Strategic Primer : DEEZER
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The fifth Strategic Primer with Music Ally is out! This edition focuses on Deezer. Request it to explore everything you need to know about Deezer, from its market presence and marketing best practices to opportunities for indie labels on the platform. The recording of our Q&A session with Music Ally on our previous Primer dedicated to YouTube is also available.
Other Primers on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music are also available for members.
Just drop an email to info(at)bima.be
Thx to IMPALA, MERLIN & Musically!
Carbon Calculator 2024 & More
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IMPALA publie son deuxième rapport suite à l’appel à contribution aux labels indépendant pour mesurer leur empreinte carbone via le Carbon Calculator. L’accent est mis ici sur les actions pratiques afin de réduire celle-ci.
Ce rapport se concentre sur les nouveaux résultats ainsi que sur des études de cas de labels utilisant le Carbon Calculator pour améliorer leurs opérations et réduire leur impact sur l’environnement. Les lecteurs trouveront des témoignages de labels qui utilisent déjà l’outil, un aperçu des mises à jour apportées au calculateur en 2024, ainsi que les résultats de la déclaration des données carbone de cette année. Il comprend également des détails sur l’empreinte carbone moyenne des labels indépendants utilisant l’outil, mettant en évidence les points chauds en matière d’émissions sur lesquels les labels devraient se concentrer pour réduire leurs émissions.
Une autre source d’information pour les labels souhaitant réduire leur impacte environnement est disponible sur le site de WIN : https://winformusic.org/sustainability/ et regroupe une série d’initiative sur le sujet.
Sustainability Spotlight
100 Independent Artists to Watch
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It’s time to start preparing your nominations for IMPALA’s « 100 Artists to Watch » for 2025!
The deadline to submit nominations is the10th January 2025.
Take part of 2025 selection & send your artist proposal to remi(at)bima.be with
Photos & credits
Short description of the artists (65 words max)
Music genres of each artist
Label names
Social media handles (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
Youtube / Spotify channel links.
Please take care to apply the following criteria when selecting artists:
- Diversity – This is our top priority. While you can also consider factors like innovation and commercial success, we ask that all lists reflect diverse representation. Last year’s list was less diverse than the first edition, so we’re making an extra push this year.
- Signed to an European independent label or self-releasing – European artists signed to independent labels in other European countries (e.g., a Belgian artist signed to a Dutch label) are eligible.
- Must have a YouTube channel with an existing follower base.
Please also note:
- No multiple nominations from the same label – Each artist nominated should ideally come from a different record label, unless diversity considerations warrant an exception. In such cases, up to two nominations from the same label may be accepted.
IMPALA’S “100 Artists to Watch” features a bright selection of emerging talent from across the European independent music sector each year. “100 Artists to Watch” puts the spotlight on key independent artists across Europe.
Each BIMA Members are free to propose one artist of his choice, based on various factors such as diversity, innovation, as well as commercial success.
ONE STEP AHEAD - KEY TRENDS IN MUSIC SECTORS
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IMPALA’s One Step Ahead est de retour avec un rapport disponible pour nos membres et un webinaire sur les dernières tendances en matière de droits musicaux et de consommation.
Le 5 décembre Chris Cooke et Sam Taylor de CMU ont présenté ce dernier rapport qui examine les principales tendances en matière de droits musicaux et de consommation de la musique, notamment les changements apportés aux modèles de streaming ; les développements sur le marché de la vidéo courte ; le direct-to-fan et les « superfan » ; la manipulation des flux et le débat sur les « artistes fictifs ».
Pour rappel, le projet « One Step Ahead » d’IMPALA produit des rapports et des webinaires sur des questions numériques clés afin d’aider les membres à tirer le meilleur parti du marché numérique en ayant une longueur d’avance. Le projet est piloté par le comité numérique de l’IMPALA avec le soutien de Merlin, et géré en partenariat avec CMU Insights.
Les membres de BIMA peuvent avoir accès à ces ressources sur simple demande à info(at)bima.be
BIMA Digital Distribution Session // STEP II - AGENDA
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Following our digital session that brung to participants best practices on digital distribution, monetising content and using data to optimise performance, you will find below a draft of our discussion during the days.
Members, feel free to ask more details or key ressources to info(at)bima.be.
