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THE FOUNDATION FOR INDEPENDENT MUSIC ANNOUNCES INDIE WEEK 2026 SCHEDULE

IW26-DATE-BLACK

New York, NY (April 15, 2026) – The Foundation for Independent Music (FIM) announces the full schedule for the 18th annual Indie Week conference taking place June 8-11, returning to the Intercontinental New York Times Square. Supported by the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), Indie Week is the premier gathering for the independent music community, convening label executives, artists, distributors, technology leaders, attorneys, and global partners. The conference features strategic conversations, networking, and forward-looking programming focused on the future of ownership, AI, fan monetization, and the evolving economics of independence. Purchase tickets HERE.

Along with previously announced keynote speakers Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights and Director, U.S. Copyright Office and Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin, Indie Week is happy to announce Tom Becci, Chief Executive, Concord Music Group in conversation with Steven Victor, COO, G.O.O.D. Music.

This year’s programming reflects a fundamental shift in how independent music companies are built and sustained, with a focus on catalog as a long-term asset strategy, the rise of fan-driven commerce, and the increasing importance of clean data and metadata in driving revenue. Highlights include: IndieVest - an initiative designed to bridge the gap between the independent music community and the investment world. The dedicated networking and discussing session, Record Swap. And Continued Legal Education (CLE) sessions curated by Perkins Coie.

Along with this year’s pitch competition - Elevating Indies: Music Innovation Showcase - which offers an opportunity for innovators to present their ideas to industry leaders, investors, and fellow creators. Indie Week is looking for groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of the independent music ecosystem—whether it’s a new business model, technology solution, or creative strategy. Selected participants will present their ideas live, gaining valuable exposure, expert feedback, and the opportunity to connect with potential partners and supporters. Interested participants can apply here.

Across panels and workshops, industry leaders will also confront the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence, exploring how to balance innovation with rights protection in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

FIND THE FULL INDIE WEEK 2026 SCHEDULE HERE


Indie Week is produced by Foundation for Independent Music, with support from A2IM.

Indie Week 2026 is supported by

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About Foundation for Independent Music:

The Foundation for Independent Music (FIM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the growth, sustainability, and innovation of the independent music community. Through impactful educational programs, strategic initiatives, and a commitment to elevating diverse voices. FIM produces Indie Week, the world’s largest international gathering of independent music professionals, offering comprehensive education, industry insights, and networking for independent music stakeholders. FIM also presents the annual Libera Awards, the premier independent awards ceremony recognizing artistic and commercial excellence in independent music, celebrating achievements across categories that reflect the full breadth and vitality of the independent sector.

 

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About A2IM

A2IM is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in New York City that exists to support and strengthen the independent recorded music sector. Membership currently includes a broad coalition of over 600 Independently-owned American music labels. A2IM represents these independently owned small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) interests in the marketplace, in the media, on Capitol Hill, and as part of the global music community. In doing so, it supports a key segment of America's creative class that represents America's diverse musical and cultural heritage. Billboard Magazine identified the Independent music label sector as 37.32 percent of the music industry's U.S. recorded music sales market in 2016 based on copyright ownership, making Independent labels collectively the largest recorded music industry sector.