20MinutesWith

Michel Lambot and Kenny Gates, co-founders of [PIAS] reflect on their 40th anniversary as one of the world's largest independent music companies. This podcast comes as [PIAS] receives IMPALA's Outstanding Contribution award in 2023 for their work promoting and developing the diversity of European independent music over the last 40 years. In what was our late podcast curator Juliana Koranteng's last ever recording, Michel and Kenny talk about their ambitions, challenges and solutions over the years, as well as winning IMPALA's award.On Michel's playlist: Television, Nick Cave, Arno, Meskerem Mees and more.On Kenny's playlist: Confidence Man, Neil Diamond, Donald Byrd, Sonny Rollins, Clifford Brown, Hank Mobley, Thelonious Monk, Wes Montgomery

Remi Harris and Tamara Gal-on, co-founders of Music Leaders Network, the two-year-old women's leadership programme that aims to boost the career development of women in the music sector. They talk about how the programme can help women and gender minorities to grow their career, how to reach their full potential and value their work in the sector, which impressive results they noticed following up with participants of previous years, their ambition to see the programme developing in Europe, what's on her playlist and more.On Remi's playlist: Kabantu – Freehand album featuring Delia Stevens On Tamara Gal-on's playlist: Fever 333, P!nk

Ben Wynter and Joe Frankland, co-founders of POWER UP, along with Paulette Long OBE (Executive Steering Committee Member), on the initiative's efforts to support Black British music creators, industry professionals and executives, while also addressing anti-Black racism and other racial disparities in the music sector. Launched in January 2021, POWER UP became the very first recipient of IMPALA's Changemaker Award in May 2022. The discussion revolves around POWER UP's work to break down barriers, its ambitions to build a fairer music industry and their reflections on receiving the award and next steps. On Ben's playlist:  Sounds of Blackness, Bebe & Cece Winans, 50 Cent, Johnny Hartman, Mace the Great & Jay ZOn Joe's playlist :  Flohio, Sarathy Korwar & SwindleOn Paulette's playlist: Jonathan McReynolds, Kirk Franklin, DOE, PJ Morton, Guvna B & Still Shadey

Suzanne Bull MBE, founder of Attitude is Everything, on improving disabled people's access to live music. Suzanne talks about the work done in the last 22 years and how Attitude is Everything has become the UK live-music industry's trusted source of expertise on inclusion and inclusiveness for disabled music fans, artists, volunteers and professionals. She shares the main challenges which need to be tackled, resources available for the industry, her advice to start the work and what's on her playlist.On Suzanne's playlist: Gaelynn Lea,  Cola Boyy.

Vlad Yaremchuck from the Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME), co-organiser of the Music Saves UA initiative and Atlas Festival's organiser, on the situation in Ukraine and how to help. Vlad attended conferences and events to raise awareness of the plight of the Ukrainian music business, he's also raising funds to help local industry including the release of a 136-track Drum'n'Bass compilation.  He talks about how the music community can bring support, what initiatives are already in place and what's on his playlist.On Vlad's playlist: Together with Ukraine, Kendrick Lamar.

Eve Horne, founder of Peak Music UK and creator of We Are the Unheard podcast series, on equity, diversity and inclusion in the music industry. She is part of numerous initiatives making change including Keychange, Moving the needle and UK music. She talks about her career, discrimination in the sector and how to tackle it, current projects she's working on and her advice to take action. Eve is also a producer under the name MAGPIE and she shares what's on her playlist.On Eve's playlist: ABBA, Kate Bush (check out MAGPIE's cover of “Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush)

K7 Music and Ernst Reuter School on their community music project with students. Alexandra Hale & Alice Lambert from K7 Music and Sibylle Polster from Ernst Reuter School talk about their first project together.  Two songs were written and performed with students aged around 14, which were released on May 9th here and here. Our guests talk about the process and how this kind of project helps students access music and knowledge. They also mention K7's broader work on diversity and inclusion and what's on their playlists.On Alexandra's playlist: Drake, Kendrick LamarOn Alice's playlist: The school project's tracks: Sweet Dream by Red Roses of Blood and The Nitroman by Light Squad, Mitski.On Sibylle's playlist: Bob Dylan - Not dark yet

Jude McArdle from AIM and Will Hutton from Beggars Group on sustainability in the music industry. They talk about the Music Climate Pact, the global platform initiated by AIM and the BPI as a response to COP26 and the urgent call for collective action to combat the climate crisis. They also explain how IMPALA's carbon calculator launched with Julie's Bicycle works, what you can do to help, and what's on their playlists.On Jude's playlist: ABBA, Giant SwanOn Will's playlist: Orlando Weeks

Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin, on how it started with IMPALA's help and where it is today, his career and how he started his new role during the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Jeremy talks about the new members who joined Merlin and what new deals they closed, benefits their members can access and why the creation of Merlin was really needed back in the days. He also talks about the intriguing world of NFTs and shares what's on his playlist.On Jeremy's playlist:  Yeah Yeah Yeahs (new album on the way), Turkish psychedelic folk from the 70s, Blood Orange, Johanna Newsom, Snail Mail, Leon Bridges.

