Global indies unite as writers join forces: international societies to represent labels and writers.(International)

Independent labels and songwriters announced separate initiatives at Midem which will see them build their representation on the international stage.

The independent record company sector announced the creation of a formal structure for the Worldwide Independent Network (Win), including the election of Aim CEO Alison Wenham as its first president.

More than 20 independent organisations from across the globe agreed to appoint one president and two vice-presidents as its first key officers. The organisations included: Aim (UK), A2IM (USA), Air (Australia), ABMI (Brazil), UPFI (France), VUT (Germany), UFI (Spain), Fono (Norway), Som (Sweden), ADISQ (Quebec), IMNZ (New Zealand) Pil (Israel), Pronofon (Mexico), Airco (South Africa) and Cirpa (Canada).

Alongside Wenham, A2IM's Peter Gordon and Air's David Vodicka were appointed as vice presidents, each holding the positions for two years. Future appointees will hold the positions for just a year, with the three officers between them representing each of three key regions--Europe, Australasia and the Americas.

Win is being flagged up by some as "an IFPI for the independent sector", which currently has international representation within Europe, in the form of Brussels-based lobbying organisation Impala, but no global organisation.

Wenham says Win will aim to give independent labels a global voice on issues "of collective concern", improve the visibility of independent music and artists and promote key issues such as market access and cultural diversity in national, regional and international policies.

"Win will also give independents the opportunity to establish a collective bargaining platform," she adds.