Congratulations to A2IM Members Named to Billboard's Indie Power Players 2026

Congratulations to our very own CEO Ian Harrison and COO Lisa Hresko, alongside the other incredible A2IM members named to Billboard's list. You all make the indie community proud! Read the full Indie Power Players list here. Read below to see the list of A2IM members and what they say excites them most about the Indie World. 

Ian Harrison, A2IM
“Independent artists can achieve anything and they can do it their own way. Geese on Partisan just played SNL, made a huge impact at Coachella and is one of the most talked about artists in the world right now. Shaboozey and EMPIRE broke records across the board over the past few years. Secretly Group, Hopeless, Epitaph, Sub Pop, Curb and Beggars Group all continue to sign and develop world-class artists on their own terms. Concord is proving that independent values can operate at real scale. There is no ceiling on what an independent artist can accomplish and that’s incredibly exciting to me. On top of that, capital is flowing into the independent sector at a level we haven’t seen before, seasoned executives are leaving major label systems to build something on the independent side, and new financing platforms are raising hundreds of millions specifically to invest in independent music companies. This is the most dynamic and creative sector in the business.”

Lisa Hresko, A2IM
“The same thing that has excited me my whole life: it’s the music. It’s always the music. Independent music continues to set the pace for what breaks next, and the rest of the industry follows.”

Bryan Roberts, ADA

Kyle Aycock, ADA
“Breaking as an indie artist is no longer a rarity and all of us working in the indie space feel a deep sense of pride and excitement when we see our partners winning. It feels like that’s happening more than ever these days.”

MaryLynne Drexler, ADA
“The same thing that always excites me — the huge potential for indie growth allows for the value to flow down to the artists more transparently and fairly.”

Adriana Sein, ADA
“The explosion of new sounds and how fearless artists are with their experimentation.”

Alejandro Duque, ADA
“The opportunity. It’s exciting to see hyper-local subgenres and movements like Música Mexicana, hardcore punk, or minimal house get their start in the indie space before exploding onto the global stage, and we’re leaning into this with distribution opportunities like TuStreams.”

Nigil Mack, All Flowers Group
“Being nimble and able to take your time to really build an artist regionally to the global stage.”

Caleb Braaten, All Flowers Group

Chris Swanson, All Flowers Group

Sam Valenti IV, All Flowers Group

Jocelynn Pryor, AMPED
“The indie world is on fire right now. There is an incredible wave of new music coming out, and even more momentum as indie labels and distributors acquire and revive quintessential catalogs. We’re seeing previously dormant record labels come back to life, artist catalogs being repressed and reintroduced into the marketplace, and renewed discovery around legacy releases. At the same time, it’s genuinely exciting to see CD sales increasing, vinyl LP sales continuing to grow and new physical formats entering the conversation. All of this plays a critical role in helping artists build superfans and long-term audiences, which ultimately supports sustainable careers. At the end of the day, we want artists to be financially viable over the long term, and physical product plays a meaningful role in making that possible.”

Pip Smith, AMPED
“The rebound of the CD, a great option with a reasonable price. From cool box sets to new artists, there is continued growth when it was projected to die off. Sound familiar? CDs are a wonderful way to collect and enjoy music. I am personally a big collector and appreciate the price especially with the deluxe box sets that are out of range price-wise on vinyl. We always appreciate the artists that have the inclination to promote and direct fans to retail to find these offerings and not just on the D2C platform. That is a winning formula we want to encourage and expand.”

Dean Tabaac, AMPED
“The thing that truly energizes me is the incredible diversity of music we see today, coupled with the way social, economic and neighborhood barriers are breaking down. The rise of streaming has been a game changer — it’s opened doors for artists and listeners, allowing music to reach beyond local influences. Now, we’re seeing artists who draw inspiration from all corners of the globe, which leads to a more varied musical landscape. While genre-specific music will always have its place, the blending of styles and influences from around the world is creating new opportunities and pushing boundaries. It’s fascinating to imagine what fresh genres might emerge as a result. When you think about it, we really haven’t seen a truly game-changing genre since the grunge era in the ’90s, and the current climate feels ripe for something revolutionary.”