Gill Dooley, CEO of AIM Ireland on setting up the Irish association of independents and joining IMPALA's European network. She talks about her career, how AIM Ireland got started and where it's heading, the value a national association of independents needs to offer to members. Gill also touches upon the specificities of the Irish music market and how it was affected by Brexit, including its prolific live sector and the consequences for touring. As usual, discover what's on her playlist. On Gill's playlist: Aimée, Martian Subculture, The Weeknd, Megan O'Neill, Taylor Swift

Noemi Planas, general manager of WIN, on the Worldwide Independent Network turning 15 and activities to celebrate it. She talks about how WIN was created, defining moments and how they connect independent music associations globally. Noemi also highlights WIN's annual conference WINCON, The Fair Digital Deals Declaration and WINTEL. She also shares what they're currently working on and their plans for the future. As usual, discover what's on her playlist.On Noemi's playlist: Tu Que Vienes a Rondarme by Maria Arnal i Marcel Bages

Curator, host and business journalist Juliana Koranteng with Brussels-based script writer and podcast producer Romuald Dagry, hosted by IMPALA's Lucie Jacquemet, on their careers and their work on 20MinutesWith podcast series. Our guests talk about their experience working with independent music sector's executives during the pandemic context, what they learnt from making IMPALA's podcast series and why this kind of content is especially needed when the cultural sector is shut down. They also talk about their future projects and share what's on their playlists.On Juliana's playlist:  Jerusalema by Master KG Feat. Nomcebo, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tom Petty, B.B.King and John Mayer - Hummingbird, Dimitri Shostakovitch, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Renegades: Born in the USA (podcast series)On Romuald's playlist: La Jungle

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Brix Smith, with equality and diversity campaigner Vick Bain, on the F-List for Music. They talk about the first directory of its kind to list UK-based female musicians, songwriters & composers from every genre. The new F-List president Brix and Vick discuss what this new directory is, how to use it, what the goals are behind it and why promoters should use it to achieve more equality on stage. They also talk about their personal careers, diversity and inclusion in the music industry and what's next for them. On Brix's playlist: Bishi On Vick's playlist The F-list playlist, Brix & The Extricated – Dinosaur Girl, Faultress, Ruth Lyon, Alice Hubble, Greenness, Bishi

Keith Harris OBE, one of the most high-profile and respected executives in the music business, a brilliant artist manager and record label executive, talks about his career, diversity and inclusion in the music industry, his IMPALA Outstanding Contribution Award, and his current work with IMPALA's diversity task force. Keith also talks about the open letter he sent for Blackout Tuesday, and how important it is to speak out to bring change in the industry. He shares his plans for the future, and what's on his playlist.On Keith's playlist: Tiken Jah Fakoly

Csaba Nasz, co-president of HAIL, on developing the independent music sector in Central and Eastern Europe, how HAIL was created and what has been achieved in the past 5 years. Csaba talks about the business potential of the region and what's needed to support the local music scene, including more studies and relevant data on the industry. He also explains recent developments in Budapest with the showcase festival BUSH, the Music competence center project and what's next to come. And, always, discover what's on Csaba's playlist.On Csaba's playlist: Garry Clark Jr, Green Day.

Guilhem Cottet, managing director of UPFI on France's unique national approach to culture, the implementation of the EU copyright directive, cultural diversity, regulation mechanisms, loan guarantees and more. He talks about how the covid crisis impacted the sector and what the CNM did to support creators during this period. Guilhem also explains what UPFI's goals are for the future and what he's currently working on. As always, discover what's on his playlist.On Guilhem's playlist: De Pelicula by The Liminanas and Laurent Garnier, Mogwai

Vick Bain from vbain consulting and Arit Eminue of DiVA Apprenticeships on their careers as equity, diversity and  inclusion specialists, how they got started, as well as the projects they are currently working on. Vick and Arit give us an insight in what's it like to deliver EDI training for IMPALA's members, revealing why it's important for businesses to talk about diversity with their talent, what you can do to get started and, as always, what's on their playlists. On Vick's playlist: various playlists on The F-List profile, YijiaOn Arit's playlist: Leela James's Loving You More, Olivia Rodrigo's SOUR, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin

