Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) has expanded into Paraguay and South India and now spans 36 trade associations in 40 territories.
Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the international body representing the independent recorded music sector, has welcomed new members from Asociatión de la Música Independiente del Paraguay (AMI Paraguay) and the South India Music Companies Association (SIMCA).
Established earlier this year, AMI Paraguay is the country’s first independent music trade association, representing 13 local music companies and expanding WIN’s reach in Latin America’s thriving music market. WIN was involved in its creation, visiting Asunción as part of the first installment of the Southern Cone Independent’s Forum (FICS) in November following months of work with local stakeholders.
Representing an independent music scene notable for 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 very happy to have had the participation of companies, associations, government bodies, and colleagues from our industry who share our goal of working towards a united Paraguayan music industry and helping it to resonate even more globally. Many thanks to the WIN team and the 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 be associated and communicate. We have seen how year after year the work of WIN’s Latam Network has been key to this, 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 territories.”
SIMCA represents the interests of over 60% of the South Indian music market, with 78 member businesses. Founded in 1996, SIMCA brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities specific to the region’s complex ecosystem, characterized by its vastness, diversity, and varied cultural landscapes.
A critical expansion of WIN’s global reach, SIMCA’s new membership comes on the heels of the broader Indian recorded music market growing by 48% year-on-year, reaching $318.6 million in 2022, according to data from IFPI. SIMCA joins Asian WIN members IMCJ (Japan) and LIAK (South Korea), which, together with AIR (Australia) and IMNZ (New Zealand), lead the APAC Alliance working group across the Asia-Pacific region.
“The South India Music Companies Association, an association of independent music businesses in India, is honored and delighted to be a part of WIN,” comments Sridhar J Swaminathan, Secretary of SIMCA. “We understand the significance of the independent music trade across the globe and are looking forward to a progressive collaboration to ‘Be Global & Stay Independent.'”
“Embracing a new territory within the Asia-Pacific region into the network of associations holds immense importance. By welcoming SIMCA, we amplify the diverse voices, artistic expressions, and unique perspectives that enrich the entire music ecosystem,” says Tak Yamazaki, IMCJ General Counsel and WIN board member. “This expansion not only fosters cross-cultural collaboration and creative exchange but also strengthens the collective representation of independent music and rights holders to make a lasting impact on the global stage.”
“WIN is committed to growing and strengthening the global independent network,” concludes Noemí Planas, CEO of WIN. “Travel restrictions and businesses in survival mode during the pandemic were a temporary setback, but we have come out of it with renewed vigor, and welcoming two new members from the Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions to the WIN family is a fantastic achievement.”