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

Andrew co-founded the Welsh record label BWGiBWGAN in 2025, championing new voices in and around the Welsh scene. Andrew also co-manages the label’s roster of 10 artists. BWGiBWGAN (pronounced “boogie-boogan” and roughly translated as “ghost disco”) is home to MWSOG, Tai Haf Heb Drigolyn and menig, and released the earliest music by Why Horses?, receiving support from BBC, KEXP and Radio X, among many others. Outside of his label and management work, Andrew promotes shows as SLUSH, books in-house for six live venues around the UK including Camden Barfly, and co-curates BOIA festival in Wales.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I’m passionate about championing new music from Wales and developing our scene nationally. I joined the music industry two years ago from my previous background in headhunting and have worked on building the grassroots scene across South Wales, from live shows and festivals to providing better management and label opportunities for emerging voices. Everything I work on is driven by the thrill of new music.

As an independent label director, artist manager, festival director and highly active promoter, I hope I can provide a broad but fresh perspective and strong respresentation for Welsh artists. I’m equally keen to meet and learn from everyone else in AIM.

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

James studied a BA and Integrated Masters in Commercial Music at Bath Spa University. After graduating, he secured an A&R role at Bucks Music Group and BDi Music. Since then, James has made significant signings and developed artists, songwriters, producers, composers and catalogues globally. He is passionate about supporting mental health in the music industry and volunteers with Music Support. James was selected for the 2019 Music Publishers Association Peer Mentorship scheme and co-founded Monday Music Mixer, a community connecting professionals in artist-facing roles.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I’d bring a different publishing perspective to the AIM Board. I spend my days trying to help independent artists and songwriters build careers without losing the reason they went independent in the first place.

A big part of my job is developing artists at the beginning of their journey and helping them navigate the music industry without making them feel like they have to become something they’re not to succeed. I’m a big believer that independence should mean having more control, not having to do everything yourself. I enjoy finding creative ways to help artists grow while keeping their identity, ambition and independence intact.

I’d also bring a healthy amount of curiosity and probably quite a few opinions! I’m genuinely interested in where the industry is heading, particularly around technology, AI, streaming, copyright and how independent businesses can compete when the rules seem to change every five minutes.

I’d want to be a board member who actually listens to people working in the industry and brings those conversations into the room. AIM has a huge opportunity to make sure independent music has a loud voice, and I’d love to help make that voice even louder.

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, Pete founded Paper Recordings in 1993, releasing over 2,000 tracks, streamed over 60 million times, and featuring over 500 artists, producers, and remixers from over 50 countries. In 2011, he created 1043 Recordings for Futureworks University, which operates solely as a work-integrated learning model for students, staff and graduates. As a filmmaker, he has produced the award-winning music documentary Northern Disco Lights, and is 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 matters, marketing campaigns, 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 companies, and my role as industry coordinator at Manchester-based University, Futureworks, gives me the chance to support young people into a media career.

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

I started out at Rolling Stone magazine Berlin , before founding Pon’t Danic Music at 18, initially promoting gigs before developing it into the management company it is today, representing Cassia, Dominik Hartz and Pippa Crossland. After relocating to Manchester in 2021, I co-founded Love Sundays with Cassia, independently releasing their last two albums, which have amassed over 20m+ streams alongside global campaigns and tours. In 2026, I founded Neighbourly Music Publishing, which within six months has signed five Manchester-based writers and built a catalogue of 100+ songs.

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

With over eight years of experience across the music and cultural sectors, I specialise in business development, strategic partnerships, sponsorship and international growth. As Head of Business Development at Liveight Entertainment and formerly at Liverpool Sound City, I have generated significant commercial income, built international partnerships and delivered successful music and cultural programmes. My experience spans artist development, music licensing and cross-cultural collaboration, combining commercial expertise with a strong commitment to supporting diverse music communities

What I would bring to the AIM Board

I would bring a combination of commercial leadership, international music industry experience and a cross-cultural perspective to the AIM Board.

Across Liveight Entertainment, Liverpool Sound City and Modern Sky UK, I have developed international partnerships, generated significant commercial income and gained experience across live music, sponsorship, music rights and artist development. This gives me a strong understanding of the commercial challenges facing independent music businesses and the opportunities presented by international collaboration.

As an Asian professional working across the UK music industry, I would bring a perspective that remains underrepresented in industry leadership. Through Liveight, I have helped connect Asian communities, artists and cultural networks with the UK music ecosystem, and I am passionate about creating more opportunities for diverse artists and audiences.

I would contribute strategic insight on sustainable growth, international market access, partnership development and music rights, while championing greater representation and equitable opportunities across the sector.

Career summary

Candidate statement to follow.

What I would bring to the AIM Board

Candidate statement to follow.