Eli Piccarreta, Artist Partner Group

Alec Henderson, Artist Partner Group
“What excites me most is the renewed focus on individuality and influence beyond traditional platforms. Artists are building deeper connections with fans through narrative, world-building and community, not just algorithms. It creates an environment where truly unique voices can break through and sustain meaningful careers on their own terms.”

Iain Catling, AudioSalad
“Despite the recent acquisition of indie distributors by major labels, artists are still turning to the independent sector as a compelling path to release music while retaining ownership. Innovation remains strongest in the indie space, promoting long-term partnerships between service providers and artists, labels and rights holders.”

Emmanuel De Buretel, Because Music
“At a time when many companies are letting go of creative talent — focusing instead on distribution deals and catalog exploitation — we believe in the opposite approach. We invest in creatives: people who know how to make records with artists, shape songs, direct films and build real cultural momentum. We don’t follow trends. We use technology to amplify what’s alternative, to optimize it and to give our artists access to the same tools and firepower as major and pop-driven companies.”

Nabil Ayers, Beggars Group
“It’s bigger than ever with everything from bedroom projects to superstars. While music remains a competitive space, the barriers to entry have never been this removed.”

Claire Taylor, Beggars Group
“I’m excited by a lot of new records right now from artists just breaking through to artists on their seventh album who I’ve loved for years; not just on our own labels’ rosters, but across labels of all size and scope.”

Andy Larsen, Beggars Group
“As spaces grow and change, it’s exciting to work directly with artists that want more personal control over their campaigns. We can work with them to carve new avenues.”

Pam Garavano-Coolbaugh, Beggars Group
“As always, the artists — what else? — and the community. While there is friendly competition within the independent community, it’s heartening to know organizations like IMPALA and A2IM work to support the community as a whole.”

Dan Waite, Better Noise Music
“Despite the various headwinds, it’s never been easier to start a band and start to build a following. For a record label like Better Noise which specialises in growing and developing artists, we are able to take bands to the next level and give the level of hands-on development that can take a band from clubs to arenas, alongside our trusted touring, media, radio, streaming and distribution partners.”

Molly Neuman, CD Baby
“With so much chaos and confusion, I think it’s never been more important for independent music to clarify its vision, purpose and voice so that our community remains the trusted place for music fans to find their favorite new artists. The independent community must be the best at branding to break through the noise and mess.”

Hazel Malit, Concord
“From a financial perspective, what’s exciting about this moment is that independence and career development are aligned. Concord is investing in artists and catalogs with a long-term mindset; we’re not chasing short‑term returns. We focus on sustainable partnerships where creative integrity and steady financial growth reinforce each other.”

Andy Serrao, Concord

Fred Gillham, Concord
“While the pace of tech changes can certainly be difficult to navigate, it also means that independent labels with international footprints can now launch campaigns that feel consistent, intentional and artist-centric in every market. I’m excited by the idea that indie artists can think globally without losing intimacy.”

Tom Becci, Concord
“Today’s artists can think globally from day one and it is exciting to see independent systems being built that can deliver worldwide reach without losing the personalized, boutique approach that so many artists value.”

Jonathan Strauss, Create Music Group

Wayne Hampton, Create Music Group

Alexandre Williams, Create Music Group
“Creative control is rising and niche cultures are thriving through technology and direct fan connections. Indies are proving you can win by building real businesses and redefining success on your own terms.”

Mike Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment

Phil Bauer, DistroKid
“It’s not just that the indie sector keeps growing — it’s that the quality is growing with it. Every day, I come across artists I’ve never heard of making something genuinely great. Across genres, languages and geographies, the level of creativity is incredibly high right now. That combination of scale and quality is what makes this moment so exciting.”

Peter Berard, Domino
“The indie world still far and away produces the most interesting and unique music, which I find incredibly exciting. No matter how hard it gets for artists, they still find a way to create the most magical and meaningful work.”

Pushkar Ojha, Domino
“I’m excited that we’re trying to redefine our role in how artists’ works are released and strengthen the ecosystem around it. Whether it’s events in real life or online, I’m reminded how much of this starts with a single person’s response to music and sharing it with another person. Narrative and world building that inspires someone’s curiosity to engage further with an artist’s work is a facet the independent sector does well.”

