IMPALA Independent Music Companies Association

🚨 European Indie Label association calls for Regulators to Block Universal's Takeover of Downtown 🚨   It's industry award season, with the Brits this weekend, the Grammies earlier this month and other ceremonies in key countries. It's the perfect moment to press pause. IMPALA calls for Regulators to block Universal Music Group’s planned acquisition of Downtown and other deals in the pipeline.   UMG is already the largest music company in the world, and in an industry where market concentration is a growing concern, this deal would further tighten its grip. Downtown owns FUGA (a full-service B2B music distributor), CD Baby (a major digital distribution service), CURVE (royalty accounting) and ADREV, as well as its own services. If UMG takes control, independent labels and artists will face fewer options, restricted access, and higher costs.   IMPALA, the European association for indie labels, has formally raised concerns with regulators, warning that: ⚠️ UMG would control key access routes to the market ⚠️ Indies would have far fewer distribution and other service options ⚠️ Prices for all services would rise ⚠️ UMG would access competitors' data ⚠️UMG would compete unfairly by passing off its business as independent    Regulators must act! 🚫 Read our statement 👉 https://lnkd.in/e9Vm-6Md

This week, our incredible Merlin Board kicked off 2025 with their first meeting in London 🇬🇧. Elected by and from our global membership, the Board provides crucial guidance, ensuring Merlin's objectives benefit all members! Visit our website to meet our Board. https://lnkd.in/ebA57wn5

AIM supports Merlin's statement regarding the government's AI consultation, which closed this week (25th February). “AIM shares these concerns and encourages the independent music community to write to their MPs about the consultation, asking them to Make it FAIR for music” AIM CEO Gee Davy. See Merlin's full statement here: https://bit.ly/3XknymA

Merlin is firmly against the UK Government's proposed changes to copyright laws regarding AI training. These changes would fundamentally alter the landscape for independent rightsholders, allowing AI developers to utilize copyrighted musical works without obtaining permission or providing fair compensation. This proposal, made without proper economic impact assessment, threatens the sustainability of the independent music sector and devalues human artistry. We have submitted a formal response to this consultation, urging the UK Government to require AI companies to seek explicit permission before using copyrighted works and to disclose training data sources. You can read our full statement in Music Week. https://lnkd.in/eTjKqtgp

🚨IMPALA stands with Merlin and the independent music community in opposing the UK Government’s proposed copyright changes regarding AI training. These changes could allow AI developers to use copyrighted music without permission or fair compensation, impacting independent artists, labels, and the wider creative sector. We believe AI should develop in a way that respects creators’ rights and ensures transparency. Read more in Music Week 👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/eTjKqtgp & here 👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/eaZKuSvx

IMPALA supports the Association of Independent Music (AIM), our UK member, in a new industry-wide campaign urging the UK government to ensure fair AI practices. The campaign pushes back against AI companies using artists’ work without permission or payment, as the government considers changes that could weaken copyright protections. 🔗 Learn more and email your MP to protect creative rights in AI 👉  https://bit.ly/4bg6Tq6

📢 CEE trade associations (Association of Independent Music Publishers and Producers Bulgaria 🇧🇬 , Bağımsız Müzik Yapımcıları Derneği 🇹🇷 , HAIL 🇭🇺 , INDIERO - Romanian independent labels and publishers association 🇷🇴 RUNDA - Regional Association of Independent Discographers Adria 🇧🇦 🇭🇷 🇲🇰 🇷🇸 🇸🇮 ) announce the CEE Independent Music Academy, supported by IMPALA, to bridge the education gap for music professionals in Central & Eastern Europe More info ℹ️ https://lnkd.in/eXgX8Hgv Sign up 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQGJW_KZ

🚨27/02, 3PM CET, IMPALA hosts a Q&A with Music Ally on Instagram and TikTok Primers - An opportunity for our board & digital committee to dig more into the reports, ask how to maximise streaming opportunities for their artists and gain visibility on those platforms. ℹ️ 👉 https://lnkd.in/ePeW3x7t

🚨 Nominations are OPEN! IMPALA’s Changemaker Award 2025 is celebrating projects that drive equity, diversity & inclusion in the music sector! 📝 Submit your nomination by March 31st → nprevost@impalamusic.org 🏆 Winners will be announced during EU Diversity Month in May 🇪🇺.

🇸🇮 Tomorrow - 16:00 CET at MENT Ljubljana for an essential discussion! 🎶 Join us there 'Amplifying Talent & Mentorship: The State of Music Business Education in Europe' 💡 Experts from across Europe will explore the state of music business education, with a special focus on Central & Eastern Europe. What’s working? What’s missing? What’s next? 🔹 Moderator: Karla Rogozar (IMPALA) 🔹 Speakers: Dario Draštata (Dallas Records, RUNDA, IMPALA), Paulina Parvanov (raspberry soda, LIME), Kristiyana Georgieva (ANMIP) Powered by IMPALA Independent Music Companies Association & RUNDA - Regional Association of Independent Discographers Adria 🎵 More ℹ️ 👉 https://lnkd.in/etxV9eBH