Showcasing diversity in the European independent music scene -Â Impala's 100 Artists to Watch for 2024 in collaboration with YouTube 28 Mar 2024
For the third year in a row, IMPALA returns with its highly anticipated 100 Artists to Watch 2024 edition in collaboration with YouTube. This year, we're excited to showcase a vibrant selection of emerging talent from across the European independent music sector.
Curated by IMPALA’s members and wider network. This pan-European initiative aims to shed light on artists from various cultural backgrounds and genres, emphasising both inclusivity and representation across borders. This award not only spotlights emerging talents but also recognises artists and independent labels who continue to push boundaries and challenge norms. Members are encouraged to nominate artists that they believe are the ones to watch now, based on factors such as diversity and innovation as well as commercial success. Through this programme with YouTube, IMPALA seeks to foster a more inclusive and dynamic music ecosystem, where all artists can thrive and be celebrated.
This year, IMPALA’s line-up has increased to showcasing artists from across 31 countries, spanning a wide variety of genres, from Jazz to Hip-Hop, Folk to Electronic, and Pop to Punk. With an impressive array of independent record labels on display, there's a plethora of new sounds to explore. Keep an eye out for a total of 100 European independent artists making waves this year. Join the musical journey here and uncover the full list of artists below.
For the third year in a row, IMPALA returns with its highly anticipated 100 Artists to Watch 2024 edition in collaboration with YouTube. This year, we're excited to showcase a vibrant selection of emerging talent from across the European independent music sector.
Curated by IMPALA’s members and wider network. This pan-European initiative aims to shed light on artists from various cultural backgrounds and genres, emphasising both inclusivity and representation across borders. This award not only spotlights emerging talents but also recognises artists and independent labels who continue to push boundaries and challenge norms. Members are encouraged to nominate artists that they believe are the ones to watch now, based on factors such as diversity and innovation as well as commercial success. Through this programme with YouTube, IMPALA seeks to foster a more inclusive and dynamic music ecosystem, where all artists can thrive and be celebrated.
This year, IMPALA’s line-up has increased to showcasing artists from across 31 countries, spanning a wide variety of genres, from Jazz to Hip-Hop, Folk to Electronic, and Pop to Punk. With an impressive array of independent record labels on display, there's a plethora of new sounds to explore. Keep an eye out for a total of 100 European independent artists making waves this year. Join the musical journey here and uncover the full list of artists below.
Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA commented: "As we celebrate the continuation of our 100 Artists to Watch programme in 2024, we have a growing number of countries represented, showcasing a truly diverse range of talent. This is part of our commitment to expanding and nurturing an independent network that reflects the full range of European music. This award offers deserving artists and labels across Europe recognition for their ground-breaking creativity and contribution to the industry.”
Dan Chalmers, Director, YouTube Music, EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) expressed: “We are delighted to once again collaborate with IMPALA for the third edition of the 100 Artists to Watch award scheme. This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting independent labels and artists throughout Europe. Independent music plays a vital role in fostering authentic creativity, innovation, and diversity within the industry. Through our collaboration with IMPALA’s Friends programme, we aim to highlight these emerging talents, giving them a platform to showcase their work across Europe and beyond. Together with IMPALA, we’re committed to supporting the independent spirit and celebrating the diverse talents within the music community."
