Recommendations For Noel Ramos - Founder/Executive Director of the Independent Music Conference (as posted at LinkedIn.com and other sites)
March 3, 2008“Noel is the original artists' advocate! He's been doing it a lot longer (and better) than any of us!”
Derek Sivers, founder / president / programmer, CD Baby and Hostbaby
June 11, 2011"Noel is full of spirit and vision. He is a leader in the indie revolution and has a good generous heart. He is making significant waves in the indie music scene and I was treated with nothing less than respect when I was a guest panelist and performer at IMC. It was a pleasure to work with him and I would do it again in a heart beat."
Athena Reich, Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Pianist, Guitarist for TV and Theater, Freelance musician and composer
January 22, 2009"I had both the pleasure and privilege of working with Noel as my editor on both the print and electronic version of InterMixx Magazine. When I first approached Noel, his magazine was strictly a music magazine, covering the independent music in the Greater Metro area and beyond. He allowed me to add some diversity to the publication by adding first a film review column and then a second column where I discussed comicbooks. Over the years that I have known Noel, he has always been fiercely dedicated to promoting the indie music scene, and the numerous individuals who earn a living by plying their trade within this industry. He is inspiring, dedicated to his cause, and vigilantly persistent in pursuing his agenda. If you are an independent musician looking for a sympathetic ear, and a platform to leverage your music into a wider arena, you would well want to talk to Noel."
Robert Sodaro, Freelance Columnist
November 24, 2009"Noel, I just wanted to share some thoughts about the IMC. One of the biggest assets you've built up over the last 7 years is an amazing track record of credibility. The cumulative record of what has been offered and achieved since 2003 is an impressive and valuable asset. Anything that has lasted for 7 years and produced 10 or more events is doing something worthwhile, and people need to see that. The Industry Pros that have been presenters/mentors at IMC is an incredibly impressive list. The geographic diversity and the number of events provides indisputable credibility and legitimacy to the IMC. The artists who have performed and been presented with Immie Awards at IMC is another amazing list. The workshops and panels that have been presented at IMC represent an incredible display of knowledge. The sponsors/exhibitors at IMC is a who's who of the industry. The press that the IMC has received confirms all of this... and nothing beats a credible track record of excellence."
Bill Pere, Executive Director CSA and Author "Songcrafters' Coloring Book
February 27, 2008“Noel is one of the rare birds in the music industry who truly cares about independent musicians. He is honest, trustworthy, and experienced. He is opinionated and will stick to his convictions with a truth of spirit that defies politics. While that occasionally has cost him public relations battles, it is really a remarkable character strength to be admired. His only goal is to educate independent musicians and help them develop successful and meaningful careers.”
Jordan Tishler, President, Digital Bear Entertainment
May 20, 2008“Hello, Noel, and the rest of IMC. My name is Jason Rubal. I am a producer in the Harrisburg, PA area. I own Seventh Wave Studio. I've worked with bands that have been on the Lollapalooza Tour, Vans Warped Tour, Nine Inch Nails world tour, and Halo Star tour. I worked with The Dresden Dolls on world tour with Nine Inch Nails, I work out of the the private studio owned by the band LIVE, and have worked for several labels including Nothing Records, owned by Trent Reznor. First, let me say, I am impressed. Very impressed. The world could certainly benefit from a few more of you! The integrity, the sincerity, it is what the industry needs. I have heard Noel speak, and I have been on your website. Finally, someone who "gets it" is in control of something. Bravo. Noel, I am honored that you have allowed me to be a part of such an event filled with integrity and genuine interest in helping musicians. Of all the events such as these, yours is the most organized and sincere. Year after year, please consider myself a part of the IMC.”
Jason Rubal, Seventh Wave Studio
April 2, 2008“Noel does more for the independent musician than anyone I know. I will certainly use his services and knowledge in the future.”
