Meet the
candidates.

Career summary

Alex Watson is a London-based songwriter, singer, performer and music industry professional with more than three decades of experience in the business. She began her career in the late 1980s and has been signed to Big Life Records, A&M Records and Famous Music Publishing. Alex is the founder and lead singer of Bastedo and has written and worked with artists and producers across a wide range of genres. She currently manages Roots Manuva and continues to develop her own music career, including recording reggae with Kufe Records, while continuing to write, perform and develop creative projects.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I believe I could bring a fresh, outside of the box perspective to the board. I have many years of music industry experience as well as having worked outside of the industry for many years as a learning and development professional. I have been running my own business for 12 years and have one part time employee. I manage the day to day business and creative affairs for iconic artist Roots Manuva as well as recording and self releasing. I have applied a couple of times. Who knows, maybe 3rd time lucky

Career summary

Angela has spent her career in independent music, working across label management, artist development, recording and the business of getting records made and released. She manages Saviour, an independent record label with an in-house studio, working directly with artists from A&R and first ideas through to finished releases. Her experience is hands-on and wide-ranging, giving her a practical understanding of the creative, commercial and operational challenges independent labels and artists navigate every day.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I would bring the perspective of someone actively running an independent label and studio, making the decisions and solving the problems that come with getting music from an idea to an audience. I understand the creative side of this business, but equally the commercial realities of rights ownership, budgets, release strategy, artist development and building something sustainable.

I’m particularly interested in how independents protect the value of music as technology changes around us, and how we make sure innovation works for artists and rightsholders rather than simply extracting from them. I care about copyright, fair pay and ensuring smaller independents have a meaningful voice in decisions that will shape our industry's future.

Simply put: I bring curiosity, straight talk and a willingness to challenge assumptions, but also the practical experience to know that good ideas have to work in the real world. AIM represents an extraordinarily varied community; I’d want to help ensure its direction reflects that breadth, particularly the labels doing more with less every day.

Career summary

As Head of A&R at Submarine Cat, I've helped define the roster, vision, and direction of the label from the ground up. Working closely with independent artists and their teams on a daily basis, shaping their creative strategies and approaches for sustainable careers, has given me invaluable insight into the challenges they face. I've become a strong believer that community is vital to overcoming them. I'd like to bring that perspective to the AIM Board: to help foster greater connection, transparency and support across the independent sector, and to champion sustainable, artist-focused growth.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

Community is at the forefront of my work at Submarine Cat, and I see it as one of the independent sector's greatest strengths. Working at a small label with limited resources over the past six years has taught me to be adaptable, creative and hands-on across every aspect of releasing music independently. From distribution, creative direction and digital marketing to retail strategy, label management and A&R.

In my experience, breakthrough artists value being part of a scene. It’s our mission as independents to show leadership and purpose in fostering the communities where artists thrive. I want to help bring focus to those communities and encourage closer collaboration between indie labels.

With every artist that places their trust in a small label comes a sense of responsibility. Part of that responsibility is to act on the challenges shaping our landscape, from the rise of AI and the declining influence of human tastemakers to the financial pressures on touring, to name a few. I’m keen to bring an artist-focused perspective to these issues, while also learning more about the areas of the industry I have less experience in.

I hope to bring the perspective of a small label to the conversations shaping the future of our sector.

Career summary

With over 8 years of industry experience, I bring expertise in commercial strategy and growth, distribution, rights exploitation and business development. At board level, I would bring a commercially driven perspective to AIM’s strategic priorities, helping shape industry advocacy on digital platforms, emerging licensing models and securing fair value for independent music rights. My experience identifying and unlocking monetization opportunities would support AIM in challenging established industry practices, anticipating market shifts and championing the commercial interests of its members.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

Having worked across independent labels, DSPs and technology partners, I understand how shifts in technology, licensing and platform economics affect independent rightsholders.

