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, Richard James Burgess, President and CEO of the American Association Of Independent Music, which represents independent record labels across the US.
What were key successes for A2IM in 2023?
We had a number of successes with our advocacy work last year. We worked closely with the Recording Academy on the introduction in Congress of the HITS Act - or Help Independent Tracks Succeed Act - which would provide tax breaks for labels, artists and publishers who are making recordings.
We also played a key role in advocating for Copyright Royalty Board reform and in reintroducing the Protect Working Musicians Act with the Artists’ Rights Alliance. And we worked alongside the Recording Academy and RIAA to assert that all AI uses of copyrighted material must be licensed.
We also backed the bipartisan Fans First Act which seeks to reform ticketing marketplaces by increasing transparency, banning speculative sales, tackling bots, enhancing consumer protections, and establishing enforcement mechanisms for violations.
The A2IM Benefits Store added health coverage options for self-employed artists and gig workers. And the year also saw a steady increase in A2IM’s membership.
Finally, Indie Week in 2023 was a record-breaking event, with its relocation to the spacious InterContinental Times Square and an unprecedented international attendance, including first-time delegates from Saudi Arabia, Japan and the Czech Republic. The utilisation of a MDCP grant from the US government, awarded in 2020, facilitated international trade missions and highlighted A2IM's commitment to global music industry collaboration.
What are the big challenges for your members?
Navigating a highly competitive market dominated by major music labels can be challenging for independent labels.
Meanwhile, advocating for fair streaming compensation and a more equitable share for artists and labels continues to be an issue, as does keeping up with the rapid pace of technological change and ensuring members are not left behind.
Tackling digital piracy and protecting members' intellectual property rights is an ongoing issue that will increase exponentially with AI-generated music.
And there are more general economic pressures. Inflation can impact independent labels' profitability and sustainability.
Looking forward to 2024, what are you expecting from the year ahead?
The coming year presents both opportunities and challenges. Technological advancements like AI, VR, AR and blockchain continue to have an impact, and finding sustainable business practices in a rapidly changing digital landscape is a continuing focus for independent labels.
The continuing globalisation of music consumption and creation provides both opportunities for new markets, and the challenge of adapting to diverse and rapidly changing markets.
Ensuring that copyright laws are adequate in a rapidly changing environment is a top priority for A2IM, and we will continue to work on increasing diversity and acceptance within the independent music community.
