Photo credit: WIN
The Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has expanded into Paraguay and southern India and now includes 36 trade associations in 40 territories.
Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the international organization representing the independent recorded music sector, has welcomed new members from the Asociatión de la Música Independiente del Paraguay (AMI Paraguay) and the South India Music Companies Association (SIMCA).
Founded earlier this year, AMI Paraguay is the country’s first independent music trade association. Representing 13 local music companies, he expands WIN’s reach into Latin America’s thriving music market. WIN helped found it and visited Asuncion as part of the first edition of the Southern Cone Independent’s Forum (FICS) in November after months of working with local stakeholders.
Representing an independent music scene characterized by its captivating blend of traditional and contemporary influences, AMI Paraguay joins fellow Latin American WIN members ASIAr (Argentina), ABMI (Brazil) and IMICHILE (Chile).
“FICS 2022 focused on associativism and we continue to see results to this day,” says Lucas Toriño, President of AMI Paraguay. “We are delighted to have the participation of companies, associations, government agencies and colleagues from our industry who share our goal of working towards a united Paraguayan music industry and helping it to have even more global resonance. Many thanks to the WIN team and colleagues from IMICHILE, ASIAr and UFi who supported us with their experience and constant guidance in the creation of AMI Paraguay.”
“For the Latin American region, it is very important for independents to network and communicate. We have seen that the work of WIN’s Latam Network has been key year after year, with milestones such as the creation of the Latin American Independent Music Observatory (OLMI),” adds Oliver Knust, Director of Chilemúsica and WIN Board Member .
“We hope that new trade associations will continue to form and that the regional alliance will strengthen the independent recording ecosystem so that new music can continue to emerge and represent the diversity of the areas.”
With 78 member companies, SIMCA represents the interests of over 60% of the South Indian music market. Founded in 1996, SIMCA brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the region’s complex ecosystem, characterized by its vastness, diversity and diverse cultural landscapes.
SIMCA’s new membership represents a significant expansion of WIN’s global reach, following the broader Indian recorded music market, which is growing at 48% yoy to reach US$318.6 million in 2022, according to IFPI data. SIMCA joins WIN Asian members IMCJ (Japan) and LIAK (South Korea) who along with AIR (Australia) and IMNZ (New Zealand) are leading the APAC Alliance working group across the Asia-Pacific region.
“The South India Music Companies Association, an association of independent music companies in India, is honored and delighted to be a part of WIN,” commented Sridhar J Swaminathan, Secretary of SIMCA. “We understand the importance of the independent music trade around the world and look forward to a progressive collaboration with the aim of ‘Be Global & Stay Independent’.”
“The addition of a new territory in the Asia-Pacific region to the network of associations is of enormous importance. By welcoming SIMCA, we amplify the diverse voices, artistic expressions and unique perspectives that enrich the entire music ecosystem,” said Tak Yamazaki, General Counsel and IMCJ WIN board member. “This expansion not only encourages cross-cultural collaboration and creative exchange, but also strengthens the collective representation of independent music and rights owners to make a lasting impact on the global stage.”
“WIN is committed to the growth and strengthening of the global independent network,” concludes Noemí Planas, CEO of WIN. “Travel restrictions and businesses in survival mode during the pandemic have been a temporary setback, but we have emerged from it with renewed vigour, and the addition of two new members from the Latin American and Asia Pacific regions to the WIN family is a fantastic achievement.”