TMW
PRO
Tallinn Music Week
Conference
5—6 April 2024
Tallinn

IMPALA presentation, followed by a panel: Baltic indie labels – brands or scenes?

TMW Conference 2023

Log in to view the video

12:45 - 13:00

IMPALA presentation: Join the European Trade associations!

IMPALA, the Independent Music Companies Association, represents nearly 6000 members in Europe with the mission to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, and improve political and financial access. Let’s explore how IMPALA supports indies in Europe and what is in the pipeline for the upcoming period.

Speakers:

Kees van Weijen, Executive Board member at IMPALA, President of STOMP

Karla Rogozar, Network Development Coordinator at IMPALA

13:00 - 14:00

Baltic indie labels – brands or scenes?

Since the days of punk the DIY spirit has helped small indie labels to strengthen scenes and curators around many weird and wonderful genres and worked as mediators between like-minded artists, cultural operators and music fans. Among many indies, that sentiment continues to ring true even in our hyper-digital age of unlimited releases with unlimited potential. when the kids might not know what a record label is anymore. Is it a cool brand, a craft factory mastering nice little vinyl souvenirs, or a series of genre/mood playlists?

Let’s study the raison d’être of three independent labels from the Baltic – the values they espouse, how they compile their rosters, how they engage with the bigger industry and audiences and how they differentiate themselves from them. Let’s explore their track record, staff, choices and distribution options without breaking the bank and see how a Trade association can boost their activities.

Speakers:

Raul Saaremets, Co-founder and A&R of Porridge Bullet (EE)

Roberts Blūms, Founder of Sāpes Skaņas (LV)

Vidmantas Čepkauskas, Founder of Silence Music and Best Kept Secret (LT)

Kees van Weijen, Executive Board member at IMPALA, President of STOMP (NL)

Moderator:

Lena Sme, Founder of MOO (Music Observation Organisation, LV)