"As an IMA Finalist the response from radio stations has been unbelievable. It's a real attention-getter and keeps my CD from being over looked. I've gotten live, on-air interviews on several stations -even a 1 hour slot where they interviewed me in between playing my songs!

And I was finally able to get my CD into a 5 state store chain - they told me that it was because I was an Independent Music Awards Finalist.

Being involved in the IMAs has been one of the greatest experiences I have had in music. What a great organization and award program!"

~Susanna Lynn,
2008 IMA Finalist - Album of the Year: Contemporary Christian

"As an independent artist, it is always a challenge to build momentum and grow a musical resume that makes people stand up and pay attention. Being named an IMA finalist, where submissions come from 6 continents really helps establish credibility. I am finding that just by mentioning my standing as an IMA finalist makes people pause and take me more seriously as I shop my music and seek more promotion, distribution, radio play, etc. The Musician's Atlas is a well-respected organization and being associated with you is a tremendous honor."

~Anita Myles, 7th Annual IMAs, Finalist, Gospel Album

“The Independent Music Awards is a prestigious international program that brings attention to artists who are traditionally underserved by mass media and big box retailers. The IMA winners CD represents the diversity of today’s vibrant indie scene and includes music from artists previously on major labels as well as indie label and self-released talent. Our CIMS members are proud to be a part of the IMA program and to promote these worthy artists in our member stores”

~Don Van Cleave, President, Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS)

"Winning an IMA has opened doors for me. I have received radio airplay, press, increased CD sales, distribution and career support. It's the kind of backing every independent musician needs. Plus, 'Award Winning Album' doesn't hurt the promo! Thanks to the Music Resource Group and judges for the honour"

~Drew Pilgram, 7th Annual IMAs, Winner, Folk/Singer-Songwriter Album

"Since becoming a finalist in last year's IMAs, my career has kept such a comfortable and steady pace. After years of doing music, I am finally getting the respect I deserve. Along with that, our label (Mightier Than The Sword Records) has flourished tremendously spanning across different genres of music and we have become one of the most elite labels in North Carolina. I give credit where credit is due, therefore a big percentage of the credit goes to the IMAs, which is a worldwide award, not just a state, city or region. So becoming a finalist in the IMAs was a defining moment in my career, and a huge boost for our label. Not to mention some of the judges that actually listened to my album were musicians I have looked up to and molded myself after for years. That alone gives you a feeling that cannot be put into words."

~Ty Bru,
2008 IMA Finalist - Album of the Year: Rap/Hip-Hop

"Winning an Independent Music Award is a huge accomplishment. It proves that artists and musicians can make it outside of the major label system and still be recognized for their work. The artists who win this award are just as talented as some of the biggest artists in the country. A Grammy is no longer the only award that means you made great music!"

~Ari Gold, 7th Annual IMAs, Winner, R&B Song

"Getting a nod of recognition as a finalist for Best Pop/Rock album for Photographs of 1971, from the Independent Music Awards was certainly a nice feather in the cap for my album. It's always always nice to have your hard work recognized by your peers and those that truly care about independent music."

~Don DiLego, 7th Annual IMAs, Finalist, Pop/Rock Album

"Being a finalist in the design categories brought "legitimacy" to our work and validated the efforts to create something unique and eye-catching. The Independent Music Awards gave us industry recognition and exposure that we would not have accessed on our own. We whole-heartedly recommend that all artists participate in the IMA program.”

~The Good Luck Joes, 7th Annual IMAs, Finalist, Album Packaging

"To be one of the few acts to win both the judges' poll and fan voting is truly an immense honor that we are humbled by. We are particularly excited to be a part of the partnership between the IMA's and CIMS, since we are band championing the cause of the global independents. Any approbation from a body as esteemed as the IMA's certainly validates our musical cause and we hope to maintain a fruitful relationship as we move forward!"

~Animate Objects, 7th Annual IMAs, Winner, Rap/Hip-Hop Song

"The IMA's opened my eyes (and ears!) to independent musicians from all over the world. 'Being from England, but living in America, it was fun to tell folks on both sides of the pond and know that their vote would count. Congratulations have poured in - usually going something like 'That's the first time I voted for someone that actually won!'"

~Jan Bell & The Cheap Dates, 7th Annual IMAs, Alt. Country Finalist/Vox Populi Winner

"As a two time winner for New Age Song, The IMA's have added a great deal of momentum to my career in music. The compilation albums are a great marketing tool, and the exposure that my music gets from the airplay is a welcome addition to my visibility in the marketplace."

~Jeff Oster, 5th/7th Annual IMAs, Winner, New Age Song

"I can only express my deepest gratitude for how being a winner of the Independent Music Awards has given my career, a total makeover! Thanks to all of you."

