Central and Eastern Europe
IMPALA’s work with independent record labels in Central and Eastern Europe is key. There is a clear move by local actors towards local structuring, setting up national associations and organising international music-related events and showcase festivals.
There are three types of situations:
- Established national associations that have already joined IMPALA: ANMIP (Bulgaria), ANPM (Poland), BMYD (Turkey), HAIL (Hungary), INDIERO (Romania), Platforma (Czech Republic) or RUNDA (Balkans)
- National associations in the process of being established and joining IMPALA (Ukraine)
- Earlier stage talks about the possible set-up of a national association and work at national level towards the establishment of such an association (Armenia, Georgia, Greece, etc.)
These territories represent key markets, with 150M+ citizens.
IMPALA’s strategy in the region includes:
- Empowering local independents by facilitating the establishment of national associations (advice, sharing of best practices, hands-on approach) and acting as intermediary and facilitator in discussions at national level in order to foster an inclusive approach.
- Ensuring access to finance for these new associations.
- Engaging in contacts with local government authorities and acting as facilitator when required.
- Ensuring maximum visibility of independent efforts in the region, mainly through key music business events (outreach, presentations, promotion of local independent agendas) such as MENT, BUSH, Nouvelle Prague, PIN Music Conference, MMB – Mastering the Music Business, Yerevan Music Week, etc.
Developed through a collaborative effort by several independent associations in Central and Eastern Europe (ANMIP Bulgaria, BMYD Turkey, HAIL Hungary, IndieRo Romania and RUNDA Adria), and supported by IMPALA, this project aims to address a gap in the region’s educational landscape. The goal is to support entry-level professionals by providing them with fundamental industry knowledge and practical skills, helping them take their first steps in the music sector. At the same time, the Academy hopes to benefit companies by connecting them with emerging talent eager to apply their skills in a professional environment.
The Academy’s syllabus has been shaped by national trade associations, with input from local experts, and will be periodically updated to reflect industry developments. The initial program will offer an introduction to key areas such as the music ecosystem, digital marketing and playlisting, A&R, copyright and neighbouring rights, and the fundamentals of music release strategies. Additionally, participants will have opportunities to engage with industry professionals through regional conferences, mentorship programs, and internships.
We encourage both aspiring professionals and industry companies to express their interest by filling out this form to receive further updates. The detailed program and timeline will be determined based on ongoing funding proposals.
