The launch of Independents Day 08 has been announced - a global celebration of independent music that will take place during the Fourth Of July weekend. The event, which will be overseen by the Worldwide Independent Network , will take place in the US, the UK, New Zealand, Spain, Australia, South Africa, France, Austria, Japan and Italy, with each nations' trade organization overseeing the country's activities.

The American edition of Independents Day will be organized by The American Association Of Independent Music. Though full details will not be announced until later this week, we can confirm that there will be a ten-day online auction leading up to the event which will feature autographed posters by the New Pornogaphers, drum sticks signed by AC/DC's Chris Slade, a trumpet lesson from Ozomatli, and many more items yet to be announced.

Additionally, Independents Day USA will offer a digital-only album, which will only be available during the Fourth Of July weekend and will feature unreleased, live, rare cuts from a variety of independent artists, including the already confirmed Elizabeth Cook and Ani DiFranco. And considering that the following labels have pledged their support for the event, it's fair to expect the resulting tracklist will be quite impressive: ATO, Beggars, Concord Music Group, Definitive Jux, Fat Beats, Razor And Tie, Rhymesayers, Roadrunner, Righteous Babe, Thirty Tigers and VP.

Proceeds from initiatives will go to benefit music-affiliated charities such as MusiCares, CALM and the Musicians Benevolent Fund, as well as benefit funds for independent artists and labels in poorer countries, and programs to connect local music companies with schools and colleges.

Further information about the event will be announced next week.

More information at www.worldwideindependentnetwork.com