As we head into 2024, CMU recently sat down with the bosses of many of the music industry’s trade organisations to talk about their work, the key challenges faced by their members, and what to expect in the year ahead. Today, Noemí Planas, CEO of the Worldwide Independent Network, which brings together independent music trade associations from across the globe.
Explore the full series of interviews
What were key campaigns and projects for WIN in 2023?
We have been very active in promoting action and sharing information and resources with our members on a range of industry topics. In March, we coordinated a global call to action against the visa price increases in the US and later published an article on touring barriers.
In June, we published a factsheet about the ISRC code. In September, we launched a research study of the digital value chain in Latin America in collaboration with the Latin American Independent Music Observatory. And in October, we compiled worldwide responses to the Deezer/UMG deal.
We also submitted comments to the Uruguayan parliament regarding the introduction of a new equitable remuneration right there. And we have promoted member initiatives like IMPALA’s revised Streaming Plan and their response to Spotify’s new model.
All these complement the internal work that we carry out to keep our members informed about developments with AI, public policies around the world and performance rights.
You also organise events for your members, what were key highlights in 2023?
In October we gathered the leaders of trade associations representing over 40 territories in Lisbon for our annual conference, WINCON. And we have continued to connect the members of our trade associations through WINHUB events.
That includes online events - with participants from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, UK, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Japan, Korea, India, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland - plus a very successful social event in New York as part of the A2IM Indie Week conference, which gathered 164 professionals from eighteen countries.
You continue to grow as an organisation - how did you expand your global reach last year?
We added three new trade associations from three different continents to our membership: India, Paraguay and Bulgaria. The network is now present in 43 territories.
We also continue to help independent record labels in countries with no representation build new associations and we have organised activities in Mexico, and the Andean Community (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia).
Our regional networks in Asia-Pacific and Latin America met twice, including in-person meetings in Tokyo and Colombia, to keep advancing the independent agenda in the corresponding regions, with in-depth discussions on streaming, neighbouring rights management and public policy.
What are the biggest challenges for the independent label community?
Changes to the streaming models with consequences yet to be seen.
A push from certain industry bodies for the introduction of additional rights for performers in streaming - so-called equitable remuneration - which we believe only add complexity and costs and will not result in more money going to artists.
And developments with generative AI. These have all been challenges in the last year.
What will be key priorities for WIN in the year ahead?
AI will continue to be a hot topic and we look forward to finding out the final details on the recently agreed AI Act in the European Union, which will surely impact regulations in other parts of the world.
We will continue to monitor the implementation of Spotify and Deezer's new policies and ensure they do not negatively impact diversity and the discovery of emerging talent.
Organisationally, we look forward to welcoming new members in Latin America and Asia, and expanding our work in the MENA and sub-Saharan Africa regions.