100 Artists to Watch (by alphabetical order by artist/record label/country):
- A Mess , Puffin Artlab, Denmark
- Aby Coulibaly, Chamon Chamomile Club/Redlight Management, Ireland
- Adja, Sdban Records, Belgium
- Aleph Quintet, IGLOO Records, Belgium
- Amalia & The Architects, United We Fly, Greece
- Anna B Savage, City Slang, Germany
- Anna Lille, Propeller Recordings, Norway
- Anna Vaverková, Kabinet Records, Czech Republic
- Annie Taylor, Taxi Gauche Records, Switzerland
- Asbest, A Tree in a Field Records, Switzerland
- Ashaine White , Self-released, UK
- Barbara Popovic, IDJ Tunes, North Macedonia
- BEX, Fiakka Studios, Austria
- Bianca Tilici, Roton Music, Romania
- Bicho Carpinteiro, Self-released, Portugal
- Birthh, Carosello Records, Italy
- Bulgarian Cartrader, Self-released, Bulgaria
- Carmen Boza, EO! Música, Spain
- CATT, Listenrecords , Germany
- Cinnamon Gum, Seagull Ross, Poland
- Claude, Cloud 9 Music , The Netherlands
- Coals, [PIAS] Poland & EE, Poland
- Culk, Siluh Records, Austria
- Dedublüman, Hypers Music, Turkey
- Deena Abdelwahed, InFiné, France
- Dela Marmy, KPRecords*KillPerfection, Portugal
- Deniz Tekin, Little Jobs, Turkey
- Disappeared Completely, kontrabass, Ukraine
- Edgar Homeros, Cosmos Music, Sweden
- Eko & Vinda Folio, Bloom Music, Georgia
- Endless Wellness, Ink Music, Austria
- Flavien Berger, Pan European, France
- flowerovlove, Self-released, UK
- freekind., Butter92, Slovenia
- Fulminacci, Artist First/Maciste Dischi, Italy
- Funk Shui, Self-released, North Macedonia
- Gåte, Indie Recordings, Norway
- Giancane, Woodworm, Italy
- Gongori, Self-released, Portugal
- Güner Künier, Self-released, Germany
- Gustaph, 541 Records, Belgium
- HVNDS , Seek Music Familia / Forward Music Agency, Romania
- IDEM, JeboTon/ Mudri Brk/ Nasty Cut Records, Croatia
- IKAN HYU, Mouthwatering Records, Switzerland
- Iva Lorens, Kontra Rights, Serbia
- Jakub König, Animal Music, Czech Republic
- Jen Payne, The Daisy Label, Ireland
- Joalin, Because Music / PME Records, Finland
- João Couto, Self-released, Portugal
- Joshua Idehen, Self-released, Sweden
- Kahaberi & Khanums, GMI Rights Management, Georgia
- Ki!, Crunchy Frog, Denmark
- Klinika Denisa Kataneca, Menart, Croatia
- kordz, Stockton Records, Georgia
- Lenhart Tapes, Glitterbeat Records, Serbia
- Leon of Athens, Cobalt Music, Greece
- Les Attitudes Spectrales, Self-released, Latvia
- Let 3, Dallas Records, Croatia
- Lia Kali, Propaganda pel Fet, Spain
- Lover’s Skit, Glory Hole Recordings, Sweden
- Malummí, Irascible Records, Switzerland
- Marí, Celebration Records, Denmark
- MARLENA, Sin Anestesia, Spain
- Maustetytöt, Is This Art!/Playground Music, Finland
- Mert Demir, Pale Records, Turkey
- Miso Extra, Transgressive Records, UK
- mïus, Théque Records, Hungary
- modernlove., Akira Records, Ireland
- MORDÁI, Draze Records, Hungary
- Motta, Sugar, Italy
- MRFY, Helo Records, Slovenia
- néomí, [PIAS], The Netherlands
- November 2nd, Self-released, Czech Republic
- OIEE, Launching Gagarin Records & Management, Hungary
- Old Gods of Asgard, Insomniac/Playground Music, Finland
- Pekko Käppi & K:H:H:L, Rockadillo Records, Finland
- Prima Dragoste, Roton Music, Romania
- Ryan Mack, Self-released, Ireland
- Saint Joshua, Self-released, UK
- Samba de La Muerte, Yotanka, France
- Sami, Self-released, Poland
- Shake Stew, Traumton, Austria
- Smag På Dig Selv, Stunt Records, Denmark
- Structure of Happiness, Self-released, Ukraine
- Superkoloritas, Self-released, Lithuania
- The Düsseldorf Düsterboys, Staatsakt, Germany
- The Jordan, Cooking Vinyl, The Netherlands
- Tim Dawn, CTM, The Netherlands
- Travis Birds, Calverita Records, Spain
- TuÄŸçe ÅženoÄŸul, Self-released, Turkey
- V:RGO, SauceKidsGang / MUZE Music, Bulgaria
- Vianne, Flat Line Collective, Bulgaria
- VOYOU, Entreprise, France
- waterbaby, Sub Pop Records, Sweden
- Witch Club Satan, Lost & Found Productions, Norway
- Yasha 96, Self-released, Czech Republic
- ZHIVA, Glitch Records, Serbia
- Ziferblat, Geisha Ninja Samurai, Ukraine
- Zoster, Croatia Records, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 3'Ain, Choux de Bruxelles, Belgium
Read more about these artists on our dedicated webpage here.
