At the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) IndieWeek 2026 in New York, the European independent music trade body IMPALA (Independent Music Companies Association) outlined a series of policy and business initiatives, including a forthcoming streaming reform plan and a study of the sector’s financial needs.
This year’s gathering marks the first IndieWeek under A2IM CEO Ian Harrison and COO Lisa Hresko. IMPALA representatives are attending the A2IM annual general meeting, WINHUB, the Libera Awards, and the conference. The delegation includes IMPALA chair Dario Draštata, executive director of Dallas Records Croatia and Serbia and president of the Adriatic regional association RUNDA Adria; board member Gee Davy from the UK’s AIM; Mark Kitcatt of Popstock/Everlasting and Spanish association UFI, who also chairs the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN); and Dan Waite, CEO of Better Noise Music and chair of IMPALA’s Digital Committee.
Financial needs assessment
IMPALA is building on the business case for the independent sector, citing the recent report by industry expert Dan Fowler, “Powering an Independent and Culturally Diverse European Music Ecosystem.” The report’s executive summary is now available in six languages via WIN.
The organization is assessing the financial requirements of independent music companies across Europe. A report based on the findings is expected later this year.
Streaming reform plan
IMPALA is preparing a new streaming reform plan with separate recommendations for digital services and for labels and distributors. The plan aims to grow the market through diversity, increase revenue, combat fraud, establish AI standards, and ensure fair remuneration. The organization also supports members exploring ethical AI licensing through Merlin, the global digital rights agency for independent labels.
IMPALA has produced strategic primers for members on maximizing opportunities with key digital services, led by digital committee chair Dan Waite and supported by Merlin. A new series co-funded by the European Union is also planned for this year.
100 Artists to Watch
The fifth edition of IMPALA’s annual artist showcase programme, 100 Artists to Watch, in partnership with YouTube, continues to highlight independent artists from more than 30 European countries. The curated playlist is available on YouTube.
Sustainability and carbon calculator
IMPALA’s Carbon Calculator, which helps labels measure and reduce their carbon footprint, is expanding its reach. The tool is supported by Charlie Lexton and Merlin through the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund, named in honour of Horst Weidenmüller. A pilot was conducted with A2IM last year, and the calculator is already used by many labels for their U.S. operations.
IMPALA also points to the climate investment facility Murmur and new industry guidelines on reducing vinyl and digital emissions up to the point of delivery to DSPs (digital service providers). These guidelines were produced by the Music Climate Pact’s digital working group, where IMPALA serves as co-chair.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
A self-assessment tool for equity, diversity and inclusion, similar to the carbon calculator, is now available. Businesses and associations can receive personalized recommendations and access online training. IMPALA will publish survey results for the whole sector. European businesses are invited to complete the survey, which takes approximately two minutes.
25th anniversary and Faces of the Independent Sector
As part of its 25th anniversary projects, IMPALA launched a series titled Faces of the Independent Sector. An interview with Andrea Lacroix from !K7 explores the importance of independent ownership. Lacroix stated: “What stands out is the freedom that independent ownership brings: being free to decide what’s important in the interest of the artists who entrust us with their art.”
IMPALA was founded in 2000 and now represents more than 6,000 independent music companies across Europe, which account for 99% of the continent’s music businesses.
