The Independent Music Sector has introduced, developed and supported nearly every new musical form which has impacted our society since the beginning of the recording industry. In the present day – perhaps more than ever – the independents are vital to the continued advancement of cultural diversity and innovation in music.

The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) serves the Independent music community as a unified voice representing a broad coalition of music labels from a sector that comprises over 30% of the music industry’s market share in the U.S. (38% of digital sales). A2IM is a Non-Profit Corporation operated by and for the benefit of its Members promoting sector opportunity and improving the business conditions for its combined membership.

Click here for A2IM’s recent agenda items.

A2IM is a Non-Profit Corporation operated by and for the benefit of its Members.

OUR OBJECTIVES

“The value of music in the marketplace shall not be predicated by the size of the gatekeeper.”

Fair Trade
A primary A2IM objective is to help independently owned music labels achieve commercial terms on par with the major recording companies. The association will constantly seek to level the playing field.

New Technology and Distribution
A2IM will relentlessly pursue a seat at the table for the launch of new technologies and distribution channels.

Access to Media
Independent music is underrepresented on mainstream radio and television. A2IM shall be a constant reminder to media broadcasters and elected officials that the ownership of the airwaves stem from the public trust and that cultural diversity is in the public interest and that the fair and equitable treatment of independent music creators will benefit the very media companies that would overlook or under-estimate the value of this content.

Legislative
A2IM will represent the Independent sector’s interests in government and legislative issues.

A2IM will be visible on issues where our position diverges from that of the majors, and for which the Independents need a central voice.

Advocacy
A2IM will establish a committee structure for labels to share information and develop opportunities to advance performance and results across the wide spectrum of musical categories represented by its membership.

We shall celebrate and promote the cultural diversity among our ranks.

International
A2IM will join the growing international movement that recognizes the economic and functional importance of Independent music labels, and of the recorded music industry overall, as net exporters with a positive trade balance.

Multilateral trade negotiations and agreements are likely to affect the Independent sector; A2IM will act as guardian for the interests of the Independent sector.

A2IM programs to promote international visibility and connectivity will be developed to address the global marketplace.

Purchasing
A2IM will explore areas where collective purchasing commitments may result in favorable pricing.

New Business
A2IM will endeavor to create appealing premium sponsorship and other support opportunities. The association will establish a gateway for advertisers, agencies, internet streamers and distributors, and all downstream users of music to access the Independent labels more efficiently.

Branding
We are proud to be Independent! Altogether we represent over 30% of American music sales and 80% of all record releases while dominating certain niche markets. A2IM seeks to raise perception of ‘The Indies’ to a level that achieves parity with that of ‘The Majors’ as an economic force, and surpasses it as a cultural force.

Fittingly, A2IM will stand for fair standards and oppose practices which rely on coercive methodologies to obtain favorable results. This will serve as a point of distinction and differentiation for A2IM members.