Amer. Association of Independent Music Turns 3!

[Mumbo Sauce]

A2IM Turns 3, Joins Independent's Day Celebration

The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) will celebrate its third anniversary this July 4th in conjunction with Independent's Day 2008, a global event spotlighting the importance of independent music.
July 4 - 6, A2IM will join with the World Independent Network (W.I.N.) for Independent's Day 2008. With 14 trade organizations participating worldwide, the day will include the release of a limited edition digital compilation and an eBay auction of rare paraphernalia.

With 300 members, A2IM is a leading US voice for independent music. In 2007, independent music labels represented over 30% of music sales and 39% of non-terrestrial radio airplay (web radio, satellite radio, cable services, etc.). "The music industry finds itself at a crossroads," says A2IM President Rich Bengloff. "With physical sales diminishing while digital music sales grow both online and in the mobile marketplace, A2IM has become a strong voice for independent labels in meetings with the major labels, artists and their representatives, and third parties who distribute and market our music.

But after three years A2IM as well as other indie advocacy organizations are facing their biggest challenge yet. The major labels are negotiating deals with next generation music services like MySpace Music, YouTube and Nokia's "Comes With Music" and the indies are treated as an afterthought.