Empowering Independent Music: A Disruptive Force Shaping the Industry

The independent music scene is a resilient and innovative force that is transforming the industry. With the advocacy of organizations like the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), independent artists and labels are collectively entering a new era, challenging the status quo and driving progress.

Unleashing the Power of Independent Music

Streaming Surge and Indie Dominance

According to a mid-year music report by Luminate, formerly Nielsen Music, on-demand audio streaming has grown 15 percent from the first half of 2023. Notably, the share of total streams by independent artists has also increased across the market. The report reveals that indie artists comprised 62.1 percent of all artists who totaled between 1-10 million U.S. on-demand audio streams during the first half of 2024. Furthermore, those who reached more than 500 million on-demand audio streams increased by more than two percent during the first half of this year compared to the second half of 2023.This surge in streaming success highlights the growing influence and appeal of independent music. As the industry continues to evolve, independent artists and labels are carving out a significant presence, challenging the traditional dominance of major labels and disrupting the established norms.

Navigating the Challenges for Mid-Level Artists

While the streaming landscape has been generally positive for the independent music scene, not all artists are reaping the same benefits. Musician and A2IM President and CEO Richard James Burgess points out that mid-level artists are not making the same gains as their more established or emerging counterparts."Streaming has been positive, which creates stability and revenue. Though it's not so good for the middle level artist, which is the area that really concerns me," Burgess explains. "Touring is also pretty tough for mid-level artists, but we are at a turning point where super fans have an opportunity to help close the gap."This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by mid-level independent artists, who often struggle to find the same level of success and support as their more prominent or up-and-coming peers. Addressing these challenges and empowering the middle tier of the independent music ecosystem is crucial for fostering a more equitable and thriving industry.

Advocacy and Legislation: Empowering Independent Music

Recognizing the importance of independent music, organizations like A2IM have been at the forefront of advocacy and community-building efforts. As "the voice of independent music," A2IM promotes growth, awareness, and opportunities for its more than 600 independent music record label members and over 200 associate members.Through advocacy, education, and community initiatives, A2IM has been a driving force in shaping the industry's landscape. The organization's presence on Capitol Hill has allowed it to advocate on behalf of the global music community, championing legislation and initiatives that support the independent music ecosystem.One such initiative is the recent press conference and mini-concert in Washington D.C., which brought together Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX), and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The event spotlighted new legislation, the CREATE (Cultivating Resources for Emerging Artists to Thrive and Excel) Art Act, which aims to create federal grant programs to support the work of emerging artists."At Hopeless, we understand that community is what has allowed us to start, grow and thrive in our 30 year history. A2iM is at the heart of the independent music community as advocates for a level playing field and as educators for opportunities, knowledge and connection. While each member may be independent, together we make each other better and stronger," says Louis Posen, president of Hopeless Records.Beyond the CREATE Act, A2IM has also provided key support for other legislative efforts, such as the ELVIS Vanguard Industrials ETF Act, which tackles the risks of artificial intelligence (AI), and the HITS Act, which supports a tax break for indie artists. Additionally, the organization has advocated for the Protecting Working Musicians Act, which allows indie artists to negotiate collectively over streaming service payments and the use of their work by AI algorithms, as well as the Fans First Act, which aims to bring more transparency to live event ticketing.These advocacy efforts demonstrate the crucial role that organizations like A2IM play in empowering independent music, ensuring that the industry remains a vibrant and disruptive force that fosters innovation, collaboration, and opportunities for artists to thrive.