IMPALA REVAMPS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD, HONOURS WOMEN WHO HAVE ACCELERATED IMPALA’s WORK ON EDI AND SUSTAINABILITY
IMPALA announces the expansion of its Outstanding Contribution Award as part of a revamped awards programme co-funded by the European Union. The first announcement under the new scheme recognises women who have made a significant contribution to IMPALA’s work in the fields of equity, diversity and inclusion as well as sustainability.
IMPALA LAUNCHES NEW STORYTELLING CAMPAIGN, FACES OF THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR, TO CELEBRATE ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY
The Faces of the Independent Sector campaign will offer insights into the inner workings of an industry known for its creativity and diversity. The project is co-funded by the European Union under IMPALA’s network programme.
DARIUS VAN ARMAN – SECRETLY THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE IN THE MODERN AGE: OUR SHARED FIGHT AGAINST MARKET CONCENTRATION AND FOR ART, CULTURE AND ACCESS
The following is an op-ed by Darius Van Arman, founder of the independent record label Jagjaguwar. Van Arman also co-leads Secretly Group, Secretly Distribution, Numero Group, and Ghostly International.
CHARLIE LEXTON APPOINTED CEO OF MERLIN
Merlin, the digital rights agency for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, today announced the appointment of Charlie Lexton as its CEO, effective 1 January 2026.
EUROPE’S NEXT BIG SOUNDS: 15 NOMINEES REVEALED FOR THE MUSIC MOVES EUROPE AWARDS 2026
The highly anticipated Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 are excited to unveil the 15 outstanding artists nominated for this year’s awards. Representing the most exciting and innovative talent from across Europe, these artists are ready to make their mark on the international stage, showcasing fresh sounds and bold creativity.
IMPALA’S STRATEGIC PRIMER #9 (BANDCAMP) NOW OUT
IMPALA’s Strategic Primers’ project with Music Ally is all about maximising streaming opportunities for independents. Our Primer #9 on BandCamp is now out.
MERLIN AND SPOTIFY EXTEND MULTI-YEAR GLOBAL LICENSING PARTNERSHIP
Spotify and Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independents, today announced the renewal of their global, multi-year licensing partnership. This agreement reinforces the vital role of independent music on Spotify and provides Merlin members continued access to a platform that reaches fans worldwide.
IMPALA LAUNCHES PILOT FOR ANEW TOOLKIT TO PROMOTE EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC SECTOR
IMPALA today launches the pilot version of its new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit, developed with support from its EU network grant. The toolkit combines a self-assessment tool, a training platform and IMPALA’s EDI survey into one integrated framework designed specifically for the independent music sector.
CALL FOR A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY STRATEGY AND AN AMBITIOUS BUDGET FOR EUROPE’S MUSIC SECTOR WITH AgoraEU
We, the undersigned organisations from across Europe’s music sector, welcome the European Commission’s proposal to establish AgoraEU for 2028–2034 and its commitment to strengthen Europe’s cultural and creative sectors (CCS). With CCS contributing €354 billion in value added and employing 6.3% of the EU workforce, this investment is vital.1distributor relationships and platform specific tools.
WIN ANNOUNCEMENT: SUPPORTING CROSS-BORDER PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE EU
In 2025, WIN partnered with IMPALA to collaborate under its new program of work co-funded by the EU and strengthen cross-border cooperation between the global and European independent music sectors.