CATEGORIES
FAQs
Categories
Eligibility & Submission Guidelines
Submission Processing Fees
FAQs
ALBUM
Album – Adult Contemporary
Album – Alt. Country
Album – Americana
Album – Bluegrass
Album – Blues
Album – Children’s Music
Album – Compilation Album
Album – Concept Album
Album – Contemporary Christian / Gospel
Album – Contemporary Classical
Album – Country
Album – Dance/Electronica
Album – Debut Album
Album – Eclectic
Album – Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Album – Funk/Fusion/Jam
Album – Indie / Alt. Rock
Album – Instrumental (Mainly)
Album – Jazz Instrumental (Mainly)
Album – Jazz with Vocals (Mainly)
Album – Latin
Album – Live Performance
Album – Metal/Hardcore
Album – New Age
Album – Pop
Album – R&B/Soul
Album – Rap/Hip-Hop
Album – Reggae/Ska/Dancehall
Album – Reissue
Album – Rock / Hard Rock
Album – Score: Film/TV/Game
Album – Spoken Word
Album – Tribute Album
Album – World Beat
Album – World Traditional
SONG
Song – A Cappella
Song – Acoustic
Song – Adult Contemporary
Song – Alt. Country
Song – Americana
Song – Bluegrass
Song – Blues
Song – Children’s Music
Song – Contemporary Christian / Gospel
Song – Country
Song – Cover Song
Song – Dance/Electronica
Song – Eclectic
Song – Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Song – Funk/Fusion/Jam
Song – Holiday Song (Any Holiday)
Song – Indie / Alt. Rock
Song – Instrumental
Song – Jazz Instrumental
Song – Jazz with Vocals
Song – Latin
Song – Love Song
Song – Metal/Hardcore
Song – New Age
Song – Pop
Song – R&B/Soul
Song – Rap/Hip-Hop
Song – Reggae/Ska/Dancehall
Song – Rock / Hard Rock
Song – Social Action
Song – Spoken Word
Song – Story Song
Song – Used in Ad Campaign
Song – Used in Film/TV/Web/Game
Song – World Beat
Song – World Traditional
EP (3-5 songs; 25 minutes or less. Exceptions made for work publicly described or reviewed as an EP.)
EP – Dance/Electronica (All Styles)
EP – Eclectic (Includes Spoken Word)
EP – Instrumental (All Styles)
EP – Jazz (Instrumental or Vocal)
EP – Live Performance (All Styles)
EP – Pop (Includes Adult Contemporary)
EP – Rock (All Styles)
EP – Roots/Country (Includes Alt. Country, Americana, Bluegrass, Blues, Folk, Singer-Songwriter)
EP – Urban (All Styles)
EP – World (All Styles)
MUSIC PRODUCER (Awarded to the producer(s) of a full-length album or EP)
Producer – Dance/Electronica (All Styles)
Producer – Eclectic (Includes Spoken Word)
Producer – Instrumental (All Styles)
Producer – Jazz (Instrumental or Vocal)
Producer – Live Performance (All Styles)
Producer – Pop (Includes Adult Contemporary)
Producer – Rock (All Styles)
Producer – Roots/Country (Includes Alt. Country, Americana, Bluegrass, Blues, Folk, Singer-Songwriter)
Producer – Urban (All Styles)
Producer – World (All Styles)
MUSIC VIDEO
SHORT FORM:
Music Video Short Form – Animated/Stop-Motion
Music Video Short Form – Concept/Experimental
Music Video Short Form – Director
Music Video Short Form – Lyric
Music Video Short Form – Narrative
Music Video Short Form – Performance
Music Video Short Form – Social Action
LONG FORM:
Music Video Long Form – Director
Music Video Long Form – Long Form
PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Design – Album Art / Photography
Design – Album Packaging
Design – Artist Concert Photo
Design – Artist Publicity Photo
Design – Music Promo Poster (Band, Venue, Event, etc.)
Design – Music Website (Artist, Band, Record Label, Etc.)
Design – Swag (Merchandising)
Eligibility
Music
We strongly recommend – but do not require – that all submitted material is copyrighted.
