IMPALA, the European independent music companies association, has published a five-point plan to “transform the digital music market” as global streaming subscriptions cross the one-billion threshold.
The plan consolidates the organisation’s core lobbying priorities, spanning the streaming economy, artificial intelligence, climate impact, and technology innovation. It calls for measures including a fairer share of bundled subscription revenue for music, exploration of higher-value superfan tiers, a rethinking of free streaming tiers, stronger local curation on DSPs (digital service providers), and tougher action against fraud and AI-generated “slop.” It also urges the removal, or at least a significant reworking and reduction, of monetisation thresholds tied to play counts or listener numbers, if those thresholds are shown to help combat streaming fraud.
The document seeks areas of broad industry alignment and potential for collaboration. While it does not avoid tensions between the independent sector and major labels, its tone is measured. Several proposals, such as securing fair compensation from bundled subscriptions and stepping up climate efforts, are likely to find agreement across the industry.
“As our plan concludes, if we succeed with our shared ambition, connections with fans will be stronger and more working artists and labels at different levels in the ecosystem will be able to make a living from their art,” said Helen Smith, IMPALA’s executive chair.
“One billion subscribers indicates a mature digital music market capable of delivering widespread success. We see this as a moment for an ambitious but achievable plan to create a well-functioning market where genuine music flourishes and all attempts to game the system are stamped out,” added Gee Davy, CEO of AIM (the Association of Independent Music) and co-chair of IMPALA’s working group.
