01/10/2007 AIM Launches 'Women in Independent Music' Network

AIM launched its Women in Independent Music network last week to an enthusiastic crowd of over 50 female music entrepreneurs ranging from seasoned industry professionals to aspiring industry entrants.

This first event on 25th September was held at Carvosso's wine bar in Chiswick, and attendees included industry personalities Ruth Burch (One Little Indian), Marianne Frederick (Buzzin Fly), Emma Collins (eMusic) and Jongleurs founder Maria Kempinska.

In addition to networking the event involved a group discussion on the lack of women in senior industry positions. The atmosphere was one of encouragement of fellow female music industry colleagues as well as constructive criticism of the industry and suggestions about how to move forward. The AIM team greatly appreciated the contributions of those who attended, and the generous and positive feedback, which included such comments as "I came away feeling invigorated by meeting such a great bunch of inspiring women", "I found Alison extremely inspirational and left buzzing" and "it was a great networking facility".

Such comments alongside the result of the AIM Annual Membership Survey, which found 80% of member companies to be male-led, highlight the need for such a network.

There was strong demand for a further event to build upon solutions to the common issues, at all levels of the industry, that came to light through the well received exploration of AIM CEO Alison Wenham's own career path as a woman in the music business. Suggestions to encourage the career progression of women in the music industry included a Women in Independent Music email network and more women members to stand as AIM event panellists and board members.





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