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The Trews, Sweatshop Union and the late Jeff Healey represented for Canada at the eighth annual Independent Music Awards, picking up wins among thousands of submissions from around the world.

The IMAs are dedicated to promoting artists and releases “traditionally underserved by mass media and big box retailers,” according to a release from Music Resource Group, which presents the awards.

Antigonish, Nova Scotia’s The Trews won in the hard rock/metal song category for “Hold Me In Your Arms.” The band is also gearing up for the release of their album “No Time For Later” in the U.S. in February, a year after its Canadian release.

Meanwhile, Vancouver’s Sweatshop Union received the best rap/hip-hop song award for their track “Oh My,” and Toronto’s Healey, who died last March of cancer, won in the best blues album category for “Mess of Blues.”

The full list of winners can be found at the official IMA website here.

The IMA judging panel was made up of music industry representatives and artists, who determined winners in more than 50 categories.

“Anyone who follows the music industry knows that the most exciting and diverse new music is being created by independent artists,” said IMA director Martin Folkman in a statement.

“IMA winners and finalists truly represent the range of today’s vibrant indie scene and include artists who previously recorded for major labels, artists currently on indie labels and self-released talent in a wide spectrum of genres from Contemporary Classical to Heavy Metal and everything in between.”

Bedouin Soundclash, The Trews and Patrick Watson are turning Japanese.

The three acts are among the Canadian indie musicians performing in Tokyo next week as part of an annual music showcase to reach the Asian market.

Industry representatives from a number of Asian countries will attend the shows and meet with artists.

Bedouin Soundclash, Watson, Saint Alvia and Woodhands are set to play the Duo Music Exchange, a music venue in the city’s Shibuya entertainment district, on Nov. 12.

That gig will be followed by a Nov. 14 showcase performance at the Canadian Embassy featuring the Trews, Alex Cuba, The Russian Futurists and Sofia de Medeiros.

The showcase, now in its second year, is spearheaded by the Canadian Independent Record Association. The organization also promotes homegrown acts at such events as South by Southwest in Austin, TX and CMJ in New York.

The Ex isn’t just your average fair anymore – it’s the place to see some hot concerts.

The Trews will be making a stop on their current tour to play The Ex – the end-of-summer Toronto fest – on August 23. The Canadian boys have just released their fourth CD, “No Time For Later.”

Burlington band Silverstein will be rocking the CNE’s Bandshell stage the next evening, with their new material from their album, “Arrivals & Departures.” They’ll be joined by Sights and Sounds.

Brandy’s little brother and gossip target Ray J will add some R&B flavour to the lineup.

And in case that wasn’t enough variety, Mickey Rooney and his wife Jan will woo the crowds with “song, dance and his timeless humour and charm.”

For more information and a complete schedule of all the events, visit theex.com.