6th Annual Independent Music Awards

Reach 9 Million+ Music Fans & Industry Insiders

A new category, Sing Out For Social Action, has been added to the 2007 Independent Music Awards program. Songs from all ends of the political and musical spectrum are eligible. So no matter whether you're for or against issues like World Domination or Drilling the Arctic - a Folkie or Rocker - here's your chance to tunefully broadcast your point of view.



Now in its sixth year, the IMAs deliver unique opportunities for indie artists and releases. Produced by The Musician’s Atlas and co-sponsored by mega retailer Borders Books & Music, IMA Winners are promoted to more than 9 million music fans, radio programmers, talent buyers, film & TV music supervisors, journalists and other industry decision makers via yearlong direct marketing, promotions, print, broadcast and online initiatives.



IMA winners benefit from yearlong promotion, marketing and distribution programs. Past winners and finalists credit the program with boosting their visibility among festival bookers, talent buyers, distributors, industry insiders and fans.



The IMA online jukebox features winner’s songs and contact information and will be promoted to over 9 million Borders customers in 12 consecutive weekly “Shortlist” opt-in eNewsletters. The artist’s own releases will be available for purchase at the BordersStores.com site.



Ten thousand copies of the IMA Winners Compilation CD will be distributed to music fans and industry movers and shakers at international music conferences, festivals and other events throughout the year, and promoted to US and Canadian college and public radio stations throughout North America by The Planetary Group, a leading radio promotion company.



Winners and Finalists will be promoted in the 2007 Musician’s Atlas, read by 250,000+ industry pros throughout North America, Europe & Asia.



Adding to an already broad spectrum of album and song categories spanning all genres from heavy metal to gospel, the upcoming IMA program features a new category that is both unique and timely. “Sing Out For Social Action” was created explicitly to offer artists from every end of the political spectrum an opportunity to promote social change.



Entry to most IMA categories may be submitted through Sonicbids. Multiple submissions are accepted.


Judges confirmed for this year’s IMA program include:

• Peter Gabriel
  
• Ozzy Osbourne
  
• Wynonna
  
• Buddy Guy
  
• Suzanne Vega
  
• Paul Oakenfold
  
• Afrika Bambaataa
  
• Bill Frisell
  
• Cyndi Lauper
  
• McCoy Tyner
  
• Bebel Gilberto
  
• Rob Wasserman
  
• David Grisman
  
• Beenie Man
  
• Patty Loveless
  
• Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim)
  
• Marc Ribot
  
• R&B Legend Howard Tate
  
• Tim Pagnotta (Sugarcult)
  
• Michael McDonald, President of ATO Records
  
• Don Rose, President of American Association of Independent Music (A2IM)
  
• Abby White, Performing Songwriter Music Editor
  
• Melinda Newman, Billboard West Coast Bureau Chief
  
• Louis Meyers, Folk Alliance Executive Director
  
• Claire Armbruster, MerleFest Artistic Director Music
  
• Barry Bergman, President of Music Managers Forum
  
• Brett Kimberlin, Director of Justice Through Music

Past program judges have included: Norah Jones, Melissa Etheridge, Joe Perry, Bill Wyman, George Clinton, Jonatha Brooke, Chris Thile, Hubert Sumlin, Andrew W.K, Tom Waits, Aimee Mann, Ray Davies, Lou Reed, Erykah Badu, Arturo Sandoval, William Ackerman, Amy Ray, Mavis Staples, DJ Spooky, Steve Vai, Kenny Aronoff, Eileen Ivers, Joan Baez, Mickey Hart, Jose Feliciano, Tina Weymouth, Joshua Redman, Charlie Hunter, Don Byron, Wilson Pickett, Kelly Willis, Robbie Fulks, Joe Henry, Mitchell Froom and many more celebrated artists.



Please note: Details about entering recordings for all Album Of The Year and Design Categories, that require full-length CD & artwork submissions, are included in the Sonicbids entry confirmation, or visit the www.IndependentMusicAwards.com.