Brussels-London, 4th November 2020

IMPALA has teamed up with music business consultancy CMU Insights to launch One Step Ahead, a new digital intelligence facility to enable independent music companies across Europe to navigate and identify trends, developments, challenges and opportunities in the digital music market.

One Step Ahead will provide reports, tools and training to help independent music businesses of all sizes to get the most out of today’s digital opportunities in Europe.

The facility will be led by IMPALA’s digital committee and informed by a pan-European network of leading experts from across the music and digital industries.

CMU Insights brings its expertise in streaming, copyright, digital distribution and marketing, music and media technologies, and entertainment law, alongside its existing research, reportage and training platforms. Utilising that expertise and infrastructure, CMU will ensure all the latest topics are covered, and that the facility is presented in the most accessible way.

Helen Smith, IMPALA’s Executive Chair commented: “Responsible for 80% of new releases in Europe, independent music companies are the pioneers and innovators in the music sector. One of IMPALA’s roles is to ensure that they are able to punch above their weight and maintain their position as leaders of the digital market. The One Step Ahead project is all about building on that and growing national markets in Europe”.

Larry Bringsjord, Head of national association of Norwegian independent labels FONO and Chair of IMPALA’s digital committee continued: “IMPALA’s digital committee has worked hard to put this project together. We’re now all set and look forward to working on this with CMU. We believe there are many untapped opportunities for the digital business to grow significantly in Europe’s national markets and our job is to maximise that”.

CMU Founder & MD Chris Cooke said: “We have been tracking and telling the story of digital music ever since the first platforms emerged in the 1990s. With the digital market now diversifying, it’s never been more important to stay on top of all the latest developments. It’s really exciting to be able to work with IMPALA to do that on an ongoing basis across Europe”.

CMU’s Project Director Sam Taylor added: “With One Step Ahead, we will be tapping into our extensive network of music and digital experts across the whole of Europe. Our reports will dive deep on the big topics of the moment and we’ll also be providing regular insights and advice on the wider market. The aim is to provide a holistic view of the digital music industry, and ensure that the European independent music community knows everything it needs to know to stay one step ahead”.