Ben Patterson, Downtown Artist & Label Services
“What excites me most is the pivot moment we’re in. For the first time, artists don’t have to choose between independence and resources. Institutional capital is starting to respect creative autonomy, and that changes a lot about what’s possible for an artist’s career and leverage. We’ve been building to that. The old argument was: go indie and stay broke, or sign a major deal and lose control. That model is gone, and everyone knows it. The artists who are winning long-term are the ones with real ownership and real infrastructure behind them, not one or the other. The indie world right now is the most interesting place to be because it’s where the real deal-making innovation is happening. The pure DIY space is crowded. The opportunity is in that middle lane: patient capital, genuine artist partnerships and a long view on catalog value. That’s where I want to be and I think most artists do, too.”

Michael Gallegus, EMPIRE
“What excites me most is how blurred the lines have become between indie and mainstream. Independent artists and companies are not just participating, they are driving culture, breaking global records and building real infrastructure around their businesses. There is also a shift toward artists thinking like owners across masters, publishing and direct fan relationships, and indies are best positioned to support that. And while AI is changing how music gets made and distributed, it is also putting more value on taste, curation and human perspective, which plays directly to the strengths of the indie space.”

Samyah Ahmed, EMPIRE

Jentry Salvatore, EMPIRE

Ted May, EMPIRE

Brett Gurewitz, Epitaph/Anti-
“What excites me most about the indie world right now is that more great artists have a real chance to be heard. The barriers are lower, the tools are better, and that means some future genius who might once have been overlooked now has a better shot at finding an audience.”

Sue Lucarelli, Epitaph/Anti-
“What excites me most is the level of creative freedom that comes with that shift. Artists can come from anywhere, create the records they want and connect directly with their audience without needing permission.”

Charles Caldas, Exceleration Music

John Burk, Exceleration Music

Dave Hansen, Exceleration Music

Glen Barros, Exceleration Music
“It feels like a genuine counter-movement is underway. Audiences are pushing back against algorithmic homogeneity and gravitating towards music with depth, intent and stronger artist connection. We believe this trend will only intensify as more low-quality content floods the market. This shift plays directly to the strengths of the independent sector, which has always thrived on adaptability. With the continued revival of physical formats, the growing value of independent catalog, the rise of direct-to-fan sales and a renewed appetite for connection, the scene is set for an exciting future.

“We’ve built an ecosystem where true creators and entrepreneurs can access the right mix of capital, expertise and global reach to achieve their goals. Increasingly, others are recognizing this model, too. Our belief has always been that culturally meaningful music, driven by genuine fan relationships, will ultimately prevail. That success will depend on strong yet flexible human relationships with partners able to best help them on that journey. That makes this a hugely exciting moment for the indie space.”

Amy Dietz, Exceleration Music

Christiaan Kröner, FUGA (A Downtown Company)
“There is a lot of debate around what ‘indie’ really means. It is encouraging to see the conversation shift away from a simple indie versus major narrative toward what independence actually represents for creators and labels. The key idea is control. It is about being in charge of your own direction, with access to the resources and tools that allow you to choose how to build your business and shape your career. That is what being independent truly means.”

Sarah Kesselman, Futures Music Group, Neon Gold Records

Dave Wallace, Futures Music Group, Avenue A Records

Derek Davies, Futures Music Group, Neon Gold Records

Lauren Demarte, GoDigital Music
“I love watching an artist hit that moment of clarity, when they fully understand who they are and operate in a flow state. You can’t manufacture that kind of connection, and fans can feel it. That level of alignment used to take years to build, but now it can happen in real time, with artists moving quickly and fans right there with them. That’s what makes this moment so important to get right.”

Logan Mulvey, GoDigital Music

Eric Tobin, Hopeless Records
“The most exciting thing right now is how much great music and culture is coming from everywhere; new sounds, new perspectives and artists building their own worlds from the ground up. There’s a real sense of independence in how artists are creating and connecting with fans, and as an indie, we get to be part of that — helping amplify what’s authentic rather than trying to manufacture it. It’s also a shift in scale. Indies aren’t just breaking artists anymore, but building the next generation of global stars and arena acts.”

