IMPALA Independent Music Companies Association

Belgium · Entertainment

IMPALA was established in 2000 by independent music companies across Europe. The independents are world leaders in terms of discovering new music and artists - 99% of Europe’s music companies are SMEs, and they produce more than 80% of all new releases. IMPALA's mission is to grow the independent music sector, return more value to artists, promote cultural diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access and modernise perceptions of the music sector. Its work spans the political, financial, commercial and promotional worlds. It has three award schemes, 100 Artists to Watch, the Changemaker Award, the Outstanding Contribution Award and the IMPALA Sales Awards, which help promote new talent and highlight the diversity and artistic contribution of independent music. IMPALA award winning artists include Viagra Boys, Gurr, Caribou, Agnes Obel, José González, Guadalupe Plata, The xx, Armin van Buuren, Adele, Mogwai, Metronomy, Orelsan and Andrea Bocelli. IMPALA's Outstanding Contribution Award 2025 went to Eva Karman Reinhold (SOM) Our Changemaker Award for 2025 was dedicated to MEWEM France and MEWEM Germany, recognising their pioneering mentorship programmes and their work to empower underrepresented voices in the music industry..