Hamburg, 18th September, 2025

A big thank you to VUT, the VIA Awards and everyone at Reeperbahn Festival for recognising IMPALA with the Indie-Axe. and to all who made the evening so special in Hamburg!

Helen Smith accepted the award on behalf of IMPALA, after joining a Reeperbahn conference panel earlier in the day with IDOL‘s Pascal Bittard and Beggars Group’s Ruth Barlow, discussing the future of the independent music sector in the face of increasing consolidation, Universal Music Group’s proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, access to finance, the value of diversity and more.

Thanks to Jörg Heidemann for highlighting the work of the whole IMPALA team, Matthieu, Angel, Karla, Rory, Nastasja and Frank.

Congratulations to Jörg and the VUT team and the German independent music sector for an awesome award show, for making it all happen and for continuing to champion the power of independence.

At a time when we see diversity de-prioritised across the world, the work of VUT is stand out.

Jörg Heidemann, CEO of VUT: “2025 was a year full of milestones for IMPALA – many of them shaped, driven, or made possible by Helen and her team: The release of the Streaming Reform Playbook, outlining 12 concrete policy measures for a fairer digital ecosystem. The launch of new EU-funded programs to support labels and artists in their journey towards sustainability, diversity and digital transformation. An agreement with Merlin on a Sustainability Fund, turning responsibility into actionable support. The creation of Digital Forward, empowering indie music companies to meet the challenges of the digital age. The #StayTrueToTheAct campaign, demanding transparency, consent and fairness in copyright – not as ideals, but as essentials. And not least: IMPALA’s firm stance against market concentration, defending a pluralistic, competitive music landscape… Where many see only obstacles, IMPALA sees policy levers, strategic opportunities – and European responsibility.”

Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA said: “In a constantly evolving independent sector, getting this recognition is a great validation of IMPALA’s work and representation. VUT has one of the biggest and most diverse and inclusive memberships representing the biggest music market in the EU. This is a critical time for the sector, when collective voices are needed the most to take a stance on key issues, whether it’s TikTok refusing collective licensing, or streaming thresholds that make it harder for emerging artists, or the need for a proper AI framework or addressing consolidation attempts that would weaken the independent sector.”

Click here to the see the full list of winners at the VIA Awards. Congratulations to all! 

About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA