IMPALA’s Helen Smith has called on the music industry to “be ambitious” ahead of her keynote address at Eurosonic Noorderslag this week.
Smith will appear in conversation with Music Week features editor Ben Homewood at the Netherlands-based event this week (Thursday 13), and the executive chair has issued something of a call to arms to the business.
“Let’s be ambitious,” said Smith in a statement that takes in IMPALA’s mission statement for 2026. “There are genuine opportunities as well as challenges for diversity and we urge the whole sector to come together with decision makers."
Smith wrote that Eurosonic “brings together the artists and businesses that inspire Europe’s rich and diverse music landscape, as well as decision makers”.
Setting out IMPALA’s priorities for the year, she added: “The first job of the year is to finish the UMG/Downtown case, and there are many other challenges, all of which are also opportunities.
“Responding effectively means ensuring that the market remains open, competitive and resilient in the long term. We have a shared responsibility to make sure that means something in the professional music world. Collaboration across the industry is essential.”
In December, IMPALA reiterated its call for the European Union to block UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown.
“As we have consistently said, all markets need big companies, and all businesses need good exit options,” said Smith. “At the same time, there is a point when big is too big. Where competition issues are identified, the solution must resolve all the issues effectively and permanently, otherwise the same pressures reappear, undermining the whole market.”
Maximising opportunities is essential for the overall health of a sector where artists and fans stand to gain as well as all businesses, independent or major
Helen Smith, IMPALA
The deadline for a decision is February 27, and UMG submitted remedies to the European Commission as part of the process, saying in a statement that, “This deal is about offering independent music entrepreneurs access to world-class tools and support to help them succeed. We are confident that the Commission will recognise the benefits of the transaction for artists, labels, independent music, and fans in Europe, and clear the transaction swiftly.”
Smith said that “The ultimate outcome is more important today than when the investigation was launched” and added, “The voice of independence and culture is needed more than ever.”
IMPALA, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is also focusing its efforts on streaming remuneration, AI, diversity, emerging talent and more in 2026.
"Maximising opportunities is essential for the overall health of a sector where artists and fans stand to gain as well as all businesses, independent or major", said Smith.
IMPALA is also planning to review its streaming reform proposals this year.
“Hard working independent music businesses and their artists depend on proper remuneration coming in,” said Smith. “As the independent sector also needs proper resources to invest in new music, it also matters for diversity going forward.”
Smith put forward a list of “key questions” for the sector, namely, “Are diversity, identity, independence and sovereignty important in music? If yes, are we strengthening or weakening the independent sector by our actions today?”
“The answers will be key in Europe and other countries through 2026 and beyond, for artists, fans and all music businesses, big and small,” she said. “It's time to stand up for culture in Europe and beyond.”
Smith's keynote will also address network development in central and south eastern Europe, and growing the digital market, as well as the organisation's dedicated programmes on sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion.
