REACH 11 MILLION MUSIC FANS

The IMAs - a unique international program that provides yearlong promotion, marketing and distribution opportunities for independent artists and releases - has announced the first round of judges confirmed for the upcoming program, which is accepting submissions through July 27, 2007.

The distinguished panel comprised of influential artists and industry pros represent a diverse range of genres and industry influences.

Co-sponsored by mega retailer, Borders Books & Music, digital retailer eMusic, Radio Promotions gurus, The Planetary Group and Radio Tracking Service, MediaGuide, the IMAs promotes Winners and Finalists to more than 11 Million music fans and industry decision makers including:

    *US & Canadian Radio Programmers
    *Club & Festival talent Buyers
    *Film, TV & Gaming Music Supervisors
    *Music Press
    *Record Label A&R
    *Distributors
    *Publishers
    *Music Fans

Artist Judges Confirmed for the upcoming IMA program:

    *Snoop Dogg
    *Les Claypool
    *Suzanne Vega
    *Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
    *Duncan Sheik
    *Mavis Staples
    *Judy Collins
    *Tim Pagnotta (SugarCult)
    *Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance
    *Mobb Deep
    *Ice-T
    *Mickdeth (18 Visions)
    *Charlie Musselwhite
    * Susan Tedeschi
    * Chuck Comeau (Simple Plan)
    * Martin Atkins (Public Image Ltd./Nine Inch Nails)
    *Danny Saber (Black Grape)

Industry Judges Confirmed:

    *Carrie Hughes -MTV Music Supervisors
    *Anthony DeCurtis - Rolling Stone Contributing Editor
    *Kevin Lyman - Creator/Producer Vans Warp Tour
    *Joe Cuello- MTV Director of Music Creative/Licensing
    *Abby White - Music Editor Performing Songwriter
    *Joe Boyd - Producer
    *Pilley Bianchi - A&R Mamapalooza Records
    *David Koch - A&R Koch Records
    *Mike Errico - Editor Blender.com
    *Chris Kimsey - Producer
    *Chris Douridas - Tastemaker/DJ KCRW- FM
    *Ben Fong-Torres - Journalist, Author, Broadcaster
    *Lior Goldenberg - Producer
    *Jeff Torrice - Director A&R Majorlabelscouts.com
    *Carol Lester - Mamapalooza Publishing
    *Michael Paterson - Producer
    *Elena Rossi - Pop Promotion Coordinator Columbia Records
    *Philippa Murphy - Talent Buyer BFG 
    *Carrie Istad - Talent Buyer Key Club LA
    *Melissa Cross - The Zen of Screaming
    *Scott Reifman - Talent Buyer - The Roxy, LA
    *Annie Lin - Director of Creative Licensing The Orchard
    *Brett Kimberlin - Justice Through Music
    *Ethan Allen - Producer/Engineer

Top Honors are awarded in 41 Music Categories and 6 Design Categories. New Categories include: Music Video, Social Action, Music For Children and College Label Release.

For Judges bios, program details and entry forms go to: www.IndependentMusicAwards.com