“I think it’s important for good music to get heard, since for years it hasn’t been. Plus, a Backstreet Boy is a judge,” says Producer/ Musician Butch Walker on why he is supporting the 8^th Annual IMAs.  “If I can help someone else get a shot at something through music, I would have wanted the same thing for me,” says Walker on why he joined the judging panel.

"As a fan of the IMA's, I have always enjoyed discovering new music through your organization." - Andy Slater from 8^th Annual IMA Sponsor, Sound-Click.com

“I am so glad I could find this artist.”—7^th Annual IMA Judge, Producer Michael Patterson on IMA Alt. Country Finalist TD Lind.

“I believe the music industry and the lives of musicians in general would be amazingly better if this type of program completely replaces the ‘cash and prizes’ contests.” – 7^th Annual IMA Judge Jennifer Da Re of ATN Management

“Very strong entries.” – Piley Bianchi and Carol Lester of MamaPUBlooza, IMA Judges for Children’s Music

“I actually played this song on my show today-heard it first from the IMAs.”- 7^th Annual IMA Judge and  KCRW radio host Chris Douridas on Alt. Country finalist Chris Pickering.

“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this awesome program!”- 7^th Annual IMA Judge and Key Club LA talent buyer, Carrie Istad.

“Every little bit helps”--- 7^th Annual IMA Judge and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Chad Smith on how important it is for indie artists to be involved in programs like the IMAs.

Elena Rossi of Blue Note Label Group became a Judge for the 7^th Annual IMAs because “to help out struggling/independent artists because lately they seem to be the only ones ‘about the music.’”  On the importance of the IMAs, Elena says—“Very. The more exposure the better and with the caliber of judges that the IMAS have, it can be a good connection.”

“Another great crop of artists! Always happy to be a part of this.”-IMA Judge for multiple years and Music Editor of Performing Songwriter Magazine, Abby White.

Ani Lin from The Orchard became and IMA Judge because “I like to discover new and very independent music and am always on the lookout for new things for Film/TV licensing.”

“I enjoyed taking a listening.”— 7^th Annual IMA Judge and Warped Tour creator, Kevin Lyman

“I liked being a part of it and I'd love to do it again.  It is good to hear some songs with important social/political lyrics.”—IMA Social Action Judge and Editor-in-Chief of Black Velvet Magazine, Shari Black Velvet.

“It’s a great program for indie Artists. I think it’s important that they get recognized for their talents. Many sounded like they were radio ready.”—Carrie Hughes, Music Supervisor, MTV

“Delighted to see such a very high quality of finalists.”- Stefan Goldby, Vice President of Programming, Mania TV