Music
Held in LA's El Rey Theatre on April 23, it will host performances from established and breakthrough artists.
US readers of the magazine's website will be able to vote from today in categories including Best Band, Best Album, Best Track and Best Live Band.
A shortlist will be created from the votes cast and revealed on March 24.
The venture follows the announcement of an NME Awards Tour, which includes Kate Nash, that starts in Atlanta on April 15 and ends in San Francisco on May 13. It also stops off for two days in Canada at Toronto and Vancouver,
Former NME editor and editorial director of IPC Ignite Steve Sutherland said: "The NME Awards have been bringing together some of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll history for over 50 years in the UK.
"With a special lineup planned for the US as well, the US NME Awards are set to be the alternative rock 'n' roll party of the year."
Last week's UK NME Awards were held at London's O2 arena and saw Sheffield indie band Arctic Monkeys take home three gongs.
> Click here for The Sound's Alternative NME Awards
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