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IMPALA and CMU partner to launch digital intelligence facility One Step Ahead
By CMU Editorial | Published on Wednesday 4 November 2020
Pan-European trade group IMPALA – which supports and represents independent music companies across Europe – has today announced a new partnership with CMU’s consultancy unit, CMU Insights.
Together IMPALA and CMU are launching One Step Ahead, a new digital intelligence facility that will enable independent music companies across Europe to navigate and identify trends, developments, challenges and opportunities in the digital music market.
Led by IMPALA’s digital committee and informed by a pan-European network of leading experts from across the music and digital industries, 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.
Confirming the launch of One Step Ahead, Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA, said this morning: “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”.
Meanwhile, Larry Bringsjord, who heads up the Norwegian independent labels association FONO and is Chair of IMPALA’s digital committee, added: “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”.
Commenting on the new initiative for CMU, Founder and MD Chris Cooke stated: “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”.