We have a list of key tools for you…
Programma :
Digital Distribution and Data Analytics: Growth Strategies for Independent Labels
Bevestigde namen:
NiKolaas de Belie – Head of Believe & TuneCore, Northern Europe
Benjamin Pruvost – Music Streaming & Digital Distribution Expert, IDOL – Head of label relation for 15 years.
BIMA SESSION #3
Digital Distribution & DataAnalytics
Growth Strategies for Independent Labels in Belgium (Benelux)
Objective: This session provides Belgian independent labels with essential information on digital distribution and the strategic use of data to improve market visibility and revenues. After an overview of digital distribution and the specifics of the Belgian market, we will take an in-depth look at the services a digital distributor can provide, from the digital supply chain to best practices for connecting with audiences on streaming platforms. The role of data in decision-making will be explored through discussions led by experts, giving labels practical tools to analyse performance, optimise campaigns and adapt content to changing trends.
Agenda
- Introduction
- Moderator: Presentation of the panel and speakers.
- Round Table: Brief introduction of each participant, their role, and expertise.
- Panel Objectives: Overview of key topics: digital distribution, monetisation strategies, and data-driven insights.
- State of Play: Digital Distribution in Belgium / Benelux
- Overview of Services: General presentation of Believe and TuneCore.
- BNL Market Analysis: Insights into the Belgian digital music market: market size, challenges for independent labels, segmentation of free vs. paid subscribers, platform preferences (e.g., Spotify, iMusique, Deezer).
- Challenges for Independents: Access limitations to tools like Discovery Mode and playlist integration hurdles.
- Key Points to covered:
- Current trends in the digital music market in Belgium and Benelux.
- The role of distributors on streaming platforms and general strategies for Belgian artists.
- The Digital Distribution Supply Chain
- Digital Distribution Management: Best practices for optimising metadata (e.g., Believe Backstage) to enhance territorial reach.
- Relations with DSPs: Building strong connections with platforms like Spotify/ deezer / Apple Music to improve artist positioning and support from distributors like Believe. (what Believe do / What label do not)
- Key Points to covered:
- Equip labels with tools and strategies to optimize their digital distribution chain,
- increasing market impact and visibility.
- The Importance of Data in Label Strategy
- Presentation by Benjamin Pruvost: The role of data analysis in strategic development for independent labels.
- Discussion with Benjamin Pruvost:
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- Why is data analysis crucial for labels?
- Key data points to track to assess a release’s success.
- Recommended tools and analytics for performance tracking & acting.
- Key Points:
- Different types / meaning of data (metadatas, consumption, user’s behaviour, CRM / Direct to Fan …)
- Avoid bias, misinterpretation; take the context into account
- Using Data in Your Strategy
We provide participants with practical knowledge on incorporating data into their label’s development strategies.
- Performance Analysis: benchmark your data with the market, similar artists or labels
-
- Examples: market shares territories & dsps
- Identify anomalies in your data
- Examples: fix technical / legal problems, identify opportunities
- Real-Time Insights: Adapting release strategies and promotional tactics based on immediate audience responses.
- Example: Assessing real-time performance of new releases to identify popular tracks and adjust promotions accordingly.
- 3rd party playlists strategy:
- Example: identify and assess relevant indie curators playlists.
- Key Points:
- guide labels toward a proactive and strategic use of data to better understand their market and maximise impact.
AI – Reserve your rights!
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The use of copyrighted works for AI training or machine learning is subject to specific authorisations/licences which need to be secured in advance. To best protect their rights, all copyright owners should clarify their position on this as an additional guarantee. Two steps are advisable:
1. Declare on your company website that your rights are reserved, communicate this to all partners to whom you have licensed music and ideally also to AI companies.
2. At website and service level, ask your commercial partners to make a similar express reservation of rights clear in their terms and conditions, and to implement technical protection measures to avoid circumvention of rights
See recent examples from Beggars,Sugar & Merlin).
If you have any questions, you can contact directly: mphilibert@impalamusic.org
GPRS - Label & Distributors concerned
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En tant que labels ou distributeurs, vous avez peut-être déjà entendu que la législation sur les produits a été modifiée en Europe. Elle est en transposition depuis 2023 et entrera en vigueur le 13 décembre 2024. Le VUT (équivalent de la BIMA en Allemagne) a partagé les conseils ci-dessous préparés pour ses membres.) Un grand merci à Jörg de VUT !
Egalement ci-dessous, un FAQ sur la question.