~Dr. John Butler aka THE MINISTER, 7th Annual IMAs, Winner, Gospel Album

"Since we have won the Independent Music Awards for the 2006 Hard Rock/Metal Album of the Year, The Greatest Fear has sold over 5,000 copies of our debut CD, "The Coronation Of The Locust Queen!" The award has legitimized The Greatest Fear in the eyes of magazine reviewers, DJ's and venue promoters who normally are inundated with demo submissions... The IMA win has really provided me with justification. The IMA Awards CD and the Musician's Atlas promoted awards insert has been included in all of our press kits. I find that the IMA CD impacts people in an incredibly positive way. The diversity in talent, highlighted on each track, enforces the calibur of musicianship each artist represents on behalf of their genre. I am humbled and proud to be considered among such talent... Also - we share a fan base with last year's Independent Music Award winner of our award, Lacuna Coil. We have had an overwhelming response as their fans have found us online via the IMA Award. This has broadened our goals to include a European tour sometime in 2007."

~Jane Saunders, The Greatest Fear,
2006 IMA Winner - Album of the Year: Hard Rock/Metal Album

"Winning the IMAs really helped put my record on the map. Hats off to MRG and
The Musician's Atlas for creating a reliable filter and support system for independent music in an otherwise overwhelming market place."

~Richard Julian, 2004 IMA Winner - Album of the Year

"The IMA program has produced a tremendous boost for my career from selling 400 of my CD's in a 24 hour period due to the IMA's exclusive 4.5 million customer-contact promotion through Borders, to receiving an offer for a multiple album record deal with major distribution due in part to the exposure and buzz that the IMA program created within the industry through their Winners CD sampler and the omnipresent Musician's Atlas.

"What's more, the IMA program is run by people who truly care about independent music and an artist's long-term career --  the IMA staff have been, and continue to be, more than generous with their time and resources -- winning the award is just the beginning, these people are on the musicians' side!"

~ Matt Shulman, Winner 2004

"The Independent Music Awards got Girlyman their first record deal!

"Because of the IMAs, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls listened to the band's album and a few months later signed Girlyman to her label, Daemon Records. Thanks!"

~ Genevieve Barber, Manager Girlyman - Folk/Singer-Songwriter Winner,2004

"The Independent Music Awards fulfill an important role in exposing worthy independent music to a wider audience. Through their esteemed panel of judges, media & industry exposure, distribution via the Musicians Atlas at retail locations nationwide, and the mission of really supporting good music, the IMA's have significant influence and reach within and beyond the music industry"

~ Brandon Kessler, President Messenger Records
(Dan Bern * Johnny Society * Anne McCue * Chris Whitley)

"As a fan of the IMA's, I have always enjoyed discovering new music through your organization."

~ Andy Slater, Sound-Click.com

"We are thrilled and honored to have been selected as a winner in the 2004 MRG Independent Music Awards. Everyone at The Musician's Atlas has been fantastic and they have done so much to expose a new, diverse group of listeners to our music. Thanks again for all your help, you've really been awesome."

~ Brett Crockett, Karmacoda IMA 2004 winner, Music For Film & TV

"One of the challenges of an Indie Label is finding effective yet inexpensive ways of increasing your artist's profile. Having the Independent Music Awards choose Ronnie Earl for the Blues/R&B award provided recognition to an artist that truly deserves it."

~ Rayanne Doucet, Stony Plain Recording

"Winning the Independent Music Awards for best Pop/Rock act has had a big impact on my career. Right off the bat I was contacted by several managers asking for press kits. I am now working with one of those managers. The centerfold section of The Musician's Atlas really features the winning acts and I'm sure that it has everything to do with increased awareness of the name Robby Baier and my band, Melodrome at music conferences and in the music community."

~ Robby Baier, Melodrome - Winner 2003 Pop/Rock Category

"Winning the Independent Music Awards has given me personal validation. Add to that the exposure it has given me opening doors that otherwise had been closed and I am thrilled."

~ Tom Yoder, IMA 2004 Winner, New Age Category

"The exposure we've received thru the Independent Music Awards has been tremendous! It's a great organization to be associated with!"

~ Carol Moore, Chateau Music Group,
Manager of 2004 Country/Bluegrass Winners - IIIrd Tyme Out

" Winning the Independent Music Award in the Latin category has lifted us to the next step. The recognition from music critics, radio dj's and from our fans has given us pure satisfaction and helps us to maintain our commitment  to create music. It is truly ONLY THE BEGINNING for us and we are ready to go all the way."

Lola Arcaya-DeLucia, CEO ARDEL RECORDS
Vinny & Ray - IMA 2004 Winner, Latin Category