IMPALA engages with Commissioner Glenn Micallef on the future of Europe’s cultural sectors and the key role of music
This week, IMPALA exchanged with European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, for an in-depth discussion on the future of Europe’s cultural sectors and how music has a key role within it.
Merlin and IMPALA Launch Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund to Support Independent Music Sector’s Transition
This Earth Day, Merlin is proud to support the launch of the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund. The fund is a new, multi-year joint initiative between Merlin and IMPALA, designed to accelerate the independent music community’s transition toward a more sustainable future.
Ruth Barlow of AIM and Beggars Group on UMG, Downtown and why she believes ‘regulators must act’
The following MBW op/ed comes from Ruth Barlow, Chair of the UK’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) and Director of Live Licensing at the Beggars Group. Barlow’s career in music spans 25+ years, with experience across radio, live music strategy and licensing, and she is a long-term champion for the rights of independent labels, artists, and their partners. Barlow also serves on the board of UK Music and is a board observer for Earth Agency and BPI Council.
INDEPENDENT LABELS DRIVE ARTISTS’ DIGITAL SUCCESS ACCORDING TO LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC OBSERVATORY REPORT
WIN and the Latin American Independent Music Observatory (OLMI) present a new report on digital distribution in Latin America.
UMG/Downtown – Influential EU parliamentarian questions European Commission
Following formal requests by national competition authorities to the European regulator to open an investigation into UMG/Downtown, an influential European parliamentarian, Aurore Lalucq (chair of the economic affairs committee) has also raised concerns in a written question.
IMPALA’S STRATEGIC PRIMER #8 (PANDORA) NOW OUT
IMPALA’s Strategic Primers’ project with Music Ally is all about maximising streaming opportunities for independents. Our Primer #8 on PANDORA is now out.
Universal’s Downtown Music acquisition faces EU scrutiny – IMPALA welcomes referral by national competition authority
Universal Music Group’s (UMG) acquisition of Downtown Music faces EU scrutiny following a referral request from an EU member state, as first reported last week. This deal was part of a wave of acquisitions by UMG including independent labels PIAS and 8Ball Music, all announced within a few months of each other. Further strategic acquisitions are also expected.
IMPALA unveils Digital Forward: a new initiative to empower independent music companies
IMPALA is taking its digital strategy to the next level with Digital Forward, a new initiative designed to equip independent music companies with the insights they need to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Developed in cooperation with Complete Music Update (CMU) as part of IMPALA’s new programme of work co-funded by the EU for the next four years, the project will provide IMPALA members with in-depth intelligence on streaming, digital trends, market dynamics, emerging business models and more.
Joint statement by a coalition of authors, performers and other rightsholders active across the EU’s cultural and creative sectors regarding the third draft of the EU AI Act’s GPAI Code of Practice
Below is a joint statement published today by a broad coalition of creator and rightholder organisations, including IMPALA, coming out strongly against the third draft of the GPAI Code of Practice.
IMPALA UNVEILS ITS REVAMPED 100 ARTISTS TO WATCH PROGRAMME FOR 2025 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUTUBE, CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION ACROSS EUROPE’S INDEPENDENT MUSIC SCENE
IMPALA is pleased to announce the 100 Artists to Watch for 2025, in partnership with YouTube, marking the fourth consecutive year of this exciting initiative. This year’s lineup features a vibrant and diverse selection of emerging talent from across Europe’s independent music scene, providing a fresh outlook on the future of the industry while celebrating the rich cultural diversity that is at the heart of independent music.