The Independent Music Awards is a prestigious international program that gets top-ranked independent artists & releases the recognition they need to reach millions of fans worldwide.

Now in its 11th year, the IMAs honor artists who broaden the definition of commercial success & represent the diversity of the global Indie scene.

Submissions must be postmarked by midnight, October 14, 2011 to be considered for the 11th annual IMA program.

Program details and entry forms are available at IndependentMusicAwards.com, and sonicbids.com/ima2011.

THE IMAS GETS MAJOR RESULTS FOR INDIE RELEASES

The program creates opportunities and fan bases for artists & releases traditionally ignored by mainstream gatekeepers, mass media & big box retailers.

Unlike contests or battle of the band programs that focus on cash & prizes, The IMAs deliver yearlong marketing & sales support plus performance opportunities that places winners & nominees in front of millions of music fans.

That’s why artists previously on major labels as well as notable indie label and self-released talent from around the globe submit in more than 50 music genre song, album, music video & design categories.

The IMAs celebrates the meritocracy of talent and democratization of creativity; winners & nominees are determined solely by artistic merit.

Past winners & nominees credit their IMA honors with elevating their profile with talent buyers, programmers, press, music supervisors and fans.

Some notable IMA winners and nominees include: Koko Taylor, Martin Sexton,The Matches, Miquel Migs, Speech, Denque Fever, Jamie Lidell, Selasee, The Apples in stereo, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Mary Gauthier, Lacuna Coil, Joan As Police Woman, Girl In A Coma, Darrell Scott, Richard Julian, The Mooney Suzuki, Dan Bern, Kristy Krüger, Jeff Healey, Sugarcult, Eleni Mandell; Supagroup, Ike Turner, Jonah Smith, Hoots & Hellmouth, Unkown Hinson, Chris Whitley and many, many more.

THE IMAs LEADS THE NEW MUSIC INDUSTRY

Created by Music Resource Group, publisher of the music industry’s trusted former print & current online contact databases, The Musician’s Atlas & AtlasOnline, The IMAs has unrivaled access to industry gatekeepers, performance, promotion & distribution opportunities.

Previous program partners included eMusic, PureVolume, Pump Audio, The Planetary Group, NACA, Rock The Vote, punknews.org, Venus Zine,theStream.tv, HIP Video Promo, HM Magazine and CMJ Music Marathon; all of which help IMA winners and nominees reach more than 50 million music fans.

In addition to IMA-sponsored showcases throughout the year, a full-day celebration of IMA artists is also being planned.

Judges for the 10th Annual IMAs included: Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan, Suzanne Vega, Gavin Rossdale, Ozzy Osbourne, Seal, Adam Duritz, Joe Perry, Aimee Mann, Benji and Joel Madden (Good Charlotte), Andrew W.K., Arturo O’Farrill, Tim Lambesis, Lee Ritenour, Pete Wentz, Jeremy Camp, Arturo Sandoval, and “Weird Al” Yankovic

Additional judges will be posted at the IMA site as they are confirmed.

Click here for a complete list of The 10th Annual IMA judges.

THE IMAs UNITES BANDS & FANS

Music fans also have a voice at the Independent Music Awards. Last year more than 37,000 fans from around the globe discovered new talent and cast their votes at the IMA Vox Pop Jukebox.

The winners of the “Peoples Voice” component of the IMAs also benefit from print, online, broadcast, live performance and event promotions alongside formal IMA Winners.