Erin Choi, Hopeless Records
“The indie world has always taken chances on artists that shape culture and I think that sentiment is stronger than ever. We always talk about narrative and story, but the exciting thing is that there are so many different ways to share that story. We have artists that love to broadcast and chat directly to fans, others that write Substack articles about their daily musings, still others that create elaborate visuals that could be short films. The overarching idea is that artists are building more layers, connecting with fans on a deeper level and creating more links to the music and the art. I love being in the indie world because we know these things matter and our fans believe that, too.”

Louis Posen, Hopeless Records
“Indie music, especially in the alternative space, is evolving. I feel like we’re moving away from ‘safe’ sounds and toward the raw vulnerability of artists like Scene Queen, Sweet Pill and Melrose Avenue who are staying true to their deepest feelings. The goal isn’t to be the next Green Day anymore, it’s to be unapologetically yourself.”

Julius "J" Erving, Human Re Sources/The Orchard/SME
“It’s a really exciting time in the indie space. More and more artists are proving that the indie sector is capable of producing superstars.”

Pascal Bittard, IDOL
"As more companies are absorbed into larger groups or operate on shorter return cycles, truly independent players are becoming more valuable. Labels and artists are looking for partners who prioritise stability, transparency and long-term vision over sheer volume. That shift plays to the strengths of companies like IDOL, where a two-decade commitment to curation, bespoke service and genuine partnership has put us in a stronger position than ever to differentiate, build trust and grow alongside our clients.”

Helen Smith, IMPALA
“With so much speculation around music companies as financial assets to extract value from, it’s an exciting time for independent labels as genuine artist partners. IMPALA’s Faces of the Independent Sector interviews, launched for our 25th anniversary, are a great illustration of this. Freedom to make decisions in the interests of your artists and their music is one aspect that comes across that sets independents apart. But it’s not only that. Independently owned music businesses are smarter, faster and fairer because they want to do the best job possible for all amazing artists they work with. By being free to decide what’s important, including working together where needed, independents are also leading sector change on streaming models, as well as sustainability and inclusion and more.”

Katie Dean, Leo33
“We are not beholden to the ‘that’s the way it’s always been done’ mentality — because we do have the ability to focus, execute and adapt in real time. Indies are now legitimate competitors to the majors and I love that ‘scrappy’ hustle mentality that the indies provide — it makes the wins that much sweeter.”

Justice Baiden, LVRN
“The power dynamic has completely flipped. An artist doesn’t need a major to reach millions anymore, that’s just the reality. So the best artists aren’t coming to independents out of desperation, they’re choosing us because of what we stand for. That’s what gets me. At LVRN, we’ve always said culture over commerce, and now the infrastructure finally exists where that’s actually a competitive advantage. Artists want to own their story. We help them do that. That was true for us in 2017, and it’s even more true now.”

Tunde Balogun, LVRN
“For the longest time, the industry exploited Black genius at scale. The independent industry is allowing us an opportunity to reverse that by creating meaningful partnerships and investment opportunities that are allowing our partners to create long-term value. We are small enough to feel every heartbeat, big enough to amplify every voice.”

Amber Grimes, LVRN
“There are a lot of really great Direct-to-fan tools available that make it possible for indie artists to build communities. Communities convert, show up and invest in artists long-term. If used properly and built intentionally, it can reduce the artist’s reliance on algorithms and having to do things that don’t align with their brand for visibility.”

Gerard Cosloy, Matador Records
“I am continuously excited by the emergence of new talent that isn’t mining nostalgia and the plethora of great labels, some of them not in the least bit dependent, that are not merely content with nipping at our heels but instead finding pathways of their own. Also, if you keep telling people online that Suno is actually pronounced ‘Sumo,’ it’s fun to see how upset they get.”

Patrick Amory, Matador Records

Chris Lombardi, Matador Records
“A generation of new bands having grown up with streaming their whole lives have been inspired by an infinite catalog of music.”

