KRISTIYANA GEORGIEVA OF THE BULGARIAN INDEPENDENT MUSIC ASSOCIATION, ANMIP, TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN THE SECOND EDITION OF IMPALA’S ‘FACES OF THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR’
Brussels, 29th January 2026
As part of IMPALA’s Faces of the Independent Sector storytelling campaign celebrating our 25th anniversary, and co-funded by the European Union, we are pleased to publish the second interview in the series with Kristiyana Georgieva, Project Manager at the Bulgarian independent music association, ANMIP.
In her interview, Kristiyana Georgieva shares her journey into the independent music sector and her work at ANMIP, where she supports and connects Bulgaria’s independent music community through national and international projects. She reflects on what independence in the music sector means to her, while highlighting both the opportunities and challenges facing artists from underrepresented regions. She outlines her vision for a more inclusive industry, mentioning initiatives such as IMPALA’s CEE Independent Music Academy, which aims to support the next generation of music professionals in the Central and Eastern Europe region.
- What do you do in the music sector?
“I work on strengthening and promoting the independent music community in Bulgaria. As a project manager at ANMIP, the leading Bulgarian association of independent music publishers and producers, I support the development of the sector by coordinating national and international initiatives. We work closely with members, partners, and institutions to deliver impactful projects and contribute to a thriving independent music ecosystem.”
- How did you start working in the music sector?
“My journey in the music sector began with several years of volunteering at festivals and cultural organisations. With the guidance and support of local mentors and industry professionals, I was given the opportunity to enter the sector professionally. I then became actively involved in initiatives supporting young professionals and contributed to key local and European projects, which helped shape my professional path within the industry.”
- What does being independent mean to you?
“It’s having freedom – of expression, choice, and collaboration. It’s having autonomy over your own path, all while staying responsible, fair, and inclusive. It’s having control.”
- What are the biggest opportunities for the independent sector today?
“The independent sector has a chance to embrace genuine diversity, giving artists from underrepresented regions, like the Balkans, access to both European and global audiences. At ANMIP, we help our members seize these opportunities by participating in key industry events, conducting research, and running targeted workshops. With all the established frameworks and toolsets, we can now create a more vibrant scene than ever before.”
- What are the biggest challenges for the independent sector today?
“Balanced representation and equal access remain key challenges for the independent sector. Geographical gaps persist in the EU live sector, and independent organisations like ANMIP and IMPALA are actively working to bridge them through initiatives and recommendations for more inclusive change. Even in a dynamic and adaptable industry, cultural biases and stereotypes continue to affect opportunities for independent artists.”
- What change would you like to see in the music industry?
“I would love to see festivals open up their selection processes to showcase a richer variety of talent. Having regional curators on streaming platforms in underrepresented areas will also help local artists connect with audiences around the world. Together, these changes would make the independent sector more inclusive and connected worldwide.”
- What tips would you give to others starting out in the independent sector?
“Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Do it again.”
- Describe the independent sector in one word.
“Resilient.”
- What are the key projects or priorities you will be working on over the next 12 months that you would like to highlight?
“At ANMIP, we will continue our efforts to establish the CEE Independent Music Academy. It aims to address a gap in the region’s educational landscape and support entry-level professionals entering the music sector. On a personal level, I will continue supporting emerging Bulgarian artists to take their first steps across borders.”
- What’s on your playlist? (10 songs/artists)
- Parcels – Tieduprightnow
- Jungle – Back on 74
- Preyah – Pojar
- Ibrahim Maloouf – True Sorry
- Olivia Dean – Messy
- – Warrior
- C-MO & TromBobby – и Единствените им приятели – Розова Градина
- Alexander Mihailov – Patardia
- Frank Zappa – Cosmik Debris
- Glass Beams – Mahal
Click here to listen to Kristiyana’s full playlist on Spotify.
About Faces of the Independent Sector
As part of IMPALA’s 25th anniversary, the Faces of the Independent Sector spotlights the creativity and the diversity of the European independent music companies and shares the stories from the perspectives of owners, employees, and other key players. By highlighting their successes, struggles, and day-to-day realities, the campaign reveals the sector’s leaders and the stories that make it thrive. This project is co-funded by the European Union.
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
