIntyre Theatre.

Visit the HMA website for more information including how to purchase tickets for the awards shows or any other HMA event.

Tickets are $15 at the door and ALL Proceeds will be given to Japan Relief Efforts. The event will be jointly emceed by Jamie Smith of INDI 101 FM at Mohawk College, and Jamie Tennant of 93.3 CFMU at McMaster University.

Both 93.3 CFMU and INDI 101 FM will broadcast Japanese music live from the event between 9 p.m. and Midnight, with a simulcast on both radio stations.  If you can’t make the show, tune in for great music and information on how you can help support the cause.

Speakers include Jamie Tennant (host, Octopus Army radio show on CFMU), Mitchell Kawasaki (President, Canadian-Japanese Cultural Centre Hamilton) and others.

The nominations are as follows: 

Music Director of the Year: Sonja Maurin, Music Director, INDI 101, Mohawk College

Radio Show of the Year: INDI 101 “Lou’s Control” with Lou Molinaro, and INDI 101 “Sounds of the Hammer” with Jamie Smith

Media Person of the Year: Jamie Smith, Program Director, INDI 101, Mohawk College, and Lou Molinaro, Radio Host, INDI 101, Mohawk College

Radio Station of the Year: INDI 101 Mohawk College

INDI 101 won in the Radio Station of the Year category at the 2009 Hamilton Music Industry Awards. INDI 101 Station Manager Les Palango said he is proud that the Hamilton Music Industry Awards chose to acknowledge his team again in 2010.

“Although you don’t govern how you approach your work throughout the year with an eye on winning an award, it’s still a nice thing to know that the industry recognizes you,” Palango said.

INDI 101 is a living lab for Mohawk College broadcasting students. The station also devotes a considerable amount of time to promoting independent music, particularly home-grown Hamilton music. Many Hamilton Music Award nominees have been interviewed and had their music featured on INDI 101.