2007 INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS JUDGES ANNOUNCED

CYNDI LAUPER AND WYNONNA CONFIRMED

NEW “CALL TO SOCIAL ACTION” CATEGORY ADDED

 

Music Resource Group has announced the first group of confirmed judges for the Sixth Annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs), an international program that helps Independent artists and releases achieve wider recognition among industry and fans.

The list comprised of renowned artists and industry decision makers includes Metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, guitar virtuosos Buddy Guy, Bill Frisell and Marc Ribot, country music star, Wynonna, pop icon and current Broadway sensation Cyndi Lauper, jazz great McCoy Tyner, pioneer  singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega, master DJs Paul Oakenfold and Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim, the godfather of hip-hop, Afrika Bambaataa, soul great Howard Tate, country music great Patty Loveless, legendary bluegrass/newgrass mandolinist David Grisman, Brazilian Platinum recording artist Bebel Gilberto, reggae superstar Beenie Man, power pop sensation, Tim Pagnotta of Sugarcult and double bass pioneer Rob Wasserman will judge.

Joining these celebrated panelists will be industry vets such as ATO Records President Michael McDonald, Folk Alliance Executive Director Louis Meyers, Performing Songwriter Music Editor Abby White, Justice Through Music Director Brett Kimberlin, Merlefest Artistic Director Claire Armbruster, President of Music Management Forum U.S. Barry Bergman, A2IM President Don Rose and Billboard Magazine West Coast Bureau Chief Melinda Newman.

Adding to an already broad spectrum of categories spanning heavy metal to gospel, the sixth annual IMAs will feature a brand 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.

“Artists have always been at the forefront of social change and music in particular is an effective rallying force,” said Martin Folkman, IMA Program Director.  "By adding Sing Out For Social Action to the IMA program, we hope that we can provide a larger audience for artists with something to say."

A unique feature of the IMAs is the program’s focus on yearlong marketing, promotion and distribution for Winners in lieu of the typical “prize packages”. Co-sponsored by mega retailer, Borders Books & Music, radio promotions company, the Planetary Group and terrestrial & internet tracking service, MediaGuide, IMA winners are promoted to 9 Million+ music fans, programmers, talent buyers, journalists and other industry decision makers via direct marketing, promotional campaigns, print, broadcast and online initiatives.

Deadline for submissions is midnight August 25, 2006. Details, additional judges and entry forms are available at www.IndependentMusicAwards.com and in the 2006 edition of The Musician’s Atlas. Winners and finalists will be featured in the 2007 edition of The Atlas, on sale November 2006.

For more information, contact Ida S. Langsam (ida@islpr.com) or Sam Orlando (sam@islpr.com)

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INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS: RAISING THE PROFILE OF INDIE MUSICIANS

“REAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIE ARTISTS AND RELEASES”

 

With today’s music industry in a state of flux, independent artists have discovered that they can succeed without major label support, but still require strong marketing and promotion to reach new audiences. Many indies look to The Independent Music Awards (www.IndependentMusicAwards.com) an international program that helps indie artists achieve wider recognition among industry and fans, to help them achieve their goals.

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

Says Martin Folkman, Director of the IMAs and Publisher of The Musician’s Atlas: “The only thing that separates these fine indie artists from multi-platinum success is access to major market promotion outlets and a broader definition of what is commercial. Our goal is to raise the profile of deserving artists who typically fly under the radar because of the lack of communication and marketing channels available to them. Past winners and finalists credit the program with boosting their visibility among festival bookers, talent buyers, distributors, industry insiders and fans. ”

Adding to an already broad spectrum of album and song categories spanning all genres from heavy metal to gospel, the sixth annual 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.

IMA winners are determined by a panel of influential recording artists and industry executives. This year’s artist panel includes Wynonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Cyndi Lauper, Buddy Guy, Fat Boy Slim, Suzanne Vega,

Afrika Bambaataa, Paul Oakenfold, Marc Ribot, Beenie Man, Howard Tate, David Grisman, Patty Loveless, Rob Wasserman and Bebel Gilberto.

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. 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” eNewsletters. The artist’s own releases will be available for purchase at the BordersStores.com site.

The deadline for submission for the 2006 Independent Music Awards is midnight, Friday, August 25, 2006. 

Entry forms, program details and announcements of additional judges are available at www.IndependentMusicAwards.com and www.MusiciansAtlas.com.