Charlie Lexton, Merlin
“The ever-increasing significance of the independent business is attracting more and more investment into the sector. We see this as creating a massive opportunity for independents to dictate their own futures without having to tread the well-worn path of a finance-driven deal with a major. Merlin’s partnership with Pipeline to provide advances for our members is a reflection of that trend and a focus for us as we look for as many ways as possible to leverage the collective value of our membership for the benefit of our individual members. I am excited to develop that partnership and that offering to facilitate the continued independence of our members.”

Sean Stevenson, MNRK Music Group
“Community-driven growth. Building fan bases alongside our artists is core to what we do. At MNRK, we also benefit from a strong network of independent teams beyond our in-house staff, sharing resources, advice and opportunities that accelerate learning and success. Collaboration across genres and geographies is another major driver, unlocking fresh sounds and creative cross-pollination that indie labels are positioned to support. Direct fan connections — through exclusive drops, limited editions and storytelling — continue to deepen loyalty and create sustainable revenue loops. Finally, the longevity of catalog is incredibly exciting. Older records are finding new audiences and a strategic focus on reissues and remixes generates renewed interest and stable revenue over time. Growing sync opportunities for indie catalogs also provide meaningful licensing income that supports artists between releases.”

Thaddeus Rudd, Mom+Pop Music

Michael Goldstone, Mom+Pop Music
“What’s exciting is how much great artistry is coming from all directions. Audiences are more genre-diverse than ever, and that challenges us to keep finding new ways of reaching fans.”

Simon Mortimer-Lamb, Nettwerk Music Group
“The tension in the indie space right now is that consolidation is increasing at the infrastructure level, while optionality is expanding at the operating level. That’s ultimately what gives me optimism. Even as ownership concentrates, the ways artists and independent companies can reach and develop audiences are diversifying. The winners will be the ones who can leverage that optionality to understand audience behavior, build deeper fan relationships and create sustainable models that don’t depend on any single route to growth.”

Terry McBride, Nettwerk Music Group

Nicole Enos, Nice Life Recording Company
“Honestly, what excites me most is how indies are elevating what artist development can look like while reacting quickly to cultural moments.”

Ricky Reed, Nice Life Recording Company
“The old ideas of what was achievable by independent labels vs. majors have disappeared. Success comes from the quality of the art and passionate, hard work. Whoever wants it more, wins.”

Marie Clausen, Ninja Tune
“The two things that excite me the most are the people and the music. To me, that has always been the magic of this space. We are competitors, but we are also collaborators, united by our love for music. We care, we want to make a difference, and we are extremely well connected. Working with Fcukers and Thundercat on their new incredible records earlier this year was another exciting experience and a reminder on what matters most: driving value to the artist we work with and growing the independent footprint.”

Emmanuel Zunz, ONErpm

Tim Putnam, Partisan Records

Zena White, Partisan Records

Jeff Bell, Partisan Records

Lecrae Moore, Reach Records
“What’s most promising is the shift toward interest-based communities. Algorithms are now tailored to the individual, which means you no longer need to market to the masses to break. The opportunity for labels is to build infrastructure that connects deeply with these communities and creates sustainable revenue around them.”

Ben Washer, Reach Records
“All the change keeps you sharp. Today’s environment doesn’t reward the slow, calculated approach — you have to be willing to try new things and fail fast. With new technology and trends emerging monthly, being indie actually feels like an advantage. The smaller size means more freedom to move, adjust and go where the moment takes you.”

Michael Petkov, Redeye Worldwide

Chris Welz, Secretly Distribution
“It has been incredible to see incoming generations of fans supporting indie shops of all kinds like never before.”

Darius Van Arman, Secretly Distribution

Ben Swanson, Secretly Group

Phil Waldorf, Secretly Group

Jon Coombs, Secretly Group

Kraegan Graves, Secretly Group

Emily Puterbaugh, Secretly Group

Robby Morris, Secretly Group
“People are feeling the churn of recommendation engines and the manufactured way everything hits in the first 15 seconds and they’re actively looking for something different. Those are the spaces where indie artists flourish: Where tracking down a physical record is part of the experience, where an album opens up on the third or fourth listen, where you discover an artist’s world through word of mouth or a live show or a longform music video rather than in a feed. Art that rewards patience and real fandom is what people are actually hungry for right now.”

