IMPALA has awarded its Outstanding Contribution Award to Eva Karman Reinhold, chair of SOM (Swedish Independent Music Producers) and founder and co-chair of IMPALA’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) task force.
The board of IMPALA also agreed there is an “urgent need for a strong collective message that EDI work is a priority for the music sector in the current climate”.
The award was presented to Reinhold during IMPALA’s spring board meeting in Stockholm, as part of Manifestgalan, Sweden’s annual independent music conference and awardshow. This award coincides with SOM’s 50th anniversary and honours Reinhold’s five years as founder and co-chair of IMPALA’s EDI task force.
Since founding Karman Innovative consulting and Smilodon, a music publisher and record label, in 2004, Reinhold’s career as a music lawyer and performer has spanned both the legal and creative sides of the industry. She began her career in the music industry at STIM, and worked for many years at independent companies, Gazell and MNW. She is also the creative leader in her band MahRoot.
SOM has been a cornerstone of Sweden’s independent music sector for five decades since it was founded in 1974. Under her leadership, the association has boosted its advocacy for fair market access, strengthened rights management, and expanded educational initiatives to support and nurture emerging talent.
After 50 years and now with over 320 members, SOM continues to represent a broad spectrum of the independent music community in Sweden and beyond.
As a founding member and co-chair of IMPALA’s EDI task force, Reinhold’s work has included IMPALA’s EDI charter and sector survey, to the introduction of the Business Case for EDI and the annual Changemaker Award.
Helen Smith, executive chair of IMPALA, said: "Eva is instrumental in shaping IMPALA’s EDI work and is a key voice for independents across Europe. Her leadership at SOM has strengthened both the Swedish and European independent sector, and we are delighted to recognise her work. Independent music thrives on diversity and innovation, and Eva embodies both."
Eva Karman Reinhold said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this award from IMPALA, especially as we celebrate SOM’s 50th anniversary. SOM has always stood for the strength and creativity of the independent sector, and I am proud to work alongside IMPALA to ensure that our industry is more inclusive, diverse, and competitive. This is a collective effort, and I share this recognition with all those working to make real change happen in the independent music market."
Eva is instrumental in shaping IMPALA’s EDI work and is a key voice for independents across Europe
Helen Smith
Dario Draštata, chair of IMPALA and president of regional association RUNDA Adria, said: “Associations play a fundamental role in the independent ecosystem and SOM’s record over the years is inspiring, including their approach to regional collaboration. This is similar to RUNDA Adria and we value Eva’s approach as a beacon of light in our community both on an industry level and on diversity, which is equally crucial in today’s market. This IMPALA award is very well deserved, and we look forward to her future contribution in years to come."
The IMPALA board also underlined the importance of boosting EDI work in an international context where businesses, organisations and governments are deprioritising this area.
It was concluded that IMPALA’s task force, co-chaired by Eva and Ben Wynter (director of business development at AIM and co-founder of PowerUp), would step up its work in this area.
Helen Smith added: “At our board meeting, members decided unanimously to boost IMPALA’s work on EDI. This sends a clear message in a climate of deprioritisation of these vital issues by certain businesses, organisations and governments."
The question of consolidation and control of the digital market was also high on IMPALA’s agenda at its board meeting, with a particular focus on growing the next generation of big independents.
