European Music Manager Alliance (EMMA) set up to provide a global voice in future biz discussions

Music managers across Europe have a new collective body to ensure creators’ representatives can have closer involvement in all discussions and decisions that impact future direction of the global music business.

The European Music Manager Alliance (EMMA) brings together music manager representative bodies from the UK, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Norway and Finland – with links to similar organisations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.

EMMA will collectively represent over 800 managers across Europe, and another 600 worldwide.

For its first year, the organisation’s inaugural chair will be Keith Harris, one of the industry’s most widely-respected figures and long-time member of Stevie Wonder’s management team.

All founding members will nominate representatives to the board.

EMMA’s initial focus will be on three specific issues:

Licensing and fair remuneration: as the recorded music business enters a new phase of streaming-based evolution, relationships between artists and labels have adapted.

The latter increasingly act as “rights partners” rather than “rights owners”. It is vital that such fundamental changes are reflected in licensing negotiations, and that commercial partnerships with Digital Service Providers are as transparent and open as possible.

Public Policy: in parallel to these commercial developments, adoption of pan-European legal frameworks and policy discussions must also involve greater participation from artists and their representatives – including current debates on Intellectual Property, taxation, collection society reform and Brexit. EMMA will provide a convenient point of contact for policy makers to engage with artist representatives.

Education and research: EMMA will also support a professional, educated and networked global community of music managers – sharing research, information and resources.

Founded on principles of transparency, diversity, professional standards, and accountability, EMMA will unveil a detailed agenda at MIDEM 2018, including a common Code of Practice and operating practices.

Commenting on the significance of the ,EMMA’s chair Keith Harris, said: “As the business representatives of artists, songwriters and producers, the role of the music manager has assumed ever greater importance in the digital era.

“For the future health of our business, and particularly with Brexit on the horizon, it is therefore vital that managers can maintain close contact and participate fully and openly in all commercial and policy discussions that impact on our clients.

“The creation of EMMA will make this possible.

“Going forward, digital services, legislators and other industry partners will have opportunity to connect with the widest range of music managers via a single networked organisation.”

Leanne de Souza, AAM executive director (Australia) added: “Artist managers are working the careers of their artists earlier than ever before.

“The opportunities of reaching global markets and networks is fundamental to negating the geographical isolation that Australian managers encounter.

“Peer support and professional development activities are vital and the AAM welcomes the opportunity to further the global reach of our 250 Australian artist managers through EMMA.”

Cecilie Torp-Holte, chief officer of NEMAA Norway had this to say: “With the digitisation of the music industry, borders between countries are being knocked down.

“At the same time, the role of the music manager is becoming ever more important.

“These combined facts make the launch of EMMA very welcome, creating an efficient European network where we can work together on an EU or global level, as well as share experiences, knowledge and education.”

Virpi Immonen, chairperson, MMF Finland, added, “More than ever before, we need to work together, collaborate and be united.

“Transparency, diversity and equality are important issues and we want to support this new initiative with our European and international colleagues.”