Matt Johnson

CEO - Tristar Records

Biography:

I’ve spent my entire career in the music industry, from performing and touring as an artist to founding Tristar Records in 2010. What began as a personal project has evolved into a leading independent label generating over a billion streams each month and managing more than 5,000 masters. Tristar handles publishing, neighbouring rights, and sync licensing, with placements for brands such as Renault, Pokemon Go & Samsung. With experience across marketing, rights management, and digital strategy, I’ve built a sustainable, fully independent business that empowers artists & producers worldwide.

Personal Statement:

I would bring to the AIM Board over 3 decades of real-world experience leading a successful independent label that operates without outside investment or shareholders. Having built Tristar Records from a small project into a global business generating over a billion monthly streams, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that independent labels face in today’s fast changing landscape.

My expertise spans the full music supply chain, from rights management, digital distribution and metadata systems to financial reporting and artist relations. I’ve implemented scalable, transparent systems for royalties and rights administration and work daily with platforms such as Curve, AudioSalad, and Merlin.

I’m passionate about innovation, technology, and maintaining fairness across the value chain, ensuring artists and rightsholders are properly represented. I believe AIM plays a vital role in giving independents a united voice, and I want to help strengthen that voice through practical insight and creative thinking.

Having represented UK independents on trade missions to Los Angeles and China, I can contribute an international perspective and a focus on emerging markets.