Ana Rita Feijão from AMAEI and Sonia Durán from UFI on developing independent conferences and awards shows on the Iberian Peninsula. Our guests talk about how they developed these events and why they were needed in these regions. Find out what benefits they bring to the local markets and how award schemes help talent to grow. Essential listening for national associations in the independent sector all across Europe. Our guests  also talk about their current projects and how impatient they are to attend live concerts again.On Ana Rita's playlist: For Emma by Bon Iver On Sonia's playlist: Mujeres

Dario Draštata and Nikola Jovanović, from RUNDA on this unique association of independents spreading across multiple national territories in the Balkans. Our guests talk about how they got started in the music industry, why they created RUNDA and what the sector looks like in the Balkans. They also talk about the complexity of their territories and why a transnational association was needed in this region. Dario and Nikola share what they're currently working on and what's on their playlists.On Dario's playlist: Arlo Parks – Collapsed in Sunbeams, Steve Gunn – Other You, Gibonni – U Po'UreOn Nikola's playlist: Olivia Rodrigo - SOUR, Drake – Certified Lover Boy

Anca Lupes from Indiero and Justyna Masalska from ANPM on opportunities for women in the music industry in Central and Eastern Europe. Our guests talk about how they started their career in Romania and Poland, how the local market is developing in both territories and what they are currently working on. They also share some tips to fulfill your career in the industry and highlight why it's a thriving sector to work in. Anca and Justyna also share what's on their playlists. On Anca's playlist: Fresh jazz and classical music from her favourite “discover weekly” playlist.On Justyna's playlist : Kwiat Jabłoni, Dawid Podsiadło, Daria Zawiałow, Billie Eilish, and also check out Justyna's own group VOYSYS.

Kenny Gates from [PIAS] on being one of the most important independent music label groups in Europe and globally. Our guest covers how the [PIAS] family of labels was built, its unique international setup and evolution, what being independent means today and what you need to build a successful music company. Kenny also talks about [Integral] , [PIAS]' recently renamed distribution and services department, the people who inspired him and what's on the menu for [PIAS]' 40th anniversary next year. Kenny also gives us a chance to discover what's on his playlist.On Kenny's playlist: Naima Joris, Hank Mobley

Evelyn Sieber from Reeperbahn and Nuno Saraiva from AMAEI, Lusitanian and WestwayLab on European projects and their importance for both local and European music sectors. Our guests cover how EU projects work, the value of inclusivity and capacity-building through projects like IMPALA Campus and the importance of EU support for cultural initiatives. They also share what they learned during the pandemic, what organising a festival looks like these days and what they are looking forward to in the future. As always, our guests tell us what's on their playlist.On Evelyn's playlist: Bear's Den, Lewis Capaldi, Nicklas Sahl On Nuno's playlist: José Afonso, Exotic Quixotic - Lusitanian Ghosts, Misia Furtak

Helene Larrouturou from MEWEM, Celine Bakond from La Neuvième Muse and Louise Cartier from Rooting for Artists about their careers and experience with MEWEM (Mentoring Programme for Women Entrepreneurs in Music Industry). Helene explains how the programme is developing in Europe in six countries and how she became a mentor after being a mentee. Celine and Louise tell us how MEWEM helped them to gain confidence in their work and the sisterhood they developed. They also share what's on their playlists.On Helene's playlist: Art Melody - TengNbiiga (feat D-Oud La Paix), Nepal - Adios Bahamas, Meryem Aboulouafa – Je me prometsOn Celine's playlist: Vicky R - RHCOn Louise's playlist:  Christine and the Queens ,”People I've been sad”

Céline Lepage from the French FELIN, Naomi Baudy from Sparklers Tribe and Victoria Rousselot, aka Vicky R talk about their careers and experience with MEWEM (Mentoring Programme for Women Entrepreneurs in Music Industry). Céline explains how the programme got started. Naomi and Vicky tell us why this type of programme is important for them and the music industry in general.  They also explain why they would recommend it to other women entrepreneurs starting their careers. And, as always, discover what's on our guests' playlists.On Céline's playlist: Shannon WrightOn Naomi's playlist: Air - Moon Safari; Pandhora – Euthymia, Amentia - La Nuit, Milo Häfliger - Kairos On Vicky's playlist: T-Pain ft Kehlani -  i like dat, Nemir ft. Lala &ce – F.M.E., Joanna -  Maladie D'amour 

