PITTSBURGH, PA – July 10, 2026 – Pittsburgh’s thriving independent music community is celebrating a major achievement as MTS Records and Pittsburgh-based Christian metal band Ashes Awaken have received official nominations for the 2026 Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA), one of the world’s premier honors recognizing excellence in independent music. The nominees were announced this week, with winners to be revealed during the awards ceremony on July 30, 2026, at the historic Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. (Himawards)
Founded in 2010 by Pittsburgh music industry veteran Michael Stover, MTS Records earned a nomination in the Record Label/Distribution category, joining an elite field that includes Bigfork Bay Music LLC, Dreamland Entertainment Group, Legacy Music, Thirty Tigers, and Symphonic. (Himawards)
Adding to the celebration, Pittsburgh Christian metal act Ashes Awaken received a nomination in the Christian/Gospel category for its powerful single, “Hallelujah.” The song will compete alongside works by Randall Cohen, Reina Özbay, The Darkness Lies, Tim Cord, and Vanessa Béjine. (Himawards)
The dual nominations underscore the growing influence of Pittsburgh’s independent music scene on the global stage.
“This is an incredible honor not only for MTS Records and Ashes Awaken, but for Pittsburgh’s entire music community,” said Michael Stover, founder of MTS Records and frontman for Ashes Awaken. “Independent artists and labels are creating some of the most exciting music in the world today, and to be recognized alongside such outstanding nominees is truly humbling. We’re proud to represent Pittsburgh in Hollywood.”
Over the past sixteen years, MTS Records has established itself as one of the nation’s leading independent labels, helping artists achieve success on Billboard, iTunes, Mediabase, and international radio charts while providing worldwide distribution, publicity, and artist development. The label has worked with hundreds of artists spanning country, rock, Americana, Christian, pop, blues, and metal genres.
Ashes Awaken has emerged as one of Western Pennsylvania’s most distinctive heavy music acts, blending thunderous metal with an unwavering message of faith, redemption, and hope. Their debut album, Rise, has introduced audiences to a modern Christian metal sound that is both uncompromising and inspirational, with “Hallelujah” standing as one of the project’s most uplifting and impactful releases.
The Hollywood Independent Music Awards has quickly become one of the industry’s most respected celebrations of independent artistry. Founded by Brent Harvey, Executive Producer of the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, HIMA recognizes emerging and established artists, songwriters, composers, record labels, publishers, and recording professionals from around the globe. Beyond honoring excellence, the organization provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and career development tools designed to empower artists outside the major label system. The inaugural HIMA ceremony was held in 2023 and has rapidly grown into one of independent music’s most anticipated annual events. (Himawards)
The 2026 Hollywood Independent Music Awards ceremony will take place Thursday, July 30, at The Avalon Hollywood, bringing together nominees from around the world for an evening celebrating creativity, innovation, and excellence in independent music. (Himawards)
About MTS Records
Founded in Pittsburgh in 2010, MTS Records is an internationally recognized independent record label dedicated to artist development, worldwide distribution, publicity, and radio promotion. The label has helped artists earn chart success across Billboard, iTunes, Mediabase, and international radio while remaining committed to supporting independent musicians across multiple genres. https://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com
About Ashes Awaken
Ashes Awaken is a Pittsburgh-based Christian metal project fronted by Michael Stover. Combining powerful riffs, soaring melodies, and messages of faith and redemption, the band released its debut album, Rise, in 2026, with the acclaimed single “Hallelujah” continuing to connect with Christian rock and metal audiences worldwide. http://www.facebook.com/ashesawaken777