Independents Day is starting to take shape.
In the U.K., trade body AIM is seeking a sponsorship partner to produce three TV programs that will be aired on commercial network Channel 4 in the three days leading up to July 4.
As previously reported, the international indie community’s weekend of activities will center on a limited-edition album specially recorded for release on July 4.
Although full details are not yet available, the album will be available on CDs and online until the end of July, when it will be deleted.
The album, however, is only one of several multi-media and multi-platform activities which will promote the contribution of independent labels worldwide, said Alison Wenham, CEO of U.K.-based indies trade body AIM, during the Music Connected 08 conference at London’s Glaziers Hall yesterday (April 28).
The album and TV programs will be complemented by a July 4 auction on eBay in several major and emerging music markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Australia, and India.
Up for sale will be an opportunity to perform on stage with Basement Jaxx, guitar lessons by a famous act, and rare vinyl recordings.
Independents Day is an initiative of the Worldwide Independent Network, for which Wenham is president. The campaign will also be used to raise funds for causes supported by the music industry such as the Musicians Benevolent Fund and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), which aims to prevent suicides among young men.
“We’ve borrowed a leaf from the Declaration of Independence to bring attention and respect to what you do on a day-to-day basis,” Wenham told the Music Connected audience of indie-label delegates.
“This industry is treated badly, so we need to raise awareness, especially among consumers, who feel they don’t need to pay for our music and feel bruised because of the way we’ve reacted. AIM wants to capitalize on the good will that we shall create with this campaign.”
