Colm Hanley, managing director of AIM Ireland, is calling for greater investment in independent music and protection for grassroots venues. He says rising costs and changes in how audiences discover music are putting pressure on artists and the businesses that support them.
In an interview for IMPALA’s Faces of the Independent Sector series, Hanley described independence as the ability to control rights and career decisions. He also pointed to the sector’s willingness to share ideas and support its members.
Hanley said artists and their teams have more tools to reach audiences directly, manage their data and build communities. He sees an opportunity for Irish independent acts at home and internationally, provided that growth is supported.
He identified tight operating margins, rising costs and pressure on venues and touring as major challenges. Hanley also said artificial intelligence (AI) is making discovery through algorithms more difficult.
“Independent music needs to be seen and treated as essential cultural and economic infrastructure,” Hanley said. He called for a fairer share of the value it creates and for grassroots venues to be protected as places where artists develop. In Ireland, he wants investment in music comparable to the tax incentives received by the film, television and games industries.
Hanley, who also manages three independent artists and runs the music, sponsorship and events consultancy re|set, began his music career after an internship at Rubyworks Records led to a job at MCD Productions. His work over 20 years has spanned live music, management, labels and brand partnerships. AIM Ireland’s planned projects include its first “30 Under 30” list, a “Future Forecast” event and a third edition of “AIM Connects”.
