Posted in Advocacy, News by A2IM
A2IM is a member of the global independent label community representing our members’ rights and interests pertaining to issues and opportunities that occur or exist outside of the U.S. We represent our members via A2IM being a member of WIN (Worldwide Independent Network) which has representatives from over 20 countries looking at areas of common interest on a worldwide basis.
As we’ve previously reported, WIN has published a Global Indie Manifesto and we’re asking for your label’s endorsement of the Manifesto and for you to share the Manifesto with your artists and artist managers and ask them to also endorse this document.
We need all endorsement quotes, with photographs if possible, by September 25th. Please send them to Jim Mahoney.
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The purpose of this Indie Manifesto:
The indie music sector is creative, confident and successful. Worldwide it is now impressively big. It is distinct and different from the major multinationals – and is recognized for that by artists and the public and, increasingly, by business and politics.
Now is a very good time to say what this important difference is: that the strength of the indie music sector comes from its character – a shared set of beliefs, ideas, ambitions and ways of working which are at the heart of the independent music business anywhere in the world, even though there are local differences
Why we need your endorsement:
· For the first time there is a clear global view of what are the basic, unchanging beliefs and values which can and should be put into practice by all independent music companies. So through WIN, the Worldwide Independent Network, indie music trade associations have worked together this year to write a 10-point worldwide indie music manifesto.
· We recognise that the global independent music sector has a market share which places it firmly alongside the major multinationals; and as the driver of creativity and artist development, the indie music sector is better than the majors.
· As WIN spreads the common themes outlined in the Indie Manifesto your endorsement adds to the strength and impact of the message which in turn improves your business and how your artists are treated in the market.
Additional Info:
This manifesto is not political. It is not aggressive. It is not a binding set of rules.
It pulls together what we already know is generally true, and best, about the indie music sector, and the common goals we all are or should be working towards. For example, the partnership approach of indie music companies and their artists is already widely recognized and respected: where such an approach is embedded in any company’s business practice it leads naturally to fairness in commercial dealings between artists and labels. We should work towards ensuring that this approach is adopted by all indies, and that it is reciprocal – recognizing and rewarding the input of both artists and their partners, the labels. It recognizes that all independent music businesses contribute to local culture, diversity, jobs and export opportunities, and multiply the economic success of related industries- so deserve Government recognition and support. It calls for fair and transparent allocation and distribution of collecting society revenue.
