The Worldwide Independent Network connects, supports and develops independent music trade associations globally.

Check out WINTRENDS, WIN’s latest market research report, integrating the findings of a major collaborative global survey conducted in 2021 and contributions from independent music companies and trade associations around the world.

In 2022, WIN produced a Roadmap to Starting a Trade Association, offering guidance to independent music companies interested in creating new trade associations. It provides steps to consider and examples from WIN member associations around the world. Find it in English, Spanish and French on the WIN website.

IMPALA helped create WIN in 2006 as a response to shared issues faced by the music sector everywhere.
WIN brings together local independent music trade associations throughout Australasia, Asia, Europe, North and South America, representing thousands of music companies and professionals worldwide.

For more detail on their current action and the benefits of WIN membership, click here. To see what WIN has achieved so far, visit their 15 Defining Moments.

WIN’s board includes members from the entire global community, including five of IMPALA’s members, representing European independents: Francesca Trainini (PMI), Jörg Heidemann (VUT), Mark Kitcatt (Everlasting Records), Michel Lambot (PIAS), Paul Pacifico (AIM) and Helen Smith (IMPALA) as observer. Read more about WIN’s board here. 

WIN’s PRIORITIES

ADVANCE, ASSIST AND EDUCATE THE NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT MUSIC ASSOCIATIONS
Helping the associations be more sustainable by providing advice, support and training, creating and sharing resources, and building capacity locally.

FACILITATE COMMUNICATION, KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MEMBERS
Acting as a facilitator to increase contact and collaboration between the associations. Providing market intelligence of the industry as a whole and in individual territories.

DEVELOP ASSOCIATIONS AND REPRESENTATION IN NEW MARKETS AND REGIONS
Liaising with independent labels in countries with no grouped representation and assisting them to build associative structures and regional networks.

PROMOTE CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR THE INDEPENDENTS
Assisting the independent community worldwide with their policy initiatives and advocacy efforts. Promoting equality, and fostering our diversity of languages, genres and cultures.

CHAMPION THE VALUE OF INDEPENDENT RIGHTS AND IMPROVE INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Promoting transparency and best practices. Interfacing with wider industry initiatives to improve metadata, industry standards and systems.

Find out more about WIN on their website.

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