I would contribute strategic insight into emerging revenue opportunities, digital innovation and the evolving music supply chain, helping translate complex market developments into actionable priorities for AIM. I am particularly interested in ensuring independent rightsholders have a meaningful voice in shaping AI licensing frameworks, platform relationships and the future value of music IP.

Career summary

I'm the founder of Clasico Records, an independent electronic music label established in 2023 and nominated for AIM and DJ Mag Best of British awards. I've worked in music for over a decade, across independent labels, distribution, artist development and live events, including roles at Local Action, FUGA, Vice and CDR. Alongside building Clasico, I've managed international release campaigns, worked closely with emerging artists and mentored people starting out in the industry. That mix of experience has shown me both what small music businesses can achieve and the challenges they face.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I'd bring the perspective of someone who's built a label from scratch and is still very much managing every aspect of it, as well as experience across distribution, label management and artist development.

Running Clasico has taught me how much smaller labels can achieve with limited resources, but also how difficult it can be to sustain them. Rising costs, increasingly complex digital platforms and unequal access to industry opportunities are all challenges I've encountered firsthand.

I'm particularly interested in how we can make the independent sector more sustainable and fair, and ensure smaller businesses and emerging artists aren't left behind as the industry evolves. There’s also more that can be done to make industry knowledge, networks and opportunities accessible to people who don't already have a foot in the door.

My time at FUGA gave me a strong understanding of the technical side of distribution - from metadata and rights to the wider digital supply chain. I'd bring that experience alongside a grassroots perspective and an enthusiasm to learn from people working across different parts of the industry.

I'd love to help ensure that AIM continues to represent independents of all sizes.

Career summary

As VP of Global Streaming and Senior Management at Better Noise, I’ve spent over eight years advancing from UK Streaming Manager to leading worldwide digital strategy. Before music, running my own hospitality business gave me an entrepreneurial, out-of-the-box mindset that directly shapes my approach to artist development. I’ve delivered proven growth, taking Mongolian rockers The Hu from Camden Underworld to a sold-out Brixton Academy and scaling The Funeral Portrait’s Spotify monthly listeners from 9k to 120k+. Across every campaign, I leverage deep, global DSP relationships to drive success

What I would bring to the AIM Board

As part of the Senior Management team at Better Noise Music, I bring commercial leadership, technological innovation, and international relationships to the AIM Board. Better Noise’s sole focus is artist development—approaching every release with carefully planned execution across the modern digital supply chain. In a market dominated by major budgets, algorithmic saturation, and rapid advancements in generative AI, supporting and safeguarding independent rightsholders has never been more vital.

Being part of a Merlin member label and serving on the A2IM Digital Workshop committee gives me a sharp, global perspective on big-picture challenges—from streaming economics and fair discovery to AI policy and copyright protection. Crucially, with Better Noise staff holding board seats across A2IM, Merlin, and IMPALA, my global position offers a unique bridge to advocate for AIM internationally, ensuring UK indies have a direct, influential voice in key decision-making bodies worldwide.

On the AIM Board, my priority will be empowering independent rightsholders with actionable digital strategies, driving cross-border growth, and fighting for equitable policy while championing the power of true, long-term artist development.

Career summary

I have worked in independent music for ten years across record labels, artist management and live events. I lead A&R and label operations at untitled (recs), while also working as a partner at untitled (mgmt), supporting artists including Jerskin Fendrix, deathcrash, Lauren Auder and TAAHLIAH. My work spans scouting and signing, artist development, recording and release campaigns, distribution, marketing and the commercial realities of running independent businesses. I founded an independent label and Three Wheel Drive, a 500-capacity festival that championed UK artists including Squid, Sorry

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I would bring the perspective of someone working across independent label operations and artist management, with first-hand experience of the challenges facing smaller businesses and emerging artists.

I’m particularly interested in how AIM can better support emerging independent labels and artists to grow sustainably while retaining ownership and control of their intellectual property. Access to finance, fair commercial arrangements and a better understanding of rights and their long-term value are all important to ensuring that independent businesses can build lasting careers without compromising their future.