Learn more about how to copyright your work here: http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/how2copyright.htm
- Music submissions (Album, EP, Song, Music Producer) must be self-released or an independent label release (may be distributed by a major label); Major label music released by Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group or any of their sub labels is NOT Eligible
- Music must be released or be intended to be released in physical, digital download or streaming format – for sale or free – between October 1, 2018 – July 31, 2020 (for 18th annual program)
- Demo recordings are NOT Eligible
- Original material is eligible in every category while Cover material (including arrangements of standards and traditional music) is only eligible in certain cases (see next bullet points)
- Album Categories: must feature a majority of original material. Because cover songs and traditionals are so widely accepted in the following genres, we do allow cover interpretations in the following Album Genres: Bluegrass Album, Children’s Music Album, Concept Album, Jazz Instrumental Album, Jazz with Vocals Album, Tribute Album, and World Traditional Album.
- Song Categories: must be original with the exception that cover material is also eligible in the following Song categories: A Cappella, Cover, Holiday, Jazz Instrumental, Jazz with Vocals, and World Traditional
- Cover material does not require permission from the publisher to be eligible
- Music Producer Categories: may consist of any mix of original and/or cover material
- EP Categories: may consist of any mix of original and/or cover material; should be 3-5 songs & 25 minutes or less (exceptions can be made for work publicly described or reviewed as an EP)
DESIGN / VISUAL ARTS
We recommend – but do not require – that all submitted material is copyrighted.
- Music Video submissions must contain music that is either self-released or released by an independent label (may be distributed by a major label)
- Design submissions may feature independent or major label artists
- Video and Design projects must be released or be intended to be released in physical, digital, or streaming format – for sale or free – between October 1, 2018 – July 31, 2020 (for 18th annual program)
- Music Video submissions may contain original or cover music
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Music Submissions:
- Album categories: one entry = one complete, full-length Album
- Song categories: one entry = one complete Song
- EP categories: one entry = one complete EP
- Music Producer category: one entry = one complete, full-length Album or EP
- Album, Song and EP nominees/winners are identified as the recording artist (exceptions made for Contemporary Classical Album to identify the composer)
- Music Producer nominees/winners are identified as the Producer(s)
Music Category Guidelines:
- A Cappella Song: must not contain any pitched instruments except vocals
- Acoustic Song: must not contain any electric instruments
- Compilation Album: must be a compilation of various artists or a compilation of one artist’s previous work
- Concept Album: songs on the album must connect to an overall theme or unified story
- Cover Song: must be a version of a previously recorded, commercially-released song by another artist
- Debut Album: must be the first release available by an artist/band name
- Eclectic Album: must contain a broad and diverse range of musical styles either within the songs or throughout the album
- Eclectic Song: must contain a broad and diverse range of musical styles
- Holiday Song (Any Holiday): theme must relate to a specific holiday/holidays or holiday season
- Instrumental and Jazz Instrumental Album: majority of the album must be instrumental only
- Instrumental and Jazz Instrumental Song: must not contain singing, but may include limited vocal output, (e.g. in the song “Tequila”)
- Jazz with Vocals Album: majority of the album must contain songs featuring vocals
- Live Performance Album: must be recorded live with no overdubs
- Love Song: theme must revolve around love (searching for love, being in love, unrequited love, breaking up, etc.)
- Reissue Album: must have been released previously; may contain a few new bonus songs or be remixed/remastered
- Score: Film/TV/Game Album: must contain music featured in a movie, television or game production
- Social Action Song: must cover a social issue and/or encourage social change/action
- Spoken Word Album: majority of album must contain songs which feature spoken lyrics (no structured melody); may or may not contain music accompaniment
- Spoken Word Song: must feature spoken lyrics (no structured melody); may or may not contain music accompaniment
- Used in Ad Campaign Song: must have been used in an advertisement
- Used in Film/TV/Web/Game Song: must be featured in a movie, television, web campaign or game production
Music Video Submissions:
- Long Form categories: one entry = video of a concert, documentary, multi-video compilation, etc. that is longer than 10 minutes
- Short Form categories: one entry = one video featuring one song
- Music Video nominees/winners are identified as the recording artist with the exception of Long Form Director and Short Form Director which are identified as the Director(s)
Music Video Category Guidelines:
- Concept/Experimental: must be visually poetic and/or metaphorical
- Lyric: must display all or most of the lyrics throughout the song
- Narrative: must contain a visual storyline that is easy to follow (ie boy meets girl, boy loses girl, etc.)
