Christian Artist Bill Petty Named as a Finalist of the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards

Nashville, TN, November 29, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Nashville, TN based Contemporary Christian artist Bill Petty is among a diverse group of independent musicians and artists named as a Finalist in the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards. With a powerful voice and passionate heart, Bill Petty delivers songs that draw listeners to worship, celebration and reflection. “In You,” nominated in this year’s Contemporary Christian Song category, speaks to the heart of Bill’s debut album release Wonder, a collection of ten original songs built upon on a far-reaching range of musical influences, woven together by a solid acoustic groove.

IMA Finalists will now advance to the final round of judging by a distinguished group of influential artists and industry insiders. The Judges who will determine this year’s IMA Winners include Peter Gabriel, Suzanne Vega, Roger Daltrey, George Jones, Buddy Guy, James “Blood” Ulmer, Paquito D’Rivera, Keith Urban, Lee Ritenour, DJ Skribble, Clint Black, Kurtis Blow, Zakk Wylde, Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis, MTV Music Supervisor, Carrie Hughes, JVC Jazz Festival talent buyer Jason Olaine, mastering engineer Bob Ludwig, and many others.

IMA Winners and Finalists will appear in the 11th annual edition of The Musician’s Atlas 2009, on sale January, 2009. Regarded as the industry’s most comprehensive contact directory, The Atlas is used by independent musicians and entrepreneurs to market and sell music more successfully.

Developed and coordinated by Music Resource Group, publisher of The Musician’s Atlas, the Independent Music Awards program delivers a variety of premiums to Winners including:

· Year-long marketing campaigns, partnerships and distribution alliances, that will place the Winners in front of millions of music fans and industry decision makers around the world.

· The IMA Winners CD compilation will be distributed to 10,000 music fans and industry at events throughout the year and promoted to more 650 US & Canadian college & public radio stations.

· eMusic will promote IMA Winners to millions of their subscribers throughout 2008.

· Exposure to nearly 10 million viewers of ManiaTV.com and Havoc TV.

Music fans will be casting their votes for their favorite IMA Finalists at www.IndependentMusicAwards.com at the IMA Vox Populi Jukebox.

Blessed as husband to his wife Cinda, and father to two beautiful children, Eve and William, Bill can also be found at The Pointe church in White House, TN where he serves as Worship Pastor, leading the Awakening - a dynamic worship experience each Sunday morning.

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