Meet Your Representative

Did you know when an independent artist releases an album, he or she is running an independent record label? Think about it, you wrote songs for the album (copyrights), took pictures (imaging), placed the album in your Grandma’s store (marketing),  begged the local radioman to play your song (radio promotion), and performed at a local venue with five people in attendance (touring). Major record labels usually complete all these tasks for a signed artist. Usually, independent artists use the major record labels to distribute their albums for national and international exposure. What happens when a major record label try to get over on the unknowledgeable artist?

Many industries like production, NBA, and education have unions that serve as the voice for their many workers or players who are being mistreated by an organization. In the independent’s case, The American Association of Independent Music is a trade association that represents independent record labels in the United States to ensure equity and fairness for these entities.  A spokesperson is needed for the individuals who make up 30% of the music industry’s market share according to the Association. The A2IM best represents the independent labels in the areas of: Fair Trade, New Technology and Distribution, Branding, Access to Media, Legislative, Advocacy, International, Purchasing, and New Business. 

Many independent artists are eager to hear about the Access to Media. Let’s face it, if the music is not being heard on the radio or television, then there is no money being made. A2IM acknowledges that independent music is underrepresented in the mainstream media, and they promise to remind the media that the United States is a diverse culture, and it should be heard and seen through media. This is done through the New Media Committee whose mission is to ensure that the label is educated about the different opportunities for indies who look to make an impact in the industry.

If you are an independent artist or label, this would be a great association to join. The American Association of Independent Music serves as the spokesperson for YOU, make sure they are doing it well.