20MinutesWith#19 Francesca Trainini, IMPALA's Chair, on her career in music, chairing IMPALA, what an industrial policy is and why Europe needs this for culture. Francesca also talks about copyright and why the creative sector is important to policy makers. Francesca also talks about her busy schedule as Vice President of PMI, MD of peermusic Italy, VP of the Italian Music Publishing Association, board member of WIN and founding member of IMPF.On Francesca's playlist: Arlo Parks, Massimo Pericolo, Deepho, Te Quiero Euridice

Linda Coogan Byrne, Gender Diversity & Equality Activist and CEO of Good Seed PR & Marketing on how the music sector can contribute making sure a range of voices are heard, why Linda chose the business side over her work as an artist, her podcast series and what she discovered and achieved with the inspiring Why Not Her campaign. Tune in and find out what makes Linda hopeful about the future and, of course, what she's listening to at the moment.On Linda's playlist: Yebba, Denise Chaila, Orla Gartland

Maddy Read Clarke and Fay Milton from Music Declares Emergency on what inspired them to start with MDE, what they plan to achieve, what's in the pipeline and their highlights up to now. Maddy and Fay also share their tips for anyone interested in learning more and taking action. IMPALA's sustainability programme is highlighted as well as why it's important for organisations and governing bodies to start taking the climate emergency seriously. And, as always, Maddy and Fay share what's on their playlists.On Maddy's playlist: John Grant's Boy from Michigan, Roscoe Roscoe's Jacob's Ladder (out in June) On Fay's playlist: Ahmad Jamal's The Awakening, demos of her bands Savages, 180DB

Ben Wynter on diversity in the music industry, his entrepreneurship and outreach role at AIM, Power Up programme at PRS Foundation. Founder of Unstoppable music group, Ben recounts his 20 years in the sector, why it's important that everyone has a seat at the table and feels represented and why all independent music companies should complete IMPALA's diversity and inclusion survey. Find out Ben's take on how the industry has evolved, why diverse teams mean everyone makes more money, what needs to happen now and more…On Ben's playlist: DJ Khaled, Jay-Z, AJ Tracey, Dave.

Jonas Sjöström on the importance of collecting societies, the EU's review of how societies are governed and IMPALA's priorities in this vital area of work. As chair of IMPALA's collecting-society committee, founder and CEO of the Swedish label Playground Music, Jonas has amazing insight into this essential topic. Find out why caps are needed to make voting rules fair and proportionate, why the EU should stop 125m euros a year being lost to countries with no domestic rights (eg USA), how societies should allocate unclaimed monies, and more...On Jonas' playlist: Neil Young, Art Pepper, Motown artists, Ehrling

Eva Karman Reinhold, co-chair of IMPALA's diversity task force, CEO of Swedish SOM, music lawyer, publisher and a musician herself on celebrating EU's Diversity month, how the music sector has mobilised,  what IMPALA and SOM are doing to promote diversity and inclusion, plus the first ever diversity survey in the European music sector. Eva also talks about IMPALA's charter and diversity advocates who play a key role across all areas of IMPALA's work, what's coming up next and, as always, what's on her playlist.On Eva's playlist:  Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, Thin Lizzy, Ane Brun, Vera Vinter, and also check out Eva's own group MahRoot

Alison Tickell from Julie's Bicycle and Horst Weidenmueller from !K7 on IMPALA's climate programme, #EarthDay celebrations, #turnupthevolume campaign with Music Declares Emergency, why we should tackle climate emergency in the music industry and where to start, as well as IMPALA's targets. Alison and Horst also talk about quick and easy wins for music companies, the importance of having access to practical guidance and best practices that explain the benefits of taking early action and why IMPALA's programme underlines that there is no one size fits all in Europe. On Alison's playlist : Esperanza Spalding, Oscar Jerome, Love Ssega, JB FM playlist on SpotifyOn Horst playlist: DJ-Kicks mix for !K7, Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders.

Marius Mihalache, the exceptional dulcimer player from Romania on his world famous career, why the instrument is so special, what inspires him when writing music and working on film scores, his view on diversity on digital services, and how his playing is influenced by energy with his audience. Marius also talks about growing up in a family of musicians and how music has always been part of his life.On Marius' playlist:  INNA, The Motans, Ovidiu Lipan Tandarica, Mike Godoroja & Blue Spirit, Alexandra Ungureanu, Byron, VUNK, Luiza Zan

Michel Lambot from [PIAS] on setting up IMPALA in a garden, why there was a need in 2000 and how it evolved, as well as why he thought having open market access was a good idea. Michel also talks about IMPALA's highlights in the last 20 years, including merger work and developing links in central and eastern Europe. Based on his energetic entrepreneurial spirit, Michel also gives advice to upcoming industry professionals.On Michel's playlist: Sister Europe by The Psychedelic Furs, S. Marie Keyrouz, Arlo Parks, Nick Cave, Suite bergamasque by Claude Debussy

