UK music magazine NME launches U.S. awards show

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - British music publication NME will hold its first U.S.-based awards ceremony in Los Angeles on April 23.

Voters in the United States and Canada can go online (www.nme.com/usaawards) to choose contenders for such categories as alternative/independent band of the year and best alternative/independent solo artist. Winners will be announced during a private ceremony at the El Rey Theatre.

The announcement arrives on the heels of the flagship NME Awards, which took place on February 28 in London. The Arctic Monkeys dominated the event, winning best British band, best track and best video prizes.

Reuters/Billboard