- Performance: must predominantly contain footage of the artist/band performing the song
- Social Action: must contain a song and/or footage that brings awareness to a social issue and/or encourages social change/action
Design Category Submissions:
- Album Art / Photography: one entry = artwork for the album cover (CD/vinyl face), back panel, and any tray panels, booklets, inserts or other artwork for one release
- Album Packaging: one entry = all packaging components specific to one release
- Poster: one entry = one poster promoting a gig, festival, release, etc.
- Photography: one entry = one black & white/color print (8 x 10 preferred) or digital file
- Swag (Merchandising) design category: one entry = one article or packaged articles of merchandise (t-shirt, hat, mug, bumper sticker, kazoo, etc.)
- Music Website (Artist/Band, Independent Record Label, Music Event, Music Venue, Music Company): one entry = one site homepage URL
- Design nominees/winners are identified as the Photographer(s)/Designer(s) and/or their company/companies
IMPORTANT FYI:
- ENTRY DEADLINE: Midnite (Pacific Time), FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020. The IMAs reserves the right to extend the deadline.
- You may submit the same work in multiple categories
- You may submit as many entries as you wish
- Do not submit the same work more than once in the same category; doing so will not increase your chances of being nominated
- If submitting by mail, include one clearly identified product (CD for music entries, DVDs for video entries, photo/product for design entries) PER mail-in entry and include a printed receipt of your order; no need to include EPKs, one-sheets, bios, business cards, etc.
- All submission fees are non-refundable. The IMAs does not give feedback or critiques.
- By entering The IMAs, entrant and/or their parents or legal guardian (if such entrant is a minor) agree to accept and be bound by the decisions of The IMA and its judges which are final and binding in all matters.
- Entrant acknowledges that all projects entered may be distributed to judges who will be selecting the winners, and Entrant agrees to release, indemnify, and hold The IMAs, its sponsors, and judges harmless for liability, damages, or claims for injury or loss to any person or property relating to, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, participation in The IMAs.
Submission Processing Fees:
The processing fee helps to offset the cost of organizing every aspect of the program. It helps with such things as: website maintenance of our Submission Platform, Vox Pop Fan Voting Platform, private Judging Platform, and public pages; customer support via phone/email/social media; judge recruitment; email and social media marketing; tallying & posting results; and producing a multi-day event in New York City with announcements of winners, performances, guest speakers, and networking opportunities.
The nominal fee covers all IMA ongoing marketing support for winners. There are NO additional fees for inclusion on the “Now Hear This: Winners of The Independent Music Awards” compilation, its distribution to various online music platforms, a 12-week radio promotion campaign to 650 US & Canadian college, public and commercial radio stations, press releases, performance opportunities, etc.
1 Design Entry = $35
1 Song Entry = $35
1 Music Video Entry = $35
1 Album Entry = $55
1 EP Entry = $55
1 Producer Entry = $55
All submission fees are non-refundable. The IMAs does not give feedback or critiques.
FAQs
Awards & Konference
Is there a ceremony?
Due to the global pandemic, The 18th IMA live Award show & Indie Konference scheduled for June 25-27th, 20202 in New York City was cancelled. This year’s winners will be announced online Tuesday, April 28, 2020 @ 2pm EST. Branded laylists featuring music, interviews and other video content from Winners (and Judges!) will be rolled out on The Independent Music Awards website and other online platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Facebook so all honorees can take a virtual victory lap.
I still have questions – what do I do?
eMail us at [email protected] and we’ll get in touch with you.
General
Is this an international program?
Yes! The Independent Music Awards has received entries from 118 countries on 6 continents.
Origin of entries for the history of The Independent Music Awards
How are the nominees and winners determined?
