IMPALA Asks Music Industry To Speak Up

With four weeks to go until Europe closes a public consultation on the relationship between copyright and the digital age, the independent music companies used MIDEM as a platform to call on everyone involved with music to make their voice heard.

“Europe needs to hear from all those who believe creators should be free to earn a living and to decide how their work is exploited,” said IMPALA executive chair Helen Smith.

IMPALA says Europe must reinforce creators’ fundamental freedoms, instead of seeking to unpick copyright as requested by powerful lobby groups.

Accounting for 80 percent of all music released and more than 80 percent of the sector’s jobs, independent music companies need copyright to be able to invest in new talent and continue to innovate and drive the online market.

“The challenge is to make Europe the best place in the world for creators,” Smith explained. The consultation remains open until March 5.