SOCAN members and other musicians are invited to enter the 10th Annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs) by the deadline of 12 midnight, October 1, 2010.

Eligible songs, EPs, albums, film/TV songs and videos – in 70 categories – must have been released between June 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010. For the purposes of the awards, independent music means any self or independently created material that has been self-distributed or distributed by an independent label or major label distributor.

Prizes include year-long marketing and sales support, plus performance and licensing opportunities that aim to place winners and nominees in front of millions of music fans. The program is designed to create opportunities and fan bases for artists and releases traditionally ignored by mainstream gatekeepers, mass media and big-box retailers.

Submission processing fees are $30 for one or two songs in the same category; $30 for one EP; $30 for one full album; a 10% discount on three or four entries; and a 20% discount on five or more entries. Entrants can submit via the IMAs' online submission platform, Sonicbids, or by mail, all methods accessible via the IMA submission page. For more information on eligibility and submission guidelines, visit the IMA guidelines page.

The general voting process is determined by the IMA industry and artist judging panel, and fans and site visitors also determine some winners by rating the nominees at the "Vox Populi" Jukebox. The nominees are announced in late Fall of 2010 and the winners are announced in January 2011. The results of the Vox Populi are announced in the Spring of 2011.