Seth Faber, Stem
“The rush of new tech that allows resourceful independent artists to propel themselves forward cheaply, without sacrificing creativity.”

Bobby Davin, Stem
“The future of the industry is being built by creatives with all of the same tools at their disposal as the majors. ‘Underground’ artists are gaining market share as fans become more drawn to unfiltered art and authentic marketing.”

Jonathan Poneman, Sub Pop

Megan Jasper, Sub Pop

Tony Kiewel, Sub Pop

Randall Foster, Symphonic
“There has never been a more powerful time to be independent. What was once defined by flexibility and artistic freedom has evolved into something far more formidable. Independence is now about infrastructure, scale and control. The modern independent artist has access to the same data, tools and global reach that were once exclusive to major labels. The playing field hasn’t just leveled, it’s been rewritten. Gatekeepers are no longer the barrier they once were; today, the only real limitation is capital. With the right investment, an independent artist can execute at a level that rivals or exceeds any major label campaign. And the results speak for themselves. Independent music is no longer on the fringes of success, it’s at the center of it. From commercial radio to the Grammy stage, and across global market share where independents now account for nearly half the industry, this is no longer a shift. It’s a takeover.”

Jorge Brea, Symphonic
“Independence is no longer the alternative, it’s the center of gravity. Artists and labels are building real, scalable businesses while keeping control of their rights. That shift is permanent. Even in the face of AI and all the noise, the most forward-thinking independents are focused on what actually matters: ownership, audience and long-term growth. That combination of control, ambition and global access is creating a much stronger and more sustainable indie ecosystem.”

Gee Davy, The Association Of Independent Music (AIM)
“What excites me most about the independent music world right now is what has always defined it: fearless creativity, innovation and a powerful sense of collective strength. We’re seeing a new generation of artists, labels and music entrepreneurs coming through. That was clear from the nominations to 2025’s Independent Music Awards, with more new entry nominations than ever before. Independents continue to be early adopters — experimenting with new technologies, building tools in‑house and opening up new areas for fan connection — always with creativity and culture at the core. Of course, this is oftentimes out of necessity, to compete in the current climate of consolidation and find good outcomes for artists. But what’s most inspiring to me is seeing success being built through partnership, collaboration and shared ambition across the independent community. This is an ecosystem that thrives on working together to find success, and that’s at the heart of the work we do at AIM: providing the tools and bringing people together to find success and fight common challenges.”

Brad Navin, The Orchard
“My excitement extends beyond the indie sector. Artists today operate in an era of unparalleled choice and opportunity. Technological progress and diverse consumption methods have shifted power directly to the artists. They are calling the shots, using new tools to create, cultivate dedicated global fanbases and, if they choose to, retain complete control over their work and data. This democratization of access is fundamentally reshaping the landscape, favoring independence, innovation and a stronger artist-to-fan connection.”

Colleen Theis, The Orchard
“A passionate music lover, I’m discovering an incredible range of new sounds and subcultures from indie artists around the world who are expanding and creating genres. There is an astonishing amount of talent rising up, and they are empowering and collaborating with each other to create a global movement that transcends boundaries.”

Richard Gottehrer, The Orchard
“What excites me most is that it exists at all. Before we started The Orchard it was difficult for independent artists to get good distribution. Now indies are topping charts and selling out stadiums.”

Mary Ashley Johnson, The Orchard
“Our commitment to expanding technology to leverage efficiencies in our business, but not at the expense of true art, is what excites me most right now.”

Alan Becker, The Orchard
“As the internet and streaming music platforms have unlocked the world’s music, emerging next-gen entrepreneurs and music creators are seizing the opportunity to take what’s next directly to their fans, creating an unbreakable bond.”

Jack White, Third Man Records
“That more and more younger people are playing real instruments and making beats and recordings themselves and that the internet and social media are feeding maker culture constantly by showcasing talented individuals and inspiring people to create their own art and music more and more. Live music by real artists will never die no matter how much AI nonsense is fed to all of us. AI isn’t cool and everybody knows it, it’s only out of touch billionaires and corporations that are trying to push it on all of us.”

