IMPEL and IMPF agree on a charter to boost songwriters and publishers' value in the global digital marketplace

By Emmanuel Legrand

IMPEL Collective Management, the London-based digital licensing platform for independent music publishers, and the Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF) have agreed a Charter of Co-operation "to share experiences and best practices in the digital music marketplace."

  The two organisations said that their shared goal was "to drive streamlining and innovation in digital licensing, as well as increased choice, flexibility, and transparency for independent publishers and their songwriters."

  For Annette Barrett, President of IMPF and Managing Director and Global Strategic Liaison at Reservoir Media, "strengthening the collaboration between IMPF and IMPEL is part of the process to bring about better remuneration for the songwriters, composers and music publishers we represent.”

  The Charter will provide "the architecture for an assertive and meaningful voice for independent music publishers" with the combination of IMPEL’s expertise in the digital market and IMPF’s lobbying and campaigning skills.

Focus on research and exchanges

  The two partners will focus on practical research projects of common interest, the exchange of knowledge and best practice, and any other initiatives of mutual interest. They have set up a working group of members from both organisations to shape the agenda for their co-operation.

  IMPEL and IMPF have developed a set of 10 "beliefs and principles," build on the recent '10 Point Plan to Make Streaming Work' from independent music companies' trade body IMPALA, that will contribute to assert the "rightful place" of independent publishers and songwriters in the digital music ecosystem, and ensure that they are "fairly and properly compensated" for creative contributions. 

  “This is a moment for the independents to really roll up our sleeves and get to work," commented Simon Platz (pictured, below), Chair of IMPEL and Managing Director of Bucks Music Group. "We have a lot to offer the digital services but we believe that they have a lot more to offer us. Engagement and pro-activity are key here.”   

  The 10 guiding principles include:  

  1. Music is not fungible; It is unique.

  2. Independent music publishers are the creative and economic stewards of songs, and developers of songwriters in the earliest stages of their professional careers. They are indispensable to the music ecosystem and, therefore, to streaming services.

  3. The value of a publisher’s repertoire should be measured by its contribution to a digital platforms’ success.

  4. What publishers do is not quantifiable by market share alone; in a world of personalised playlists, recommendations and programming strategies, songs hold a higher value as the conduit to the user.

  5. Value should be attributed to the way songs resonate with listeners, reduce churn and attract advertisers and brands.

  6. Commercial licensing models should suit both the platform and the rights holders.

  7. Digital services should provide publishers with the information needed to achieve a fair bargain.

  8. Collaboration with digital services is essential for a common and better understanding of the real and measurable value that songs bring, and to create innovative ways to elevate the song and the art of songwriting on streaming services.

  9 Together, we need to focus on a vision of operational excellence.  

  10. Ultimately, streaming services should be contributing more revenue to songwriters and publishers.