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As Indie Music Gains Streams, A2IM Leaves No Artist Behind

Beautiful Young Drummer Playing at a Band Rehearsal, Doing Tricks with Drumsticks. Learning Drum … [+] Solo on Drums and Cymbals in Sunny Living Room of Stylish Loft Apartment.

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The resilient nature of independent music fuels innovation, collaboration and disruption in the industry. With independent artist advocacy groups like the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) leading the way, independent musicians and labels around the world are collectively entering a new era in music.

According to a mid-year music report by Luminate, formerly Neilsen Music, on-demand audio streaming has grown 15 percent from the first half of 2023. The share of total streams by independent artists also increased across the market.

The report also found that indie artists comprised 62.1 percent of all artists who totaled between 1-10 million U.S. on-demand audio streams during the first half of 2024. Those who reached more than 500 million on-demand audio streams increased by more than two percent during the first half of this year compared to the second half of 2023.

Yet gains in streaming are not benefiting all indie artists. Musician and A2IM President and CEO Richard James Burgess says that mid-level artists are not making the same gains.

“Streaming has been positive, which creates stability and revenue. Though it’s not so good for the middle level artist, which is the area that really concerns me,” says Burgess. “Touring is also pretty tough for mid-level artists, but we are at a turning point where super fans have an opportunity to help close the gap.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 16: Jeremiah Fraites of the Lumineers (L) attends A2IM Presents The Libera … [+] Awards at Webster Hall on June 16, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Libera Awards A2IM)

Getty Images for Libera Awards A2IM

Often called “the voice of independent music,” A2IM promotes growth, awareness and opportunities for its more than 600 independent music record label members and more than 200 associate members. Through advocacy education and community, the not-for-profit trade organization is nearing 20 years of business with a presence on Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of the global music community.

A first-of-its-kind press conference and mini-concert recently gained attention in Washington D.C. with Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), Congressman Greg Casar (D-TX) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The event spotlighted new legislation to create federal grant programs to support the work of emerging artists.

Aimed at advancing equity, diversity and opportunity for creatives to be able to pursue fulfilling careers in the arts, the CREATE (Cultivating Resources for Emerging Artists to Thrive and Excel) Art Act would create four new federal grant programs. Funds could be used to cover a variety of expenses, including instruments, live performances, studio time, marketing and living and travel costs.

Louis Posen, president of Hopeless Records, says, “At Hopeless, we understand that community is what has allowed us to start, grow and thrive in our 30 year history. A2iM is at the heart of the independent music community as advocates for a level playing field and as educators for opportunities, knowledge and connection. While each member may be independent, together we make each other better and stronger.”

A2IM also provided key support for the ELVIS
Vanguard Industrials ETF
Act tackling the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) and the HITS Act supporting a tax break for indie artists. There is also the Protecting Working Musicians Act for indie artists to negotiate collectively over streaming service payments and the use of their work by AI algorithms. And the Fans First Act that would bring more transparency to live event ticketing to level prices and help stop illegal ticket sales.



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