Having worked across artist development, distribution, music IP and the financial realities of running an independent label, I would bring practical insight into these challenges. I’d be keen to contribute ideas, share knowledge and help shape AIM’s priorities in a way that supports the long-term sustainability of independent rightsholders across the sector

Career summary

Katherine Cantwell: Audience Development: Heavenly Recordings. Independent record label founded:1990 Current roster includes KNEECAP, Gwenno, Baxter Dury.

Alongside her role at Heavenly, Katherine is passionate about improving access to careers in music for the next generation. Katherine is currently a mentor for Arts Emergency in Greater Manchester. She has also delivered industry workshops at institutions including the BRIT School / Brighter Sound / BIMM, and has appeared on panels at events such as Un-Convention and FOCUS Wales.

In 2023, Katherine managed an apprentice through the inaugur

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I have been at Heavenly for 13 years: Overseeing the labels online and digital output. I have developed the labels social media channels, website and email marketing frameworks from the ground up. The primary focus has been around presenting the label and it's roster in the online world and building fan communities across each channel.

During this time I have seen the changes that the Covid 19 pandemic, music streaming, social media and movements such as 'me too' and the 'cost of living' have affected the independent music sector. Based in Manchester, I work remotely.Through this lens - I can see the positive and negative impacts of a Londoncentric music industry and what this means for the future of young people being priced out of the capital.

In my role I have also been a managed an apprentice: Amplify Scheme. It's a positive scheme supporting a more diverse industry for the future

I am extremely passionate about improving access to careers in the music: across regional locations and for marginalized communities. Becoming a Board Member for AIM will help push these ideas into fruition with a team that have the skills and knowledge to create more possibilities for a fairer industry

Career summary

I started performing and recording music at 13, studied music at the University of Westminster, and spent my early career as a session and touring musician while interning across the industry. At OddChild Music I handled day-to-day artist management and led independent label campaigns for artists including Ashnikko, Avelino, Etta Bond and One Acen. In 2019 I launched my own management company, representing 5EB, Bambie Thug, Benny Atlas and LEVi, then founded independent imprint TLD Records. As an independent artist, manager and label owner, I've seen the sector's challenges from several angles

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I'd bring the perspective of someone who has worked across the whole independent chain, from making records as an artist, to managing careers, to running a label. As founder of a growing independent imprint, I know the realities smaller labels face: limited resources, access to funding, cash flow and outlining fair terms for artist whilst not killing your own business model.

Alongside my work in music, I've spent the last 10 years as Finance Director at IUF, a group of technology/audio-visual start-ups, helping grow the business from nothing to £20 million turnover. I'm AAT qualified and have hands-on experience in financial management, business strategy and M&A, skills I'd be keen to put to work for AIM and its members.

Career summary

With over 30 years of experience in the creative industries, I founded dance label Paper Recordings in 1993, which has released over 2,000 tracks, featuring over 500 artists, producers, and remixers from over 50 countries. In 2011, I set up 1043 Recordings for Futureworks University, a record label operating solely as a work-integrated learning model for students, staff, and graduates. As a filmmaker, I have been lucky enough to produce the award-winning music documentary Northern Disco Lights and the Wild Water films. I am currently working on Inside the Outside, which celebrates the Outsider Music community.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

Since performing with an indie band at Sheffield University in 1989, collecting ‘pots’ at the Hacienda in Manchester, working as a DJ and artist manager, and then promoting the Hard Times nightclub across Yorkshire, I have been dedicated to creating a platform for other creatives to develop and grow within the music community. My record labels and recording artists are internationally diverse, and I offer a creative space where producers, DJs, artists, and young people can build a sustainable career and connect with our wider network. My work as a film producer gave me a different perspective and the opportunity to work with publishers and TV & film companies, while learning how to community-fund a grassroots project and run successful crowdfunding campaigns. My label management experience has strengthened my skills in sales & distribution, royalty accounting, legal, marketing, event management, and new business models. I bring a range of knowledge and relevant experience from the independent music industry through my label and film company. Managing a commercial 'student' label at Manchester-based University, Futureworks, gives me insight into how to support young people into a sustainable career in music.

