FAQs
General
How are the nominees and winners determined?
Is there a ceremony?
When and how do you announce the nominees & winners?
What can I win?
Is this an international program?
What is the Submission Spotlight?
I was featured in the Artist Spotlight / Submission Spotlight. Does this mean I was nominated?
Submission
I submitted or was asked to submit my music. Does this mean I was nominated?
How can I enter?
Why do I have to pay to enter?
How much does it cost to enter?
How can I pay the processing fee?
Can I submit more than one entry?
Which category should I enter?
I write cover songs, is that OK?
Ownership & Copyright
Do I lose any rights to my songs by submitting?
Does my song have to be copyrighted?
I write cover songs, is that OK?
Vox Populi
What is the difference between rating a track and voting for the track?
How does the rating system work?
Can I vote in every category?
Can I vote more than once for my favorite finalist?
Can I change my rating?
Do I have to vote in every category at once or can I return at a later time?
General
How are the nominees and winners determined?
There are two parts to The Independent Music Awards:
- The general voting process determined by our industry and artist judging panel
- The Vox Populi “voice of the people” process where fans and visitors determine the winners by rating the nominees at The Vox Populi Jukebox
Is there a ceremony?
Not at this time.
When and how do you announce the nominees & winners?
The nominees are announced in November and the winners are announced in January. The results of the Vox Populi are announced in the spring. Nominees and winners are all notified via email as well as announced on our website & in The IMA Buzz Newsletter. You can sign up to receive our updates on our homepage under ENEWS & UPDATES. You can also stay in touch with us via any one of our social networking profiles (linked icons found at the top of our website).
What can I win?
Unlike contests or battle of the band programs that focus on cash & prizes, the IMAs deliver yearlong marketing & sales support plus performance opportunities that place winners & nominees in front of millions of music fans.
The program creates opportunities and fan bases for artists & releases traditionally ignored by mainstream gatekeepers, mass media & big box retailers.
Throughout the year, we are always working on opportunities to further the careers of the nominees and winners, whether it’s through booking TV shows, our 9 week radio campaign for the IMA Winners compilation CD, setting up showcases, sending out press releases, posting countless blog spotlights, etc.
Is this an international program?
Yes! We proudly accept submissions from all over the globe. Here’s a map that plots some of our entrants: 
What is the Submission Spotlight?
Artists who submit to The IMAs may be included in the Submission Spotlight on The IMA homepage.
If you would like to be considered, e-mail the name of your band, the categories you submitted for and a link to your music to:
I was featured in the Artist Spotlight / Submission Spotlight. Does this mean I was nominated?
No. Five nominees per category are announced in November from the entire pool of submissions. One winner per category will be chosen in January. Nominees and winners are all notified via email as well as announced on our website & in The IMA Buzz Newsletter. You can sign up to receive our updates on our homepage under ENEWS & UPDATES. You can also stay in touch with us via any one of our social networking profiles (linked icons found at the top of our website).
Submission
I submitted or was asked to submit my music. Does this mean I was nominated?
No. Five nominees per category are announced in November from the entire pool of submissions. One winner per category will be chosen in January. Nominees and winners are all notified via email as well as announced on our website & in The IMA Buzz Newsletter. You can sign up to receive our updates on our homepage under ENEWS & UPDATES. You can also stay in touch with us via any one of our social networking profiles (linked icons found at the top of our website).
How can I enter?
Our own online submission platform: www.independentmusicawards.com/IMAEntry
Mail: www.independentmusicawards.com/enter.pdf
Online, via Sonicbids: www.sonicbids.com/ima2009
Why do I have to pay to enter?
The processing fee covers all the organizing, opening, sorting, assigning, listening, rating, debating, communicating w/ our judging panel, gathering & posting results, and ultimately providing the yearlong promotion of all the nominees and winners. Throughout the year, we are always working on opportunities to further their careers, whether it’s through booking TV shows, our 9 week radio campaign for the IMA Winners compilation CD, setting up showcases, sending out press releases, posting countless blogs, etc.
How much does it cost to enter?
There is a minimal processing fee of $30.
How can I pay the processing fee?
You may pay by credit card, check or money order. International entries must be paid by credit card or international money order payable in U.S. funds.
Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes! Submit as many times as you wish in any or in as many categories as you wish. Each entry must include a separate entry form (www.independentmusicawards.com/enter.pdf). Remember, for each Song entry, you may submit 2 songs, but they must be in the same category.
Which category should I enter?
Look over all the categories and pick one you think would fit best. If the judges think your submission has a better shot in a different category – we’ll contact you and let you know.
I write cover songs, is that OK?
Yes, there is a Cover Song category! You don’t need permission from the publisher to enter your cover songs.
Ownership & Copyright
Do I lose any rights to my songs by submitting?
No. You maintain all rights to your songs when you submit. Nominees & winners may have the option for further licensing opportunities.
Does my song have to be copyrighted?
We recommend having your material copyrighted in order to protect your work.
I write cover songs, is that OK?
Yes, there is a Cover Song category! You don’t need permission from the publisher to enter your cover songs.
VoxPopuli
What is the difference between rating a track and voting for the track?
Rating the track is the same as “voting” for the track.
How does the rating system work?
You can give tracks a rating between 1 and 5. The higher the number you rate a track, the higher the ranking the track receives and the better the track will do in the final calculations.
Can I vote in every category?
Yes! We encourage you to listen and discover new artists. On the left-side of the page, you’ll see in white type categories for: ALBUM FINALISTS, DESIGN FINALISTS, SONG FINALISTS & VIDEO FINALISTS. Once you are registered and logged in, you are able to vote/rate artists in every category.
Can I vote more than once for my favorite finalist?
The system is programmed so that fans can only vote/rate tracks one time (no ballot box stuffing!).
Can I change my rating?
Once you submit your rating you will not be able to change it.
Do I have to vote in every category at once or can I return at a later time?
You may return to the IMA Jukebox at a later time to vote/rate tracks. Simply login and the Star Rating system will appear.