Stay tuned as we will be releasing a great set of curated playlists on YouTube every week over the next coming weeks to celebrate the diversity of this list.
YouTube partnering up with the independents
YouTube will work with IMPALA on its 100 Artists to Watch programme to help build awareness of the diverse European independent sector. YouTube will help the independent community by spotlighting talent from different markets and at different stages in their career. Promoting diversity is a priority for YouTube, encouraging music fans to discover artists they might never find otherwise. Further support will roll out during the year, watch this space.
NEWS & PRESS
DICE Launches in Chicago with Exclusive Summer Smash Festival Partnership
This news arrives in tandem with the world's largest independent hip-hop music festival's 2024 lineup debut DICE, the world's largest independent ticketing platform, today announces its expansion to Chicago through an exclusive partnership with Summer Smash Festival. DICE's debut in Chicago marks its...more
Warner Chappell Music strikes exclusive partnership with Bandlab Technologies for Reverbnation
The Two Companies Will Work Together to Jointly Sign Top-Performing Singer-Songwriters New Signees Will Have Access to WCM's Full Suite of Creative, A&R, and Support Services Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with ReverbNation, the premium artist services...more
BBC Radio 2 listeners vote Dancing Queen their favourite ABBA Song
Radio 2 listeners have crowned Dancing Queen their favourite ABBA song, taking the No.1 spot in Your Ultimate ABBA Song, with tens of thousands of votes cast by music fans. In No.2 spot is The Winner Takes It All, No.3 is Thank You For The...more
NEC Group Announces Ticketing partnership with AXS
NEC Group and AXS to introduce seamless mobile and premium experience for fans at the Resorts World Arena and Utilita Arena Birmingham NEC Group – the UK’s leading live events business – today announced a long-term partnership with AXS, a global...more
IMPF launches 4th edition of Global Market View for Independent Music Publishing
IMPF has launched the fourth edition of the Global Market View for Independent Music Publishing.Available here and sponsored by Musixmatch, it is the only report that looks exclusively at the independent music publishing industry and its international impact and position....more
Sony Music Entertainment Germany launch new electronic music label 'noted. records'
The Berlin-based imprint will cater to electronic music artists globally First signing, Anfisa Letyago, to release new single today Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Germany announced today the launch of 'noted. records', a global electronic music label with a commitment to cultivating electronic and...more
AIMP Statement on Spotify's Music-Audiobook Bundle
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) — including Michael Lau (National Chair and New York Chapter President), Marc Caruso (Los Angeles Chapter President), Ree Guyer (Nashville Chapter President), and Tony D. Alexander (Atlanta Chapter President) — issued the below statement on...more
6 new publishers elected to IMPF Board
Rosa M. Vizcaíno Gómez, Emily Stephenson, Claudia Mescoli, Cecilia Léon Rodrigo, Tatjana Bukvić and Denise Andrikopoulou newly elected at organisation’s 2024 General Assembly. IMPF (Independent Music Publishers International Forum) has elected a new College of members to its Board at the organisation’s...more
The Music Producers Guild Announces 2024 Awards Winners
Thursday 25th April. At an inspiring ceremony at The Troxy, London, The Music Producers Guild in association with Dolby & Mix with The Masters, announced the complete list of 2024 award winners. Now in its 16th year, the annual event, which recognises early talent, who later go on to...more
Co-op Live update
Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans. To ensure that...more
IMS Business Report 2024
Dance Music industry now firmly in its post-pandemic growth phase with 17% revenue growth in 2023 and a total industry valuation reaching $11.8 billion.Independent labels increased their market share for the fourth consecutive quarter, reaching 31%.The annual study of the electronic...more
