How Will In­de­pendents Shine In The Future?

With the European Commission investigating UMG's acquisition of Downtown Music, a wave of major label acquisitions is attracting scrutiny from regulators and the global music business. Recent deals concentrate growing power over distribution and rights ownership, reducing competition and threatening outcomes for independent artists. This also risks large companies using disproportionate influence at the negotiating table such as with digital platforms.

This session will see three key independent voices – IDOL President Pascal Bittard, AIM chair/Beggars Group’s Director of Live Licencing Ruth Barlow, and IMPALA executive chair Helen Smith – examine the risks for artists, independent businesses and fans if majors' aggressive acquisition activity is allowed to continue unchecked. It will consider, from both UK and European perspectives, what it means to be independent in 2025 and into the future – financial autonomy, creative control, or both? – and the steps needed to deliver a vibrant and competitive market.