Belgrade’s vibrant atmosphere and rich culture, along with its emerging independent music scene, make it the perfect destination for this gathering
and Weyes Blood – also shares his enthusiasm: “Attending WINCON is such a privilege and a pleasure. This opportunity to exchange information with members of the independent music community from around the world is so rare. I’m incredibly grate- ful to be part of this community. I he- ar from everyone directly about the challenges they are facing, the solu- tions they are pursuing and how we can better work together.” Belgrade, which is known for its ec- lectic music scene, provides a fitting backdrop for the conference. As IM- PALA Executive Chair Helen Smith points out: “All of the countries in this region are crucial to the music eco- nomy of the whole of Europe and how we work both commercially and politically. This is one of the reasons why Dario Draštata was also elected as chair of IMPALA, the European or- ganisation for independent music companies. One of our key priorities is working with digital services to pla- ce a spotlight on the great talent in the region, and coming to Belgrade is a great way to achieve that.” RUNDA President and IMPALA Cha- ir Dario Draštata explains: “When we started Runda, one of the priorities was to connect the region with the world, but also to bring the world to the region. By hosting WINCON at our own Runda Digital Day conferen- ce in Belgrade, we have not only ac- hieved that goal, but also created a networking hub that creates possibi- lities for the global indie community.” Kees van Weijen, a RUNDA advisory board member and an IMPALA exe- cutive board member, remarks: “Bu- ilding a local music community trade organisation to grow the diversity of its music worldwide is vital. It’s great that WINCON at RUNDA’s Digital Day recognises the potential of these
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unique artists and, via its network, will promote the sound of the Balkans.” WINCON is being proudly sponso- red by Merlin, a leading digital mu- sic licensing partner for indepen- dent record labels, distributors and rights holders. As its CEO, Jeremy Si- rota, explains: “Merlin is proud to su- pport this year’s event in Belgrade, a city with a vibrant and dynamic mu- sic scene. Our mission is to ensure that independent music continues to thrive and grow around the world— participating in WINCON and RUN- DA Digital Day helps to advance tho- se objectives.” Serbia Creates, the national plat- form promoting Serbia’s creative in- dustries, is also playing a key role. As Serbia Creates Music Industry Advi- sor Zorica Tepić notes: “It is a great honour for us that Belgrade and Ser- bia will host WINCON, an event with
a worldwide impact that’s dedicated to gathering independent music pro- fessionals from around the globe.” Marty Ro, Co-CEO of Sound Repu- blica and Vice-Chair of LIAK (South Korea), highlights the potential for collaboration: “I hope this event wi- ll provide an opportunity for excellent music from the Balkan region and K-Pop to collaborate. This collaborati- on could open new doors for cultural exchange and mutual growth.” IMICHILE President Fran Sandoval concludes: “WINCON is a unique global gathering of the independent ecosystem, offering a platform to explore the realities of various regi- ons and share insights about one's own region. Much like the Balkans, WINCON fosters an environment where attendees can learn from the diverse experiences and innovative spirit of other territories.”
This event isn’t merely a conference, rather it’s a celebration of the independent music community’s resilience and creativity, as well as its commitment to a diverse and thriving music ecosystem
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