The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has announced the first-ever “Live Independent Tour” certification, featuring Los Angeles indie rock band Spanish Love Songs.
Why it matters:
With the band’s 19-city tour visiting independent venues exclusively, it marks the inaugural tour for the “Live Independent” certification program.
What it means:
Launched in partnership with Spotify, the program supports independent live entertainment across the US by providing resources to help independent venues and the artists who perform there thrive.
Initiatives include amplifying independent events, highlighting artist tours through monthly playlist features, and recognizing independent venues through NIVA’s ‘Live Independent’ seal, launched in partnership with Bandsintown.
What they said:
Dylan Slocum, Spanish Love Songs: “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: “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.”
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from NIVA’s press release.
We covered it because it’s news of the first NIVA-certified Live Independent Tour.
