AIM Presents - Small Independent Labels: Building From the Ground Up

What does it really take to run a small independent record label in today’s music landscape? Hear directly from UK independent labels as they share candid stories from their early releases, things they’ve learned from setbacks, breakthrough moments, and the realities of growing sustainably.

This panel offers practical insight into signing and supporting artists, shaping a label identity, juggling creativity with business, and staying resilient in a fast‑moving industry. It also explores the crucial role that community plays — from building genuine connections to forming collaborations that help independent labels and artists support one another and thrive.

Whether you’re gearing up to start a label, already releasing music, or simply curious about how independent labels operate behind the scenes, you’ll find real talk, hard‑earned lessons, and inspiration from people making it happen right now.

Meet the speakers!

Learn more about AIM

AIM is the not-for-profit trade body exclusively representing the UK’s independent music sector, which makes up around a quarter of the recorded music market. Now in its 20th year, AIM’s members range from the largest, most respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music. We promote and support this exciting and diverse sector globally. We help them get heard by government and provide a range of services, commercial opportunities and practical help to our members, enabling them to innovate, grow and break into new markets.