IMPALA's 10-point plan on streaming models explained by Paul Pacifico, CEO of AIM, the UK Association of Independent Music. Find out what models IMPALA proposes and their recommendations to make streaming work, why equitable remuneration isn't the answer (and why it doesn't equate with fair remuneration), as well as IMPALA's view on user centric, the UK streaming inquiry, and why a systemic change is needed to provide a dynamic & responsible future for artists, labels and fans.On Paul's playlist: All New Independent Playlist (AIM)

All about Brexit with Jane Golding, IMPALA's regulatory lawyer and Mark Kitcatt from Everlasting Records, Spain. So what is life after Brexit for music companies, artists and citizens? Mark and Jane (who is also co-chair of British in Europe) talk about the current impact of Brexit on the music sector and also their own lives, why it is important for music companies and artists to be informed and vocal about the issues of mobility, touring, the economy and of course, what's on their playlists.On Jane's playlist: “Such a Shame” by Talk TalkOn Mark's playlist: Sleaford Mods, black midi, Monodrama, Sofia Comas

Kees van Weijen from STOMP on the EU copyright directive, the Netherlands being the first to implement it nationally, what it means for platforms and what changes now, IMPALA's work in navigating the legislative process, the impact it could have on the global scale and of course why copyright is important in the first place. Kees also talks about his career and lets Juliana know what music he is listening to at the moment.On Kees' playlist: Danny Vera, IMPALA album of the year award nominee

Three members of My Ugly Clementine, the latest winners of IMPALA's Album of the Year Award, talk about their debut album, “Vitamin C,” what it means to be a non-male band, challenging stereotypes, as well as their plans for playing live. The 20MinutesWith host Juliana Koranteng also discovers what Sophie Lindinger, Mira Lu Kovacs and Nastasja Ronck have in store for the future and, as always, what's on their playlists.On Nastasja's playlist: Arlo Parks, Claud, The Weather Station, Aldous Harding, Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief, alyona alyonaOn Sophie's playlist: Perfume Genius, Fleet Foxes, Julia Jacklin, Sharon Van EttenOn Mira's playlist: Nina Simone, Tom Waits, Adrianne Lenker, Blake Mills, Fiona AppleBe sure to listen to MUC's award winning album, Vitamin C!

Remi Harris MBE talks about “Easy Money?” her guide to funding in the music business, why we need to stay optimistic in this crisis, her pathway to becoming a renowned financial expert and her work at UK Music on diversity and inclusion. Juliana Koranteng also discovers what's Remi often heard saying and much more in this episode of 20MinutesWith.On Remi's playlist: Lauren Housley

Jérôme Roger from SPPF on European performance income, US repertoire, why 125m euros a year will be lost for European labels and performers unless EU moves fast. With all this coming out of a court case in Ireland and the USA being one of the only countries in the world where radio and cafes and bars don't pay labels and performers (yes you heard right... even China has better protection now) this is full of intrigue.On Jérôme's playlist: Francis Cabrel, Christine and the Queens

Gee Davy, the first COO of AIM UK on live streaming opportunities and challenges, AIM's place in Europe, her own career path, and of course what's on her playlist. Livestreaming is booming to connect artists and fans during the coronavirus pandemic - get practical tips and hear how being a scientist impacts Gee's view of technology and embracing change.On Gee's playlist: Sufjan Stevens, Arlo Parks, KOKOROKO, Four Tet

Jörg Heidemann from German indie association VUT on Covid-19 - how music has been affected, crisis responses from governments, the EU and IMPALA, as well as the positives we can take away and what he's been listening to in 2020.On Jörg's playlist: Charles Pasi, Oscar Jerome

Jason Rackham, Co-founder of #LoveRecordStores and MD of [PIAS] UK, talks about how the campaign #LoveRecordStores got started, the highlights so far, what it felt like winning IMPALA's Outstanding Contribution Award, his vision for more collective action in the sector, as well as tips for focussing on artists, whatever type of work you do in the music sector.On Jason's playlist: Arlo Parks, The Idols, Khruangbin, Moses Boyd, Kamasi Washington, SAULT, Orlando Weeks

Featuring Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA, on what brought her to Brussels, her experience at IMPALA, views on hot topics like Brexit, Covid-19, the copyright directive, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, as well as her tips for anyone wanting to work in the music sector. The episode is hosted and curated from London by Juliana Koranteng, with editing and production by Romuald Dagry in Brussels.On Helen's playlist: IMPALA 20th Anniversary #1 album of the year  playlist– the first 10 years