The IMA Artist & Industry Judging Panel plays a crucial role in helping determine our nominees and winners. The Panel consists of esteemed recording artists, alumni IMA winners, and reputable industry executives from venerable music organizations, representing such industries as press, music promotion, radio programming, music supervision, production & engineering, critiques, talent buying, and other influencing roles. Submissions go through several rounds of review by The Panel to rank the totality of artistic excellence. Only the work submitted is considered. Factors and emphasis vary from category to category, but are generally based on elements such as vocal performance, musicianship, lyrics, structure, arrangement, production, originality, etc. Factors outside the submitted work are not considered (social media following, plays/spins/views, past accomplishments, charting history, gig history, etc.).
NOMINEES: Up to five (5) Nominees in every category* are selected by the IMA Artist & Industry Judging Panel based on their top average ratings.
*Fan voting determines one (1) Nominee in every Song and Short Form Music Video category.
WINNERS: One (1) Winner in every category is selected by the IMA Artist & Industry Judging Panel based on their top average ratings.
Fans also vote from the nominated Song and Short Form Video projects to determine one (1) Vox Pop Fan Winner in those categories.
The same nominated artist can be deemed both a Judge and a Fan Winner.
When are nominees & winners announced?
Nominees were announced April 9th, 2020. Winners will be announced April 28th, 2020.
Nominees & winners are notified via the email address provided in their submission registration (it is important to add [email protected] to your approved contacts – and notify us if your contact info changes).
In addition to the official press release, announcements will also posted on The IMA website, Facebook and Twitter pages, and in The IMA Buzz Newsletter.
To receive IMA news and updates, click here to sign up for The Buzz newsletter.
What do I win?
The IMAs elevate the exceptional work of artists and releases from around the globe. In addition to the prestige of earning IMA honors, your best work is showcased to peers, heroes and influencers – including radio programmers, talent buyers, producers and press.
Enhanced promotional opportunities may include radio promotion, branded streaming, sync placements, brand sponsorships, performances, events, industry introductions and more. Entrants also eligible for select IMA performance and marketing opportunities that may arise throughout the year.
Where’s the cash and prizes?
The IMAs is an awards program – not a song contest or talent show. In addition to bragging rights, the award-winning distinction generates more interest from programmers, press, talent buyers and music consumers.
Ownership & Copyright
Do I lose any rights to work entered?
NO! You maintain all rights to your work.
Does my work have to be copyrighted?
It is not a requirement. However, we believe that every artist should have their material protected with a copyright. You can learn more here:
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/internet/how2copyright.htm
http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/how-to-copyright-your-music/
Can I enter cover songs? / Must all music submissions be original compositions?
With the exception of A Cappella, Cover Song, Holiday, Jazz Instrumental, Jazz with Vocals, and World Traditional, all Song categories require original compositions, or the first public recording of the composition to be eligible.
Album entries must feature a majority of original material. Because cover songs and traditionals are so widely accepted in the following genres, we do allow cover interpretations in the following Album Genres: Bluegrass Album, Children’s Album, Concept Album, Jazz Instrumental Album, Jazz with Vocals Album, Tribute Album, and World Traditional Album.
All EP, Music Producer and Short Form Music Video categories may consist of original and/or cover material.
Submission
When will the next program begin accepting submissions? Login and registration will be disabled while we are between programs and we will not be accepting submissions during this period. We suggest signing up for our newsletter to stay updated about when we open the next program.
How do I enter?
It’s easy to submit your recordings, videos and design projects using The IMA’s online Secure Submission Platform. Register online, fill in the fields, and enter the program using one of the submission options. The submission process is easy.
When is the deadline to submit?
The deadline to enter The 18th annual Independent Music Awards was Midnite (Pacific Time), FRIDAY, January 31, 2020. The IMAs reserves the right to extend the deadline.
All mail-in entries must be postmarked on or before this date. There is NO need to pay extra for rush delivery.
What does it cost to enter?
A nominal processing fee is required per entry:
1 Design Entry = $35
1 Song Entry = $35
1 Music Video Entry = $35
1 Album Entry = $55
1 EP Entry = $55
1 Producer Entry = $55
Why do I have to pay to enter?
The processing fee helps to offset the cost of organizing every aspect of the program. It helps with such things as: website maintenance of our Submission Platform, Vox Pop Fan Voting Platform, private Judging Platform, and public pages; customer support via phone/email/social media; judge recruitment; email and social media marketing; tallying & posting results; and producing a day-long event in New York City with announcements of winners, performances, guest speakers, and networking opportunities.
