Unlike songwriting competitions and band contests, The IMAs focus on tangible career advancement such as radio promotion and distribution opportunities, not prize packages.

Winners and Finalists are promoted to music fans and industry via print, broadcast and online promotions throughout the year. Nominated tracks and artist bios are featured on two online IMA Jukeboxes.

IMA co-sponsor, Borders Books & Music promotes the program and the IMA Jukeboxes to more than 6 million of their customers. The winners’ own releases will also be available for sale on the BordersStores.com website. This year, Borders will expand its program participation by sponsoring a variety of in-store events in the chain’s top-ranked music sales markets. 

10,000 copies of the IMA WINNERS CD are distributed to music journalists; commercial & public radio stations, industry insiders and music fans. Boston-based promotion company The Planetary Group will service the IMA Winners CD to more than 500 college stations throughout North America and Canada. Last years Winners CD was placed on heavy and medium rotation at more than 300 stations, with several tracks hitting Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 and Top 25 spots on the CMJ charts.

The Winners CD will also be distributed at major music festivals and industry events throughout 2006.

Many past IMA winners and finalists credit the program with boosting their profile with festival bookers, talent buyers, distributors, industry decision-makers and fans. Last year, program winner Girlyman signed to Daemon Records as a result of the program, and Jazz winner Matt Shulman sold several hundred CDs in 24 hours following an IMA/Borders Jazz promotion.