a 2 i m

Label Membership

Join A2IM

About

A2IM is an organization dedicated to the interests of copyright holders. Together, we fight for equitable treatment in commerce, media, regulation, and airtime. By joining A2IM, you are given the opportunity to strengthen your connections with the independent music sector, digital services, key industry decision makers, and become an active part of the largest independent music community in the United States.

Parity For Indies In Deal Structures

In addition to fighting major label/distribution streaming income diversion away from Independent sound recording owners in the form of “breakage”, A2IM works to guarantee that our members are receiving equitable treatment in licensing deal structures. We work with important partners such as YouTube, Apple, Pandora, Spotify, and Microsoft to organize group meetings between our members and key personnel at these service providers to maximize promotion and monetize our member’s music.
A2IM also works closely with SoundExchange to establish solutions addressing data and claims issues, including ensuring that royalty payouts are fairly attributed to the rightful owners. Our efforts include our presence on the SoundExchange Board and committees, data cleansing, more transparent search and claiming system, member education on SoundExchange programs, DMCA Notice/enforcement assistance, and proper attribution in repertoire disputes between Indies and majors. In 2014, A2IM also secured a sizable pro rata rebate of over $600,000, “the Advocacy adjustment,” from major labels on behalf of Independent labels.

Be First To Engage With Soon-To-Launch Services

A2IM assists our members in staying at the forefront of negotiations surrounding new digital services, including providing introductions to key decision makers, coordinating product-launch presentations, and providing feedback on important issues affecting the Independent label community.

Access To A2IM’s Flagship Events

  • Indie Week is A2IM’s global spotlight event, bringing together 1000+ Independent music executives from the US and 25 countries (including Australia, Canada, France, Norway, China, and more). Indie Week is four days of industry panels, workshops, one-on-ones, networking events, and more.
  • The Libera Awards, the capstone on Indie Week, is A2IM’s annual award gala celebrating and honoring Independent milestones and extraordinary music. Complete with dinner, performances, networking after parties, this is the Independent community’s time to shine.
  • SXSW Breakfast – our annual event in Austin that provides great networking opportunity for the A2IM member community where we organize Executive One-on-One Sessions between members.
  • Attend official A2IM receptions at conferences throughout the year to network with fellow members at Music Biz (Nashville), Midem (Cannes), AmericanaFest (Nashville), Reeperbahn (Hamburg), ADE (Amsterdam), etc.

Revenue & Representation On Terrestrial Radio

A2IM and our members engage directly with iHeartMedia and CBS radio to increase Independent airplay on FM radio. Additionally, we are members of MusicFIRST, a coalition aimed at securing an AM/FM radio performance right for sound recording owners.

A2IM is allotted slots at iHeart Music Summits for our members to present their radio priorities to iHeart’s national executives, brand management teams, and top programmers.

Independent Label Advocacy

Be active participants in the conversations surrounding the current and future state of music!
  • Government Agency Filings: A2IM files with agencies such as the DOJ, FTC, and FCC to ensure equal licensing terms and access for Independents.
  • Copyright Royalty Board (CRB): A2IM contributes to rate setting hearings to ensure fair and equitable rates for Independent labels and their artists
  • Advocacy on Capitol Hill: A2IM is a member of the Copyright Alliance and actively builds relationships with the White House, legislators on Capitol Hill and in State governments.
  • U.S. Copyright Office: A2IM meets with the Register of Copyrights, and the Copyright Office’s General Counsel, files comments, and takes part in roundtable discussions on proposed changes to copyright law.
  • Congressional Judiciary Committee Testimonies: A2IM represents the Independent community via testimonies and statements such as those made before the House Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, and the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
  • Performance Rights on Terrestrial Radio: A2IM is actively involved in seeking a U.S. performance right for sound recordings. Because of international reciprocity agreements, the lack of a Terrestrial Radio Right costs companies that do not have foreign domiciles, millions of dollars in lost revenue.

Education & Community

Take advance of numerous member services including general business advice, White Papers and education on important initiatives, networking opportunities, and special offers.
  • Foreign Royalties: A2IM educates our membership on Ex-US royalties, including circulating White Papers from international affiliates.
  • PR on Behalf of Independents: A2IM works to ensure Independent labels receive well-deserved profiles in trade and consumer press. We publicly respond to hot-button issues affecting our community including licensing deals, the Global Street Date, the Terrestrial Performance Right. We share member success stories such as Indies and our numerous GRAMMY wins and continue to spread the word that Independents make up the largest sales market share in our industry.
  • Networking Opportunities: A2IM members receive priority interactions with key industry decision makers at our events, SXSW, MIDEM, Reeperbahn and more. In addition, we coordinate Executive One-on-One Sessions at Indie Week, SXSW and Reeperbahn.
  • Sync Licensing Opportunities: We foster strong relationships with music licensors and supervisors at licensing events in LA, NY, Nashville & Chicago.

Special Offers & Discounts

  • Membership gives you access to special discounts including registration at major music conferences and events.
  • Recent discounts have included SXSW (Austin), MIDEM (Cannes), Music Biz (Nashville), Amsterdam Dance Event (Amsterdam) and many more.
  • 50% off Merlin administration fees
Join A2IM