Paul Cullen, Dreamdance Music/ Solo Artist (formerly a member of Bad Company)
March 21, 2008“Hi Noel, I just wanted to thank you for your opinions on my vocals a month or two ago. I figured after reading your (very supportive) feedback on my singing you were hearing something I had missed. Sure enough, I spent weeks working on a part of my voice that was working and was able to isolate that element and strengthen that part. Lo and behold my voice has changed radically into a clear and strong instrument. I was ready to settle for what I had before but that has now all changed to something I never knew I had. The response has been immediate and strong. People who have heard me for years now want to buy my recordings and hear me play and sing all the time. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. I don't know what I could do to return the favor but if there is anything I will gladly do it... if not... know you helped someone else with what you know. All my thanks, NIXX”
Nixx, independent musician
March 22, 2008“Organized, outgoing, and very tireless are three ways to describe him but there's so much more!!! I have attended the IMC events in Philadelphia and these events are non stop in multiple locations and Noel makes it all look easy. Oh and did I mention he's very passionate about this business of helping independent musicians. Many thanks and I see bigger and better things approaching for all of us!”
Frank Porter, Lead Guitarist/Vocalist, Frank Porter Band
March 17, 2008“Noel is an extremely talented individual. He has the uncanny ablity to bring different artists together on a massive scale, providing the unique opportunity for everyone to learn from one another. I have heard some of the artists he helps to promote and they are amazing. He is extremely orgainzed and at the top of his game. I would urge anyone to use his services.”
Lisa Antrum, Sr. Loan Officer, Realty Mortgage
March 4, 2008“Noel is a very organized, enthusiastic and intelligent individual. He makes it comfortable to be on his panels and always finds a way to introduce me to more people in 1 hour then anyone else will in 1 week. The guy is connected!”
Lou Plaia, Co-Founder/VP Artist Development, ReverbNation.com
February 28, 2008“Noel is a tireless proponent of indie music and indie musicians and he has done much to help struggling artists for more years than I can count. He is both knowledgeable and approachable, which is a rare combination in this industry.”
Scott McCormick, Senior Copywriter, Disc Makers
February 28, 2008“Noel is a very creative and energetic person who has developed IMC into a melting pot of education and performance opportunities for independent musicians on 3 different geographic fronts. He has gone to the very root of where independent music is developing to help teach and expose independent musicians. He has also been instrumental in developing the business/education program of the Millenium Music Conference, which has become one of the most aggressive and informative business/education conference programs I have ever experienced. HIs desire to escalate independent musicians to a level of significant importance is not only valient, but also amazingly successful.”
Paula Savastano, Director of Royalties, Spirit Music Group
February 27, 2008“I have known Noel Ramos for about 20 years and have worked alongside him in various situations. Noel's single most obvious trait is the passion he brings to the cause he champions. Our industry, the music industry, is one in extreme change due to digital initiatives, and Noel was one of the first to bring this message to the mainstream musician. Noel additionally has proven himself to be an excellent event organizer and manager with his IMC series of seminars carving a place in the schedules of many music industry hopefuls and established executives. There are quite a few issues that Noel and I disagree on, but despite that fact we have maintained a relationship for the bulk of our professional careers. I value and enjoy his passion in our disagreements as knowledge is often created at the juncture of two differing points of view.”
Vic Steffens, Owner, Horizon music Group, Inc.
February 27, 2008“As Secretary of Los Angeles Women in Music, I and others in our organization worked with Noel on his Indie Music Conference held last year at the Musicians' Union (AFM) in Hollywood. Since we ourselves twice put on a similar event called Indie Nation, we know what an enormous undertaking it is. Noel and his people did a magnificent job of providing a valuable service and successful event for those of us who are engaged in this independent music business. We loved the venue and the topics covered were timely and most useful. We look forward to participating in future events with Noel and his organization.”
Judy Lamppu, screen writer, Writers Guild of America, West
February 27, 2008“I have been a panel speaker at two of Noel's conferences and plan on more. Noel is a tireless and enthusiastic manager and organizer. His conferences have been well planned and executed. Attendees have been overwhelmingly positive in their responses. He is also a passionate advocate for the independent musician.”
Matt Singleton, Owner, Singleton Studios
February 25, 2008“A great hard worker with lots of new and interesting ideas!”
Crazy John Kerecz, Owner, OSHRadio.com