WEDNESDAY 15TH MAY 2024 – JOIN THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC FOR AN AFTERNOON OF TALKS, DISCUSSIONS, CASE STUDIES AND INSIGHTS
THE COLLABORATOR
Association of Independent Music (AIM)
AIM is the not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting the UK’s independent music community, which makes up a third of the UK’s recorded music market.
Now in its 25th year, AIM’s members range from the largest, most respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to DIY or self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music. These include 4AD, Black Acre, Beggars Group, Chrysalis / Blue Raincoat, CTRL Music, Domino Recording Co, Finesse Foreva, Hospital Records, HQ Familia, The Leaf Label, Ninja Tune, NQ Recordings, Numbers, Partisan, Transgressive, Scruff of the Neck, Secretly Canadian, Stones Throw, Supernature, Warp, and XL Recordings.
AIM exists to level the playing field for UK independent music businesses – the beating heart of music. No matter their genre, their background, how much money they have, how they identify or their location, AIM provides access to the knowledge and contacts creative entrepreneurs need to create, build and win. AIM supports its members, not only through the difficult times, but also on a day-to-day level with practical support that makes a real difference to their lives and work, helping them take their businesses to the next level.
THE MAIN THEMES OF THE DAY…
Want to know the latest strategies to thrive as an independent artist or label? This year, AIM will be bringing some of the most exciting players from across this independent sector to Brighton beach to share their success stories with conference attendees. Join to hear from the diverse array independents from leading international artists, innovative distributors and tastemaker labels defining the sounds of tomorrow’s music.
THE SCHEDULE…
2pm – Independent Success: AIM in conversation with Maleek Berry and FUGA’s Lara Baker
Presented by AIM
Kicking off The Great Escape Conference 2024 with a bang, the Association of Independent Music will explore ‘Independent Success’ – looking at the tips and tricks that contribute to creating a big impact in the independent sector, featuring special guest Maleek Berry.
British-born Nigerian producer and recording artist, Maleek Berry is fast-becoming one of the most influential figures in African pop culture. Introduced to Lagos’ thriving music scene in 2011 by heavyweight artist, Davido before becoming the in- house producer for Wizkid’s Starboy Entertainment in 2013, Maleek has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Nigerian music titans Wizkid, Davido, Naeto C, Wande Coal and acclaimed international artists, Wale, Quavo and Jidenna to name only a few. His hit solo EP, ‘Last Daze of Summer’, released in 2016, became a global sensation and has amassed over 200 million streams.
Forming his label, Berry’s Room in 2012, Maleek has remained firmly independent across his prolific career and signed with Downtown-owned distributor FUGA in early 2024. Join AIM’s Head of Partnerships, Callum Johnson in conversation with Maleek Berry himself and FUGA’s General Manager, UK, Lara Baker as they dive into Maleek’s lauded career, his new relationship with FUGA and what this next chapter brings for the acclaimed artist.
Callum Johnson, Head of Partnerships – Association of Independent Music
Lara Baker, General Manager, UK & IE – FUGA
Maleek Berry, Record Producer & Recording Artist
3pm – AIM and Downtown – The Path to Independence: A Success Story Presented by AIM
The route of independence is an increasingly popular choice for artists and labels. The independent sector offers a wealth of services and tools for artists and labels to thrive in their career and monetize their music, whilst remaining completely empowered over their rights. Why has this become a more popular path and how do artists and labels work with their distributors and teams to achieve success?
Downtown is the world’s largest independent music services company with over 2 million clients and services across distribution, publishing, marketing, royalty accounting and more. Join members of Downtown and FUGA in conversation with their label clients as they discuss individual success stories, how music service companies can help and why the relationship between all parties is what counts the most.
Bronya Francis, Head of Marketing – Supernature
Karma Bertelsen, Marketing Strategy Director, EMEA – FUGA
Peter Capstick, Senior Manager, Record Label – Marshall Records
Conrad Withey, CEO – FRTYFVE
Napper Tandy, Founder & CEO – One House
Emma Cordell, Director of Media & Partnerships – Downtown Music
4pm – Boutique Independence – Defining the Sound of the Future Presented by AIM
Join AIM at the Soundwaves stage for ‘Boutique Independence – Defining the Sound of the Future’, a panel discussion led by Stella Reid (Rough Bones) alongside Mark Lippmann (Scruff of the Neck) and Jade Johnston (Chess Club Records) who have their ears to the ground and will be sharing their expertise on running independent labels in 2024, in an ever-evolving and growing independent music sector.
Stella Reid, Co-Founder – Rough Bones Jade Johnston, Marketing & Label Manager – Chess Club Records
THE LOGISTICS…
Association of Independent Music will be presenting at The Great Escape Beach 2pm-5pm on Wednesday 15th May 2024 and is open to anyone with a TGE delegate or conference pass.