Impala pushes ahead with strategic Central and Eastern European work and sets out new priorities at its annual meeting in Bucharest hosted by Indiero, Mastering the Music Business conference

Last Thursday at Mastering the Music Business international music business conference and showcase festival in Romania, IMPALA held its AGM in collaboration with INDIERO as part of its mission to shine a light on key markets in Central and Eastern Europe and agree priorities, including new projects as a recognised European network. 
 
Since the election of IMPALA’s new board at last year’s AGM at WAVES Vienna, with the appointment of IMPALA’s new Chair Dario Draštata of Adria regional association RUNDA, this past year has seen significant strides in strengthening the network of independent music companies across Central and Eastern Europe. The Bucharest meeting served as a valuable opportunity to promote independent music and foster collaboration in the region. The board also reflected on IMPALA's other strategic priorities including advancing streaming reform and other digital work, fiscal support, exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence, and reinforcing sustainability and inclusion initiatives, as well as new projects around IMPALA’s 25th birthday later in 2025. 

The timing of IMPALA's AGM comes at a key moment for the association, being selected as eligible for an EU network grant for the period of 2025-2028. This recognition is a testament to the work of our members, and its strategic importance. The programme submitted in March includes a high-level European summit to assess strategic priorities, new studies and other projects to be announced. The annual meeting also confirmed Gee Davy's appointment to IMPALA's board of directors and executive board and congratulated Kees van Weijen for his 50th anniversary in the music sector.

IMPALA Chair Dario Draštata, Executive Director of regional association RUNDA commented: "IMPALA’s focus on the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region is significant strategically. Our goal is to bring these territories to the same level playing field with the rest of the Europe. We are equally excited about our upcoming plans to extend the network to Greece and the Baltic states. By bringing together industry leaders in Romania, we are not only fostering collaboration but showing the rest of the market what the opportunities are."

Mastering the Music Business Founder and RAW Music President, Anca Lupes reflected,"The most rewarding aspect for me is the opportunity to highlight the strength of the Romanian independent music market at the Mastering the Music Business conference. It is an incredible platform to connect our local artists and music professionals with their peers from across borders, fostering valuable collaborations and showcasing the vibrant talent within our industry."

Co-Founder of INDIERO and ROTON (Vice-Chair), Dan Muraru stated “As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of ROTON, it's a pivotal moment for the Romanian music market. Hosting IMPALA’s annual meeting in Romania highlights our country's growing importance as a strategic hub in the Central and Eastern European region. We are excited about the future and role Romania will play in shaping the independent music landscape in the rest of Europe.”

IMPALA Treasurer, Geert De Blaere (BIMA) commented "At last year’s AGM we prioritised finance work and members are excited to be able to discuss new projects as an EU recognised network, including on access to finance, remuneration as well as other new projects. Once this is in place we will see a positive ripple effect throughout the European music sector.”

IMPALA President Francesca Trainini, Vice President of Italian association PMI added: “Following a week of networking with the wider sector, our collective impact is clear. IMPALA’s monthly online network association meetups provide a vital platform to continue this, exchanging best practices and fostering education. These priorities continue to be at the forefront of IMPALA’s efforts and our members' commitment as we navigate and lead in this dynamic field.”

IMPALA’s Executive Chair, Helen Smith concluded: “A huge thanks to INDIERO for hosting our first annual meeting in Bucharest at the Mastering the Music Business conference. Our members also thank Merlin again this year for their support. Next year we will also be developing new projects agreed earlier in the year including studies, a high-level European independent sector summit and much more thanks to support from the EU.”

A special thank you goes to Mastering the Music Business founder Anca Lupes (RAW Music)along with Organiser Carina Sava (RAW Music) for their hospitality and for facilitating our board, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion taskforce and Central and Eastern European group strategy meetings. IMPALA members also congratulated INDIERO members Dan Muraru and Catlin Muraru, Co-founders of Romanian independent label ROTON for their 30th anniversary celebration.

The conference was a great showcase for the independent sector as a whole with various IMPALA members participating on panels covering artist opportunities, sustainability, mental health, inclusion in music and the music landscape as a whole. IMPALA’s Executive Chair, Helen Smith participated in a panel on ‘Empowering the Modern Music Ecosystem: from local to global trends’ while Rory Brown moderated a panel on how artists and music professionals can perfect their business pitch. Karla Rogožar was also busy moderating a panel on “How to Get Signed” as well as participating in a panel on sustainable practices.