Independent artists and their record labels shake up the music world by pushing boundaries, redefining musical styles, and sparking trends that catch fire and ignite the mainstream. A2IM is proud to recognize these artists, record labels, and musical enterprises during their inaugural Independents’ Month.
Running June 5 through July 5, Independents’ Month provides an opportunity for supporters of independent music – from retailers and distributors to media outlets – to shine a spotlight on the labels and artists who blaze trails beyond the roads built by the gatekeepers of the music industry.
“There is a powerful individuality in the entrepreneurs that start and run independent labels, which matches the profound artistic rebellion in the artists they sign,” said Richard James Burgess, CEO of A2IM, “Even the savviest music fans can be surprised at how many of their favorite artists are independent. Independents’ month is an opportunity to highlight these artists and their labels.”
Streaming music companies – one of the essential platforms through which independent artists reach their audience – will play a big part in this year’s celebration. Among the exciting events planned is a feature room in Apple Music and the iTunes Music store. The feature will spotlight Libera Award Nominees and influential independent labels. It will also include independent-focused playlists and essential albums across a wide variety of genres, from Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic, and Dance to Metal, Latin, Roots, and World Music.
iHeartRadio and Pandora will also highlight independent artists by featuring Libera Awards stations and playlists featuring nominees and honoring the winners.
“We were excited to collaborate with A2IM to launch Independents Month Radio and to help emerging Indie artists reach new listeners,” said Darren Davis, President of iHeartRadio and iHeartMedia Networks Group. “Introducing fans to new music and new artists is core to our business, and we look forward to celebrating the Best of Indie 2017 Libera Awards nominees and winners all month long on iHeartRadio.”
In addition to support from the streaming music community, AIMS (Association of Independent Music Stores) will offer discounts on select independent records throughout the entire month of June.
Independent artists and labels account for more than a third of the U.S. music industry’s market share. A2IM invites anyone involved in creating or supporting independent music to take part in Independents’ Month through discounts or by curating independent-themed programming.
