Brussels, 9th January 2023,

One Step Ahead – the data and insights initiative for the independent music community from IMPALA has been renewed for another year. 

The One Step Ahead project, supported by Merlin, enables independent music companies and trade associations across Europe to anticipate and identify trends, challenges and opportunities in the digital music market. 

Content for One Step Ahead is developed by the team at CMU Insights, who provide expert analysis and insight to music businesses and organisations around the world.

The continuation of One Step Ahead builds on the success of the project’s pilot phase which saw the publication of six in-depth reports on topics relevant to the independent music sector, including playlisting; music rights and digital revenue streams; marketing and consumption data; the diversifying digital market and digital debates; and new technologies, including opportunities and challenges around web3, the metaverse and NFTs.

As part of One Step Ahead, hundreds of IMPALA members from across Europe also attended a series of 20 webinars helping them understand, navigate and respond to current topics. 

During the next phase of One Step Ahead, IMPALA members will have access to even more support, as IMPALA and CMU deliver additional content and formats to complement the existing reports and webinars – including a monthly trends briefing bulletin and a new podcast exploring topics relevant to the IMPALA member community. 

IMPALA’s Executive Chair Helen Smith says: “We’re very pleased to be able to continue to deliver One Step Ahead for another year, thanks to the support of Merlin. A core objective of IMPALA members is to maximise revenue and opportunities for the artists they work with, and to do so they need the tools and knowledge to take advantage of new and untapped digital opportunities. One Step Ahead helps them stay informed, and helps them deliver value for their artists”.

Chris Cooke, co-Founder and MD of CMU Insights, says: “The digital music market continues its rapid evolution and staying on top of current trends and best practices is hugely important. New services, new technologies and new business models create both challenges and opportunities for everyone working in the independent sector. It’s great that we are able to work with IMPALA to deliver more knowledge and support to the independent music community, ensuring labels and the artists they work with are fully equipped to meet the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities over the next twelve months”.