David Macias, Thirty Tigers

Alex Silverstein, Too Lost
“What excites me most is seeing the creative ways independent artists leverage the constantly evolving digital tools available to them to build sustainable careers. It feels like every new breakout independent artist has their own ‘method’ for how they got there, and I find it fascinating that the creativity isn’t just going into the art itself, but also the promotion and the business side, too.”

Gregory Hirschhorn, Too Lost
“What excites me most is how niche creativity is finally winning. Artists don’t need to chase mass appeal, they can go deep on a sound, a visual world, or a community and still build something meaningful. A lot of the most artistic, forward-thinking music right now is coming from the indie side because there’s real freedom to experiment and push boundaries without constraints or concerns of commercial potential.”

Nicki Shamel, TuneCore
“The barriers that once existed are largely gone — artists can create from anywhere, reach global audiences and build sustainable careers on their own terms. Independent doesn’t mean small, it means having autonomy over your career.”

Brian Miller, TuneCore
“The indie world continues to drive much of the real musical innovation and experimentation, and independent artists have more power than ever to succeed on their own terms without compromising their creative vision or output. There’s a real demand for authentic, independent voices willing to put themselves out there, and we are seeing some incredible, exciting talent emerge — and succeed — in response to that hunger. At TuneCore, we’re excited to be able to provide a clear path for those artists to grow and reach new audiences without compromising what makes them unique, whether they’re just starting their careers or filling arenas around the world.”

Steve Stoute, UnitedMasters
“I love that artists don’t have to ‘starve’ to be successful anymore. We are in the era of the direct-to-consumer artist. You can reach fans all over the world and keep 100% ownership of your work. What really gets me excited is the leverage. A young creator with a phone has access to the same tools and info as a big record company. Seeing artists stay independent while partnering with massive brands is the ultimate win. It’s no longer about getting ‘signed’ — it’s about owning your future. The indie world today isn’t about being ‘small’ —it’s about being agile. That’s not just a trend; that’s a paradigm shift. We’re finally seeing a world where the talent has the leverage. That’s why I get up in the morning.”

Jesse Morav, UnitedMasters
“We’re in a moment where you can build something meaningful from zero without asking permission. Indies are no longer the alternative; in many cases, they’re the blueprint.”

Sasha Safavi, UnitedMasters
“We’re experiencing audio and visual creativity at an all time high. Deals are flowing and the resources available to independent artists, labels and platforms are endless. This creates a high-growth, opportunity-driven environment. I’m excited about that.”

Jacqueline Saturn, Virgin Music Group
“First and foremost, the music. More flexibility and choice in today’s business means more creativity and more experimentation. Artists can really be themselves, which is great for all of us.”

Nat Pastor, Virgin Music Group

JT Myers, Virgin Music Group

Pieter van Rijn, Virgin Music Group / Downtown Music
“The same thing that always excites me — the huge potential for indie growth allows for the value to flow down to the artists more transparently and fairly.”

Noemí Planas, Worldwide Independent Network (WIN)
“Despite the challenges facing our industry, new independent record labels emerge around the world every year, and new trade associations are formed to represent them. There is significant growth potential in Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and it is inspiring to see how independent record labels in these regions are eager to have a seat at the table and make their voices heard.”

Asmarina Zerabruk, Young
“What’s exciting is that many of the qualities now being recognized as progressive — like genre fluidity, cultural specificity and a more holistic, artist-led approach — have long been inherent to the indie ecosystem and Young. This allows for less confinement to traditional pathways, giving artists even more access to build worlds that pull from film, fashion, internet culture and beyond. While short-form-focused social platforms and DSPs offer immediate and easily-accessible discovery, there is a renewed confidence in slower, more intentional storytelling. We are seeing a profound impact from campaigns that are thoughtful and built with care over time. From a label perspective, that opens the opportunity to support artists more holistically; not just around new releases, but across their catalog and their long-term cultural positioning. That’s where indie can really lead — by continuing to take creative risks, nurturing community and helping artists shape culture in a way that feels genuinely artist-first.”