Career summary

Over 13 years experience in the industry, working with indie labels, artist services & major labels. I’ve held senior roles at Partisan & Virgin Music/UMG with a focus on streaming, digital strategy, marketing & helping artists build sustainable audiences. I’ve worked closely with artists including Geese, IDLES, Fontaines D.C. & Ezra Collective, as well as a wide range of other artists & labels. My career has given me a strong understanding of the vital role the indie sector plays, the opportunities & challenges we face, plus strong relationships across labels, artists, managers, DSPs & retail

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I would bring a genuine passion for independent music & desire to help shape its future. Having spent my career working at Caroline International, VMG/UMG & Partisan, I’ve worked closely with a lot of indie labels, I’ve seen the opportunities our sector creates, but also how challenging it can be to build sustainable businesses & careers.

I live in Manchester, and I’d love to bring a perspective from outside London while building more relationships across the UK. During my time on AIM Digital Committee & more recently getting involved with the Small Labels Committee’s mentorship programme, I’ve had the chance to meet more people across our community & gain a better understanding of the different experiences.

I’ve held a number of roles in the industry but my main experience is in commercial & digital strategy. I’m keen to use this to contribute to discussions around some of the big issues facing our sector, such as AI and its impact on copyright, as well as streaming reform, transparency and how independent artists & labels can compete for audiences.

I’m excited to use practical experience & a genuine enthusiasm for working with others to share ideas & information + help ensure independent music has a strong voice in industry.

Career summary

I started out in a band, eventually self-managing it and moving into managing artists and signing deals with Columbia and BMG, and product managing releases on a label through PIASUK.

I started at Futuresound Group in 2016 initially re-launching the label Dance to the Radio as well as being Head of Marketing for the events company and overseeing marketing during a period of significant growth of the festivals and events.

Now I run Dance to the Radio and it's label imprints, and I also work as a relationship manager for Press On Vinyl the UK's biggest vinyl manufacturer, and ecomm at FSG.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I have detailed experience of record labels, artist management, physical manufacture, live music, social media, digital advertising, web design, music publishing, e-commerce, and working outside the music industry for a number of years. The company I work for is multi-disciplined and fully independent and this has led to me working in and growing various areas for the group. I believe we're the only workplace in the UK (and potentially global) music industry that provides tangible experience in music rights, live music events, venue operations, festival operations, music publishing and vinyl manufacture. I've happily consumed it all and worked across all areas of the company so I feel I have a unique insight into different areas of the music industry.

Career summary

I began my music career at 16 as an artist, songwriter and producer, working on projects across the UK and US. Since then, I’ve worked as an artist manager, publisher artist-develoment and co-founded independent label Rough Bones, spanning pop, dance, hip-hop & Afrobeats.

I previously served 4 years on AIM’s Board and currently co-chair its Small Labels Committee. This year, I helped design and launch AIM’s mentorship pilot, connecting emerging labels with mentors from Domino, Secretly Group and Partisan.

I bring grassroots experience, board-level insight and a passion for meaningful change.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I know what it feels like to build a music business from the ground up, often navigating challenges around funding, resources and access to industry opportunities. As an independent label co-founder, artist, manager and publisher, I bring firsthand experience of the challenges facing rightsholders at nearly every stage.

Having previously served 4 years on AIM’s Board and currently co-chairing its Small Labels Committee, I understand the responsibility of board leadership and the concerns members bring to the table. I’m not afraid to ask difficult questions and believe in practical solutions. Helping design and launch AIM’s new mentorship pilot programme is one example.

