Contact: Lauren Veteri
Music Resource Group
973-509-3140
Lauren@MusiciansAtlas.com
Montclair, NJ - November 10, 2006: The 2007 finalists have been announced for the 6th annual Independent Music Awards, a program that delivers real career opportunities for indie artists, labels and releases. The awards recognize excellence in Music, Music Promotion, Packaging and Merchandise Design. Winners will be announced and all finalists will be featured in the 2007 edition of The Musician's Atlas -- the independent music industry's most comprehensive and qualified networking directory for independent musicians and music business entrepreneurs -- to be published on December 5.
A diverse panel of artist and industry judges such as Peter Gabriel, Wynonna, Ozzy Osbourne, Paul Oakenfold, Buddy Guy, Suzanne Vega, Abby White (Music Editor of Performing Songwriter) and Louis Meyers (Executive Director, Folk Alliance) will select the winners for the 2007 IMAs. Some of the 2007 finalists are electronic pop duo BITTER:SWEET's "The Mating Game" for Best Pop/Rock Album; activist singer-songwriter Dan Bern's "Breathe" for Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter Album; vocal jazz trio Dave's True Story for Best Jazz Album and Best Film/TV Song; blues guitarist Duke Robillard's "Guitar Groove-A-Rama" for Best Blues Album; country-rocker Miko Marks' "Freeway Bound" for Best Country Album; singer-songwriter Kara Suzanne and the Gojo Hearts' "Aumsville" for Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter Album; the alternative rock band Irving's "Situation" for Best Pop/Rock Song and country-pop band Moore & Moore's "L.O.V.E." for Best Country Song. For a complete list and to listen to music from the finalists go to http://www.musiciansatlas.com/pages/IMAFinalist/
The IMA program has created an informal "Vox Populi" vote that's a component of the IMA Album and Song Jukeboxes. Although the vote has no impact on the judges' decisions, it provides a marketing opportunity which enables finalists to promote their accomplishments to their fans and gives listeners a chance to discover other talent spotlighted in the program. Also, for first year, the IMA program features the new "Sing Out For Social Action" song category that focuses on artists who use their music as a platform to address political and social issues.
IMA winners receive year-long marketing campaigns, partnerships and distribution alliances that put them in front of millions of music fans and industry decision makers around the world. The winners' CDs will be available for sale at BordersStores.com. In addition, a compilation CD of the IMA winners music will be distributed to music fans and industry movers and shakers at music conferences, festivals and other events throughout the year and will also be promoted to college radio stations throughout North America by leading radio promotion company The Planetary Group.
Martin Folkman, publisher of The Musician's Atlas said, "One of the greatest challenges for independent musicians is to stand out and be heard. Musician's Atlas has long been regarded as the most accurate and comprehensive contact directory available. We have worked tirelessly to fully update and enhance the 2007 edition with critical contacts, resources and information to help connect the independent musician with the right people and opportunities to pave one's way towards success."
The 2007 edition of The Musician's Atlas has been revamped to provide independent musicians with an up to date guide to the music industry. Due to popular demand and reader feedback the following sections have been enhanced: Clubs, US/Canadian College Radio & Booking, Conferences & Festivals, National/Regional Press, Commercial & Public Radio, Song Contests & Compilations and Tours among other opportunities.
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For more information on Music Resource Group, The Musician's Atlas and The Independent Music Awards, please contact Joelle Caputa at joelle@musiciansatlas.com or at 973-509-9896.