The nominal fee covers all IMA ongoing marketing support for winners. There are NO additional fees for inclusion on the “Now Hear This: Winners of The Independent Music Awards” compilation, its distribution to various online music platforms, a 12-week radio promotion campaign to 650 US & Canadian college, public and commercial radio stations, press releases, performance opportunities, etc.
How can I pay the processing fee?
You may pay by credit card or PayPal.
Can I submit my work from 10 years ago?
No. All submitted material must be released within the eligible time frame. See Eligibility section above.
Can I submit work that isn’t released yet?
Yes, as long as it’s intended to be released within the eligible time frame. See Eligibility section above.
When submitting work that isn’t released yet, what do I put in the required field for Please Enter Where Project Is Available?
You may put a placeholder URL in this field (e.g., your website homepage).
Will my music/video be public on your website?
All Song entries provided by an upload and all Short Form Music Videos provided by a link automatically become public on your IMA Fan Page and our Vox Pop fan voting platform immediately upon processing the submission fee. If you don’t want your music/video public, you can remove it from your Fan Page and the Vox Pop by clicking VOX POP TOOLKIT under the DASHBOARD menu item. Click the artist/band name. Click the FANS option for each entry you wish to remove from fan voting.
Please note: Your work will NOT be public or eligible for fan voting if you submit in: Album, EP, Producer, Design, Long Form Music Video, Songs provided by a link, or any Songs or Short Form Music Videos that are submitted by mail.
How do I update my artist/band info?
You may edit your artist/band photo, links, and bio at any time during the submission period. After logging in, click MANAGE ARTISTS under the DASHBOARD menu item. Click EDIT ARTIST DETAILS for the artist/band you would like to edit. Make the appropriate changes and click SAVE.
Can I submit multiple artists/bands from my account?
Yes. We frequently get submissions from labels and managers that have a roster of artists. To add more artists/bands, log in and click ADD ARTIST under the DASHBOARD menu item. Fill out the artist/band details. The next time you fill out a submission, the Artist field will have a drop down menu listing all the artists you’ve added in your account. Select the appropriate artist for the submission you are filling out.
Can I make changes to the submission I paid for?
Yes, but only before the final submission deadline. After logging in, click on MY ENTRIES in the menu. Navigate to the appropriate main category using the tabs. Click EDIT SUBMISSION under the entry you submitted. Make your edits and click SAVE. Note: You cannot change the category you selected or edit lyrics. Contact us to request this.
Why is it saying my YouTube link is invalid? / Why is my video not playing on my IMA Fan Page / Vox Pop?
We require the full YouTube URL (e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szS7tcRlYII). YouTube also utilizes mobile URL formats (e.g. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=szS7tcRlYII) and there are short URL formats (https://youtu.be/xxxx, etc.). If you don’t provide the full YouTube URL, it may not be recognized by our system as a valid URL or it may not play on the Vox Pop fan voting platform.
Can I enter work in multiple categories?
Yes you may enter the same song, album, or EP in multiple categories.
Check out the Submission Guidelines for details.
How many copies should I include if I’m mailing in my entry?
Include one (1) CD, DVD and/or Design PER entry. Multiple submissions may be sent in the same package.
To be sure that your entries are processed correctly, you must include the submission receipt.
Which categories should I enter?
Artists often have difficulty pigeonholing their music – especially if it’s a mix of musical styles and influences. Or suited to more than one category. Entrants can (and frequently do) enter the same work in multiple categories to expand their opportunities.
Work entered in multiple categories is eligible to win multiple times. With more than 100 Album, Song, EP, Producer, Video & Design categories, there’s a lot to choose from. You can view them here.
Judging panels may recommend an entry be moved to another category. If so, we will contact you for permission before making any changes. Be sure to notify us if your contact info changes – and add [email protected] and [email protected] to your approved contacts so you won’t miss any requests or opportunities.
Can I enter cover songs? / Must all music submissions be original compositions?
With the exception of A Cappella, Cover Song, Holiday, Jazz Instrumental, Jazz with Vocals, and World Traditional, all Song categories require original compositions, or the first public recording of the composition to be eligible.
