The 2016 Journeys Alternative Press Music Awards, Fueled by Monster Energy is pleased to announce the first wave of performers confirmed to appear at this year's main event. GOOD CHARLOTTE, YELLOWCARD, PAPA ROACH, BABYMETAL and BEARTOOTH round out the first five of numerous confirmed artists. This year's APMAs, hosted by Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat of eight-time AP cover stars ALL TIME LOW, will broadcast live the evening of July 18 from Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH (555 Borror Dr., www.schottensteincenter.com).
For nearly two decades, hard rockers PAPA ROACH have led the pack with countless top-charting singles, successful tours and millions of fans worldwide. Having undoubtedly influenced many of this year's award nominees in their formative years, the band was first honored by Alternative Press as cover stars of issue #147 (October 2000).
"We are super excited to be part of the 3rd annual APMAs," states PAPA ROACH vocalist Jacoby Shaddix. "The line-up this year is sick, plus, the magazine has been a huge part of keeping the American punk, rock and metal scene alive all these years. Plus, we got some tricks up our sleeves for this one. It's gonna be dope."
Japanese teen phenoms BABYMETAL have taken the world by storm with their infectious brand of pop metal! This year, the band is nominated in the "Best International Band" category. The APMAs will mark their first U.S. award show, as well as their only show confirmed in Ohio for 2016. Make sure to check out the video for their new single "Karate", which has amassed over four million views since mid-March, as well as their brand new album trailer. Their new album Metal Resistance hit stores this past Friday, April 1 via RAL/Sony Music Entertainment and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Metal Chart. The group made their U.S. late night TV debut last night on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and will be supporting the album on their "BABYMETAL World Tour 2016".
BABYMETAL's SU-METAL states, "I am extremely thrilled that BABYMETAL is nominated among a great list of other bands for "Best International Band". I am above ecstatic seeing how we have been able to connect with our fans from across the globe through our music, surpassing language barriers and just making it to far places all over the world on our tours. I just hope that we, BABYMETAL, will be able to continue to bring our music to more people worldwide, here on out."
Hailing from the home of the 2016 APMAs-Columbus, OH-local heroes BEARTOOTH have been making waves over the past few years as a strong up-and-coming force in the metalcore scene, rapidly advancing from local basement shows to tours with bands such as BRING ME THE HORIZON, ATREYU, SLIPKNOT, PIERCE THE VEIL and SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, and performances at festivals like Rock On The Range, Reading & Leeds and Carolina Rebellion. BEARTOOTH will release a new album later this year via Red Bull Records. The band has been nominated for three awards-"Best Vocalist," "Best Live Band" and "Artist Of The Year" presented by Monster Energy-at this year's APMAs. To date, frontman Caleb Shomo has been featured on two Alternative Press Vans Warped Tour issue covers.
Shomo says, "Pretty crazy to be nominated for three awards this year and be able to play some music live. It's always a fun time at the APMAs. Tons of good friends, good hangs, and everybody is partying their ass off!"
In addition to the award nominees mentioned above, visit the APMAs Vans Voting Site at www.altpress.com/apmasvote2016 to check out all of this year's award nominees and vote for your favorites now! Also, visit this location for more information regarding future performing artist announcements, tickets and VIP packages, honorees, presenters, pre-show parties, red carpet appearances and beyond - all being announced in the coming weeks.
Voting for the Alternative Press Music Awards opened last week, and within just 24 hours, more than doubled its first round voting numbers within the first 24 hours from 2015. Votes were cast from 128 different countries around the world (including all 50 U.S. states).
Alternative Press Music Awards tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster here, and VIP experience packages are available via SoundRink- An Experience Company! SoundRink VIP packages will include limited merchandise, elite access to both the red carpet and prime indoor seating and VIP meet and greets.
In addition, the APMAs offered a select number of Monster Package tickets, which gives purchasers an unforgettable experience and the best seat in the house: a floor table amongst the stars! Monster Package tickets also include the same benefits offered to VIP purchasers, but will additionally offer two nights (one room) at a premier local hotel. These packages sold out within the first hour of on-sale, and because of high-demand, the APMAs may be opening up an additional small quantity in the upcoming days through SoundRink.
In addition to the VIP and Monster Packages, the APMAs will be opening up a small quantity of fully-immersive Pit Experience tickets.These tickets will include access to the "standing room only" section located on the floor, closest to the stage. Tickets for the Pit Experience will also be available through SoundRink.
As previously announced, the APMAs is also partnering with PromoWest Fest (www.promowestfest.com, Columbus, OH, July 15-17), so tickets will be available via their box office through Ticketmaster as well.
Last year's event - which took place July 22, 2015 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland - was a massive victory for the music community, garnering unprecedented support demonstrated by a staggering 15.7 billion total media impressions (over seven times the impressions of the 2014 show). Last year's event also earned the title of "The GRAMMYs of Alternative Music" by TIME Magazine. The 2015 Alternative Press Music Awards achieved over 1 million views on AXS TV, and over 3 million views on YouTube.
Don't miss the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards and your chance to cast your vote for your favorite bands! Check www.altpress.com/apmas over the coming weeks for new announcements and information.
