The Association Of Independent Music (AIM) has today (May 7) announced a new initiative that will support a number of key regions outside of London to provide its members with resources and expertise.
The venture will see three regional hubs created in the North of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. More regions will be rolled out in due course. An official press release stated that each of the three initial regions, “will have an ‘ambassador’ and a ‘champion’ who will be tasked with creating strong local networks among the independent music companies in their areas and providing support, expertise and access to resources.”
In the North of England, Tony Morley from Leaf Label will be ambassador, while Sam ‘Whiskas’ Nicholls from Music:Leeds will act as champion.
In Northern Ireland, Lyndon Stephens of Champion Sound Music has been appointed as ambassador with Francesca O’Connor of Quiet Arch joining as champion.
Finally, in Scotland, Michael Lambert from A Modern Way will be champion. Its regional ambassador is yet to be confirmed.
Speaking about the initiative, Jude McArdle, membership manager of AIM said: “AIM is committed to supporting independent music creators and businesses across the UK, which is why we are thrilled to introduce this new initiative. We are passionate about supporting music communities throughout the UK and the three regions spearheading the launch have a long history of producing incredible music. This is not just lip service; AIM is not simply parachuting into Leeds , Edinburgh or Belfast and then heading straight back to London, we want to help cultivate local scenes. Our new Regional Ambassadors and Champions have been chosen because they are acknowledged experts in their local areas and we’re delighted they’re joining the AIM team. They will allow us to benefit from their local knowledge and excellent reputations while contributing their experience to help build strong networks, which in turn will help music makers turn their creativity into a career and independent music businesses grow.”
We are passionate about supporting music communities throughout the UK and the three regions spearheading the launch have a long history of producing incredible music
Jude McArdle, AIM
As part of the initiative, AIM will be partnering with local events such as Wide Days in Edinburgh, Unconference in Leeds and Output Belfast, while also bringing AIM Socials and AIM Academy events to the regional hubs, equipping self-releasing artists and both small and established rightsholders with the knowledge and skills to grow sustainable businesses.
Earlier in the year, AIM launched its ‘Regional Bursaries’ initiative, which saw a number of delegate passes to AIM’s brand new flagship conferences, AIM Sync and AIM Connected, offered to members based outside London with some of their costs covered.
The Association Of Independent Music recently announced a partnership with leading LGBT equality charity Stonewall. You can read AIM CEO Paul Pacifico on why he’s committed to being an ‘ally’ in the workplace here.
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