IMPALA 20th anniversary

Brussels, 17th November 2020,

Today marks the official 20th anniversary of IMPALA, the European independent music companies association. From a handful of founding members, the European trade body has grown to represent over 5,000 independent music companies and national associations in 30 European countries.

IMPALA will kick off its celebrations with a year-long series of posts, interviews, playlists and events hosted on a dedicated IMPALA 20 blog, starting this week with the history of IMPALA in 20 milestones. 

The IMPALA 20 programme will also put the spotlight on the work that goes on behind the scenes. A series of 20-minute interviews with key independents will start next month. IMPALA’s top priorities will also be featured such as Covid 19, diversity and inclusion, Brexit, sustainability, new opportunities online, access to finance, as well as implementing the European copyright directive and other key areas of work. 

Recent developments will be a big focus, including last week’s decision to boost culture in the EU budget by over half a billion euros, and IMPALA’s ongoing work to make sure European performance money is properly distributed.  

Helen Smith, IMPALA Executive Chair, commented: “IMPALA’s members can look back at our 20 milestones with a sense of achievement. This year alone has seen a seismic shift. Looking forward, the IMPALA 20 blog will put the spotlight on what we do behind the scenes to increase value for independent labels and artists.” 

IMPALA Chair Francesca Trainini: “More than ever, this is a crucial time for the independents.  My role as chair is to steer the ship as we navigate the next chapter, choppy waters and all. Top priorities for me include making sure the whole sector benefits from IMPALA’s work and sustainable growth.” 

About IMPALA

IMPALA was established in 2000 to represent independent music companies. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector, return more value to artists, promote cultural diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access and inspire change.