Album entries must feature a majority of original material. Because cover songs and traditionals are so widely accepted in the following genres, we do allow cover interpretations in the following Album Genres: Bluegrass Album, Children’s Album, Concept Album, Jazz Instrumental Album, Jazz with Vocals Album, Tribute Album, and World Traditional Album.
All Music Producer and Short Form Music Video categories may consist of original and/or cover material.
I entered work, or was asked to submit. Does this mean I’ve been nominated?
NO! Submitting work, or being invited to enter a project is not a Nomination. See FAQ above for: How are the nominees and winners determined?
OK, I submitted. Will I ever hear from you?
Of course! We’ll email you directly throughout the year to keep you posted about important IMA dates, news and opportunities, so please be sure to inform us when your contact info changes. News about The IMAs will also be posted on our website, social media pages, press releases, blog posts, etc.
Fan Voting
What is the Vox Pop?
The Vox Pop is The Independent Music Awards Fan Voting Platform created to engage fans with our entrants. It also serves as a unique music discovery tool. The top voted entrant in each Song and Short Form Music Video category becomes a nominee. The other four nominees in these categories and all five nominees in ALL other categories are solely determined by our judging panelists. The top voted nominee in each Song and Short Form Music Video category becomes the Vox Pop Fan Winner (which is separate from the judge-determined winner). Nominees in these categories can be named both the Vox Pop Fan Winner and the judge-determined winner. There are no Vox Pop Fan Winners in the Album, EP, Producer, Design, and Long Form Music Video categories.
How can my fans help?
Your fans can help you earn IMA honors by voting for your Song and Short Form Music Video submissions, and sharing them with their social networks. The IMA Vox Pop Toolkit makes it easy for Entrants and Fans to promote your work and help you become a Fan nominee and snag a coveted Vox Pop Winner award.
How do fans vote?
Eligible fan voting entrants provide their IMA Fan Page link to their fans. When fans arrive at the page, scroll down to the songs and/or videos and click the button to Register. After providing a valid email address and password, they’ll be returned to the artist’s page where the Register button is replaced with a VOTE button. Fan vote by clicking the VOTE button.
Where can I find my IMA Fan Page URL?
Upon processing an uploaded Song or a Short Form Music Video entry provided with a URL, you should immediately receive an email alerting you that your entry/entries are posted and ready for fan support. Your IMA Fan Page URL will be included in this email. You may also find your URL by clicking VOX POP TOOLKIT under the DASHBOARD menu item. Click your artist name, then click Get Your Link. You can find other tools there to promote your eligible entries for fan voting. Fan can also register by clicking REGISTER under the FANS menu item from the homepage. They can then search for the artist in the box at the top of the page to find the Fan Page for the artist they wish to vote for.
Why don’t I have an IMA Fan Page? / Where are my entries posted on your website?
Only uploaded Song entries and Short Form Music Videos provided with a link will be posted on your IMA Fan page for fan voting. All other entries are solely reviewed by our judging panelists. If you don’t have an IMA Fan Page or don’t see any songs/videos on your page, it means you don’t have any eligible entries for fan voting OR you have turned off the option for fan voting for them.
When does fan voting end?
Fan voting to determine nominees usually ends one to two weeks prior to the announcement of nominees. Fan voting to determine the Fan Winners usually ends two to three weeks prior to the announcement of winners. All eligible artists for fan voting are encouraged to begin promoting their entries as soon as possible to maximize their potential for votes.
What are fan rewards?
Fans are rewarded for championing Artists on The IMA site, and on their own social networks. Points are earned by listening, voting, sharing contact info with artists, purchasing gift cards for artists, and sharing songs and videos. The top scoring fan will become The IMA Fan Winner and be invited for VIP meet and greets at The Independent Music Awards ceremony, and after-Party events. Fan winner will be notified by email in spring 2019.
Can I win both the Fan & the Judge-Determined Award?
Absolutely!! And each year, several IMA artists do win both awards.
I can’t log in. What’s the problem?
The activation link may be stuck in your spam/junk folder or you’re trying to log in using an email address that’s different than what you used to register. You will not be able to log in without clicking this activation link, or using the correct email address.