I’m particularly passionate about championing women in business, independent entrepreneurs and underrepresented minorities in music, ensuring that talent and ambition - not gender, race or financial background, determine opportunity.

My priorities include improving access to funding and investment, strengthening rights & distribution, and tackling barriers around international growth and touring.

Above all, I would bring grassroots insight, strategic thinking & the determination to make AIM a stronger, fairer voice for independents of every size.

Career summary

I have been in recorded music since 1979 when i went to work for Miles Copeland and his independent labels including Illegal Records and Step Forward Records graduating alngside him to IRS Records home to REM And many other influential bands. My career has continued since that time leading me to setting up Marshall Records ten years ago . We are currently enjoying success with The Molotovs (UK Top 3 album) and our roster includes Nova Twins and Ashaine White all three were nominated in this years AIM awards. I am passionate about independent music and support of grass roots music and venues .

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I believe i would bring not only experience of the global music business and music rights but my true understanding of the artist journey and the importance of being able to maintain independence creatively and financially .

Career summary

Based in Manchester, I’m passionate about bringing a stronger voice from outside London to the independent music community. As a female founder who has built three music businesses from the ground up, I remain hands-on across the realities of running a small, self-releasing label, while my work in management and publishing gives me a wider view of how the industry connects. I’m particularly passionate about championing Northern talent and creating opportunities for voices currently underrepresented in the Manchester music scene, while bringing an international perspective shaped by my roots in Germany and years of releasing and developing artists across different markets.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

As a female founder based outside of London, I’d bring AIM an on-the-ground perspective from years of independently growing artists, releasing records internationally and experiencing first-hand the challenges smaller independent music businesses face.

Having built my businesses from the ground up, I’ve had a hand in every aspect of the release process. Running a small, self-releasing label keeps me close to the realities facing independent rightsholders, while my work as a manager and publisher gives me a wider view of how different parts of the industry connect.

Based in Manchester, I’m passionate about championing Northern talent and creating opportunities for people from backgrounds underrepresented in the local music scene. Being part of the MMF Accelerator programme and Women’s Leadership Network has helped shape my approach to leadership, while building and growing three independent music businesses has required me to think strategically, creatively and adapt quickly as the industry changes.

Hailing from Berlin and currently managing a German artist, I maintain first-hand insight into one of Europe’s key music industries. I’d bring these perspectives to the Board whilst championing smaller, self-releasing rights holders.

Career summary

Dr Yasin El Ashrafi BEM is a music entrepreneur and founder of HQ Familia, HQ Recording and HQ CAN, with over 15 years’ experience developing independent artists, businesses and music infrastructure. From Leicester, he has built a grassroots ecosystem spanning recording, label services, artist development, live events, education and mentoring. He founded Leicester Music Board and Leicester Music Conference, strengthening the city’s music sector and its national connections. Yasin is a British Empire Medal recipient, British Citizen Award medallist, Honorary Doctor of Music and Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals, and serves on Creative UK’s UK Council.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I would bring the perspective of a grassroots independent rightsholder and entrepreneur who has spent over 15 years not only building my own businesses, but creating opportunities and infrastructure for artists and music businesses across Leicester and the Midlands.

Through HQ Familia, I understand first-hand the realities of building an independent label: investing in artists and recordings, managing rights, releasing music and creating sustainable growth with limited resources. AIM’s Small Label Mentoring Programme is now helping me strengthen that business further.

Alongside this, I founded the Leicester Music Board and the Leicester Music Conference. My wider regional and national work has focused on ensuring grassroots voices and places outside London are represented in industry conversations, investment and decision making.

I would bring practical experience around access to finance, artist and entrepreneur development, skills, regional growth and government support, alongside the perspective of someone who came into music through a non-traditional route and built from the ground up.

I believe strongly in collaboration over competition. I would use the Board position to listen, connect and advocate for AIM’s whole membership, while ensuring smaller independents and regional music communities have a meaningful voice in shaping our industry’s future.