Pulse Music Group and hit songwriter/producer/artist Jon Bellion form publishing venture
First signing between Beautiful Mind & PULSE Music Group is Elijah Noll PULSE Music Group Co-CEO’s Scott Cutler and Josh Abraham along with President/Head of Creative, Ashley Calhoun announced today that they have formed a music publishing creative joint venture...more
Record Store Day, The Music Business Association and Luminate announce new partnership regarding physical music sales data across independent retail sector in the US
Luminate Now Receiving Independent Sales Data from StreetPulse Billboard Rebranding “Tastemaker Albums” Chart To Better Recognize Impact of Independent Store Sales Today, Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS), Alliance of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), and Department of Record Stores (DORS), who work together as Record Store Day, The Music Business Association,...more
Absolue inks deal with Capitol Records Italy for Jack Savoretti album
Absolute Label Services will handle release of Savoretti’s first ever Italian language LP in UK & Ireland. Absolute Label Services has agreed a deal with Universal/Capitol Records Italy for the release of Jack Savoretti’s first ever Italian language album. The deal covers...more
Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music opens at the British Library
Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music opens at the British Library First exhibition to document the 500-year musical journey of African and Caribbean people in Britain opens at the British Library and in local libraries across the UK Soul...more
YolanDa Brown OBE DL becomes University of Kent’s new chancellor
The University of Kent is delighted to announce that double-MOBO winning musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown OBE DL has been appointed to the role of Chancellor, succeeding Gavin Esler who has retired from the position after almost 10 years in the role. Having...more
Festivals unite to extend fundraising prize draw closing date
WIN TICKETS TO OVER 60 OF THE UK & EUROPE’S MOST BELOVED FESTIVALS IN SUPPORT OF WAR CHILD AND MAP BOOMTOWN, LOVE SAVES THE DAY, PARKLIFE, ALL POINTS EAST, TRUCK, THE LONG ROAD, WIDE AWAKE AND MANY MORE OVER £10,000 RAISED SO...more
Concord Music Publishing extends agreement with Jeremy Lutito, signs Jon Class under new JV partnership
Today, Concord Music Publishing announced that they have extended and expanded their existing agreement with GRAMMY-nominated producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lutito. This worldwide publishing deal, effective immediately, includes Lutito’s full catalog and all future works and launches a new joint venture partnership, Mezzanine,...more
TuneCore Expands Music Publishing Services and User Experience to Aid Independent Songwriters
TuneCore, the leading independent development partner for self-releasing artists—owned by Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies—has rolled out a comprehensive suite of music publishing services to help independent songwriters increase their earnings in over 200 countries. Andreea Gleeson,...more
Radio 2 in the Park 2024Â to land in Preston
Radio 2’s flagship annual live music event, Radio 2 in the Park, will take place this year in Moor Park in Preston, Lancashire on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September, as revealed this morning by Gaby Roslin on the Radio...more
Como No – The UK’s Leading Latin Music Promoter – Announces New Director Amid Major Changes To Organisational Structure
Elena Beltrami is appointed as new Director of Como No & La Linea Festival as Founder Andy Wood steps back and becomes a Non-Executive board member Como No, one of the world’s foremost Latin music promoters, today announces a significant change...more
Liana Flores signs to Verve (US) and partners with Fiction (UK)
Releases highly anticipated new song ‘I Wish For The Rain’ Today, British-Brazilian artist Liana Flores is proud to announce that she is now signed to the iconic Verve Records (The Velvet Underground, Astrud Gilberto Kurt Vile, Arooj Aftab). Fiction Records (The...more