**You will not be able to register or vote if it’s past the Voting deadline.
How does the voting system work?
Fans listen to entered songs & videos on The IMA site. If they think it’s worthy of a nomination they click ‘VOTE’ to register their vote. After the voting process ends, the votes are added up, and the Nominee with the most votes in each category is declared the fan nominee.
We use the same rating system for the Fan Winners as well, where fans can vote from the pool of nominees in each Song and Short Form Music Video category.
Can I vote for more than 1 Artist?
Absolutely! We encourage you to discover and champion new artists. In fact, the more IMA artists you support, the more points you’ll earn to become an IMA Super Fan. Learn More about Fan Rewards
You can vote in all Song and Music Video categories to help determine Vox Pop Fan Nominees.
Once the nominees are announced, you can vote in all Song and Music Video categories to help determine Vox Pop Fan Winners.
Can I vote more than once for my favorite Artists?
Nope, no ballot box stuffing! You can vote one time for each entry. However we encourage you to send all the music fans you know to champion IMA Artists.
And you will earn Fan points for every artist they support. (Learn More about Fan Rewards and how to win the IMA Super Fan Award)
Can I change my vote?
Unfortunately, no. Once you click VOTE, you cannot undo your action.
Do I have to vote in every category at once or can I return at a later time?
Yes! We encourage you to return to the Jukebox often to continue exploring new entries.
Simply log in and have at it!
What is The IMA Fan Award?
An extension of the popular Fan Award, The IMA Super Fan Award celebrates the fan’s role in an independent artist’s success. And helps them connect in an extraordinary way.
The program rewards fans who actively champion IMA artists; and honors the most passionate patron for their outstanding support. Learn More about Fan Rewards and how to win the IMA Super Fan Award.
How does it work?
Fans accumulate points by helping their favorite IMA Artists win a Nomination and/or IMA Fan-Favorite Award.
There are No fees nor credit card required to Nominate an Artist/Band, or to champion an IMA Nominee. However you must register to participate. Click here to Register
IMA Fan members receive:
– A toolkit stocked with promotional materials that make it easy for you to spread the word about IMA artists you are championing.
– Unique affiliate link that keeps track of the points you’ve earned.
What do I win?
Well, in addition to good karma, and special relationship with some cool indie Artists & Bands – you could win an Independent Music Award!
Plus VIP seating & backstage pass at The Independent Music Awards Gala in New York City.
We’re always working on new opportunities to reward extraordinary efforts – so be sure to sign up for the IMAbuzz newsletter so you don’t miss out on any opportunities
What do I have to do?
It’s easy (and fun!) to rack up Fan points…..but First you must register.
It is Free – No credit card required.
Then go to The IMAs online voting platform to discover IMA Artists who need your support to earn a Fan Nomination – or later in the program, Nominees trying to win a Fan-Favorite Award.
There are many ways to earn points -including:
– Listening to songs & watching on The IMAs online voting platform
– Voting for your favorite songs & videos
– Posting your IMA Fan badge on social media sites
– Joining your favorite artists’ mailing list
– Sharing your favorite entries with your friends & social networks
– Sending your friends to register at The IMA site
EARN BONUS POINTS:
You’ll earn extra points for every one of your friends who registers at The IMA site.
And for every action they take on behalf of IMA artists.
EARN XTRA BONUS POINTS: Purchase an IMA Gift card to help your favorite artists submit more great work. You can spend as much or as little as you like – earn a point for every dollar you spend on their behalf.
How do I keep track of the points I’ve earned?
No worries. The promotional items in your Fan toolkit have a unique link that automatically registers your interactions on The IMA site. And the actions of every one of the friends you’ve registered. You’ll be able to easily track your progress on your Fan Dashboard.
How will I know if I’ve won?
You will be notified via the email address provided when you registered. It is important to add [email protected] to your approved contacts – and notify us if your contact info changes.
An announcement will also be on our website, in The IMA Buzz Newsletter, and on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
To receive IMA news and updates, click here to sign up for The Buzz newsletter.
And you’ll be in great company: The Super Fan Winner will be announced on TBA along with the year’s most exceptional artists and releases!