A2IM Announce More Keynote Speakers, Mavis Staples To Receive Icon Award

The American Association of Independent Music has released the full program for its annual conference, A2IM Indie Week presented by SoundExchange, which will be held virtually from June 14 through 17.

In addition to the previously announced keynote speakers, SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe has been added to the lineup and will participate in a fireside chat with Digiday Senior Editor Max Willens on the future of the music industry in a digital-first world.

“It is a dynamic time in the world of music marked by continued transformation,” says Huppe. “It is my honor to kick off A2IM Indie Week and open up what promises to be a week of meaningful discussion to help shape the future of our industry and inspire the Indie community and beyond.”

Additionally, Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL) and legendary musician Dionne Warwick will join Huppe in a discussion, moderated by White House reporter for The Hill, Alex Gangitano. Together, they will address the strengthening movement for a performance right for artists played on AM/FM radio.

The full programming lineup will also feature talks and panels spanning through independent music advocacy, digital marketing, exporting, what a return to touring will look like, neighboring rights, streaming, and more. For the full slate of programming, click here.

On the final day of A2IM Indie Week the conference will also celebrate the 10th Anniversary A2IM Libera Awards presented by Merlin and streaming exclusively on YouTube.

This year’s Icon Award recipient will be soul and gospel icon Mavis Staples. Staples and the Staple Singers shot to stardom on Stax Records with a string of legendary hits, including “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” and “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me).” In more recent years, Staples has recorded critically-acclaimed music with Jeff Tweedy, Ben Harper, Run The Jewels, Arcade Fire, Hozier, and more.

Among this year’s performers will be Grammy-nominated rock and soul duo Black Pumas, Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Lecrae, breakout British artist Arlo Parks, three-time Grammy-winning Black roots music artist Fantastic Negrito, Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna, and Canadian-Colombian singer Lido Pimienta.

Fans can watch the awards show on A2IM’s official YouTube channel starting at 5 p.m. CST on June 17.