Amazon Music returns to Primavera Sound to exclusively livestream the festival to audiences around the world
Amazon Music and Primavera Sound join forces for the third consecutive year Music fans around the world will be able to tune in to the event from 30th May – 1st June Primavera Sound will be broadcast in Spanish and English on the Amazon...more
Black Lives in Music - Government ‘Falling Short’ in Helping to Protect Women in the Music Industry
UK Government ‘Falling Short’ in Helping to Protect Women in the Music Industry Harassment and Discrimination Allowed to Continue After Government Rejects Recommendations of the Misogyny in Music Report BLiM & CIISA amd more respond to the Government’s inaction CIISA cite BLiM's new...more
Symphonic Distribution Hires Stephen Nightingale to Lead A&R and Business in Canada
Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, has hired music industry veteran Stephen Nightingale as Vice President, A&R and Business Development, Canada. Reporting to Symphonic’s Chief Creative Officer, Randall Foster, Nightingale will bring his...more
Rock icon Dan P Carter joins Spinefarm as Director of Artist Development
Key appointments also made across UK Marketing Team Spinefarm Music Group, one of the most successful and best-known rock labels in the world, has announced a major global hire alongside a new UK marketing team. Dan P Carter, the longtime curator of...more
Park Avenue Artists Expands Booking Division
New York multihyphenate agency signs new talent, brings on booking co-director in ongoing push to create a new model for arts agencies and management. Park Avenue Artists has expanded both its artist roster and its executive team in its booking division....more
Meet Unisound: The ultimate matchmaker between sample buyers and sellers
The market for sample packs is more saturated than ever–forcing modern sample libraries to make and market their sounds and leaving buyers to sift through endless sounds to find exactly what they are looking for. That’s why Unisound created a platform that lets...more
Universal Music France and Binetou Sylla, founder of leading independent label Wèrè Wèrè Music partner to lead Def Jam Africa across French-speaking Africa
Universal Music France and producer Binetou Sylla form strategic relationship to lead Def Jam Africa, focusing on further developing French-speaking regional artists globally Universal Music France (UMF), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today...more
BPI CEO calls on music industry and government to unite around 5 key priorities to support human artistry and sustainably promote British music
Focus on talent & education, fan engagement & innovation; and sustainability; Keynotes from Ed Newton-Rex, Fay Milton, Louis VI, and Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS. Panel contributions including by Rebecca Allen (EMI Records), Elton Jackson (Sony Music UK), Vabyanti Endrojono-Ellis...more
THE HEADLINES
Should the state step in to save our live music scene? (see Features)
Gary Roden exits Co-op Live following troubled venue launch (see News)
Spotify talks growth, bundle royalties and short-video plans (see Digital)
BPI CEO calls on music industry and government to unite around 5 key priorities to support human artistry and sustainably promote British music (see News)
Hipgnosis Song Management fires back at Songs Fund board (see Business)
Blackstone bid for Hipgnosis receives backing from board (see Business)
Taylor Swift’s new album breaks Spotify records (see News)
Independence - what’s up with that BPI press release about 2023 music consumption? (see Comment)
Creator Remuneration Working Group meet for the first time (see News)
Concord's takeover of Hipgnosis (see Analysis)
Concord set to acquire Hipgnosis Songs Fund (see Business)
Is the music industry gaslighting artists? (see Comment)
BPI’s new Yearbook highlights an independent sector growing for a sixth consecutive year (see Reports)
Can’t cross the moat? Walk around it. (see Comment)
The conversation around Fandom needs to change (see Opinion)
Viagogo: Carrying on ticketing, despite the controversy (see News)