Indie Week has unveiled the keynotes, panels, speakers and topics for its 2025 conference, which is set to run June 9-12 in New York.
This year’s keynotes will come from Cherie Hu, founder of Water & Music, who will discuss the future of indie music tech; Shira Perlmutter, register of copyrights/director of the U.S. Copyright Office; and a yet-to-be-announced representative of Apple Music.
Topics will include the state of the independent music industry, advocacy, artificial intelligence, global opportunities, catalog, culture and wellness, data analytics, distribution, fan engagement, marketing, music journalism in 2025, publishing, sampling, streaming, synch, sustainability, touring/live and more. The conference will also feature workshops from Beatdapp, Spotify, BabyJam, ONErpm, Bandcamp, Chartmetric, Red Bull Records and Continued Legal Education curated by Perkins Coie.
New to the conference this year is IndieVest, described as “a curated track of programming directly connecting the financial investment sector with the independent music community.” Taking place on Wednesday, June 11, the gathering will offer a meet and greet mixer, a panel featuring thought leaders in music investment, and a pitch competition in partnership with Triple G Ventures through which innovators will present ideas to industry leaders, investors and creators. Confirmed IndieVest judges and panelists will be announced in the coming weeks.
You can find a select rundown below. To check out the full slate of programming and/or purchase a badge, go here.
A2IM INDIE WEEK 2025 PRELIMINARY KEYNOTES, WORKSHOPS & PANELS
(more to be announced soon)
Keynotes:
Cherie Hu, Founder – Founder of Water & Music – The Future of Indie Music Tech
Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights and Director, U.S. Copyright Office – Details to be announced.
Featured Keynote, Apple Music – Details to be announced.
Workshops:
IndieVest presents The Indie Hustle:Music Innovation Pitch CompetitionMusic Investments 101: Unlocking Capital in the Independent Sector
Continued Legal Education (CLE) curated by Perkins Coie presents:Ethical and Legal Issues in NegotiationEmerging Technology Law Issues Impacting the Music BusinessLabor & Employment in 2025 – Changes with the New AdministrationHot Legal Issues for the Music IndustryMusic Industry M&A: Trends and Key Legal ConsiderationsCybersecurity for Music Companies
Beatdapp presents:Fake Streams, Real Damage: Uncovering Fraudulent Networks and AI’s Role in Streaming FraudBeyond Fraud: How Data Transparency is Reshaping Streaming
Spotify presents:Level Up Your Release Strategy: Spotify’s Tools for Audience Development
BabyJam presents:NORDER : AI as your Manager/Assistant
ONErpm presents:Keeping Indies Independent: How Working with Independent Labels Fuels Innovation and Artist Development
Chartmetric:How Can Independent Artists Discover and Grow Their Audience with the Power of Data
Bandcamp – Details to be announced.Red Bull Records – Details to be announced.
Panel Topics:
What Does Indie Mean Today, and Why Does It Matter?
Dealmaking in the Age of AI: Ensuring Proper Value and Protections for Independent Music
Independent Music’s Top Women, Opening Doors for the Next Generation
Deal or No Deal: Live Contract Negotiation
Mastering Social Media: Sustainable Strategies & Microcontent Management
The State of Indie Music Journalism: Navigating a Shifting Landscape
Breaking Borders: Global Opportunities for Independent Music Publishing
Data Analytics All Stars: Turning Numbers into Music Industry Gold
How the Law Shapes the Future of Independent Music Distribution
A2IM, Celebrating 20 Years, and Looking Ahead to What’s Next
Annual General Meeting