From VUT: Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) – What Music Entrepreneurs Need to Know
The EU’s Product Safety Regulation, also known as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), aims to ensure that goods purchased by consumers are safe. It is essential for those in commerce – especially online retail, manufacturing, and importing – to prepare for the new requirements and implement the necessary measures. This applies regardless of whether the transactions are B2B or B2C, or if the goods are new or used. The regulation covers all products intended for consumers.
The Product Safety Regulation will come into effect on December 13, 2024. Products offered on the EU market before December 13, 2024, can continue to be sold, even if they do not meet the GPSR requirements. However, all products must comply with the previous Product Safety Act and must have been marketed before the effective date. Products manufactured before December 13 but only marketed after will be subject to the new GPSR requirements.
Important for Amazon Sellers: The information requirements apply to all products, even if they were offered before December 13, 2024.
The Product Safety Regulation requires that information be provided directly in the listing, not just via a link.
Required information includes:
- Name, trade name or brand, as well as postal and email address of the manufacturer for contact purposes must be clearly and visibly placed in the listing; linking is generally not sufficient.
- For manufacturers without an EU presence: name and address of a responsible person within the EU.
- The product must be clearly identifiable, including an image, product type, and other identifiers. The Product Safety Regulation emphasizes the obligation to display an image of the product, which is typically fulfilled with a product photo. In exceptional cases, where photography involves disproportionate effort, an illustration or pictogram can be used to identify the product.
- This information should be easy to locate and not hidden in continuous text. For instance, it can be labeled under “Product Safety” or “Product Safety Information.” Alternatively, a clearly visible dedicated tab in the online listing can be created. Information in the imprint or FAQ section is insufficient.
- Warnings or safety information must be in the official language of the respective member state, clearly visible on the product, packaging, or in accompanying documentation, e.g., for toys or cosmetics.
For more information and practical examples of the GPSR requirements in German, visit:https://www.haendlerbund.de/de/ratgeber/recht/produktsicherheitsverordnung andhttps://www.versandhandelsrecht.de/2024/04/19/produktsicherheitsverordnung
Other info (compiled by IMPALA):
Please share any other examples. Most countries have detailed advice on this already as it has been in transition since 2023, if you have any good references, let us know!
And in the meantime, here are a few other references:
NAMM association of music merchants in the USA: https://www.namm.org/policy/business-compliance/understanding-general-product-safety-regulations-gpsr-eu
Open letter to Belgian Competition Authority
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BIMA have sent a request to Belgian Competition Authorithy to investigate TikTok’s behaviour and for measures to be put in place to protect the independent sector from harm given the unavoidable economic partner status of TikTok. Our request includes interim measures to maintain the status quo prior to TikTok’s recent actions to avoid harm while investigations take place.
BIMA Digital Distribution Session // STEP II
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Following our last session on the new challenges of digital distribution with guests Merlin & WINAMP, we will continue with this theme by bringing you best practices on digital distribution, monetising content and using data to optimise performance. The panel will cover key topics such as the current state of digital distribution in Belgium, effective strategies to grow audiences for indie labels and their artists, the importance of data in optimising performance, and ways to maximise revenues in Belgium and abroad.
After an overview of digital distribution and the specifics of the Belgian market, we will take an in-depth look at the services a digital distributor can provide, from the digital supply chain to best practices for connecting with audiences on streaming platforms. The role of data in decision-making will be explored through discussions led by experts, giving labels practical tools to analyse performance, optimise campaigns and adapt content to changing trends.
Quand : VENDREDI 29 NOVEMBRE 2024
Waar : N.E.W.S DISTRIBUTION
DENDERMONDSESTEENWEG 140
9000 GENT – BELGIUM
Programma :
10h00 – 13h00 // BIMA SESSION #3
Digital Distribution and Data Analytics: Growth Strategies for Independent Labels
Bevestigde namen:
NiKolaas de Belie – Head of Believe & TuneCore, Northern Europe
Benjamin Pruvost – Music Streaming & Digital Distribution Expert, IDOL – Head of label relation for 15 years.
Merci de confirmer votre présence avant le vendredi 22 novembre.
Graag jullie aanwezigheid bevestigen voor Fridag 22 november.
Call for a meaningful implementation of the AIAct
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BIMA joins a broad coalition of music and cultural organizations urging the EU to implement the #AIAct in a way that truly empowers music creators and rights holders to protect and enforce their rights effectively.