Setting the Stage:
How Music Works
ORCA (Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts) is a think tank comprised of international independent music labels committed to increasing music’s economic, social, and cultural value.
Major Lazer
It will do this by developing globally relevant and translatable evidence‑based research that informs governments and supports the work of trade associations, as well as contributing to furthering music’s impact on global economic and social development.
Shygirl
Top banner (left): Caught In Joy/Unsplash
Top banner (right): Nilufer Yanya by Molly Daniel
The five principles of ORCA
What ORCA believes and commits to
ORCA is committed to developing globally relevant and translatable research, data, and qualitative and quantitative evidence that demonstrate and support actions to grow music’s economic and social value.
ORCA is committed to investing in and fostering the development of music as culture and commerce.
ORCA believes music has a unique power to support all communities and the people who live in them, and wants to foster a forward‑thinking sector that offers opportunities to artists, businesses, and communities worldwide.
ORCA believes that through research and evidence, it can demonstrate the benefit of investing in artists and taking risks and help support and develop thriving music ecosystems worldwide.
The XX
ORCA Founding Supporters
ORCA's first report is presented here as a dynamic website. However, for convenience, we have also created PDF versions, including an 'Executive Summary', and the full-length report.
“We are excited for the launch of ORCA and its ongoing research demonstrating how music can be employed to address economic, social, and cultural challenges, across Europe and worldwide. Led by a group of independent record labels who have many years of combined experience using music as a force for positive change, ORCA is poised to make a significant impact. We are confident that ORCA’s work will advance music’s role in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals—from enhancing educational outcomes to improving healthcare delivery, and more—and look forward to working alongside them.”
Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary–General for Global Communications, United Nations
“Independent labels play a crucial role in fostering economic development and growth, not just within the music industry but across a wide array of sectors. Their investments and activities create jobs, support small businesses, and drive local economies, highlighting the significant impact these labels have on the global stage. By nurturing artists and investing in diverse services and businesses, independent labels help build vibrant communities and sustainable economic ecosystems. The Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts report underscores the vital importance of supporting these independent entities for the continued prosperity and diversity of the music industry.”
Nathan Ohle, President and CEO, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
“As an organization that champions the independent music sector and celebrates its successes, WIN welcomes this much-needed report, which highlights our industry’s best practices as well as the role and work of its companies and entrepreneurs. By providing concrete case studies, this new tool complements WIN's own initiatives to amplify the collective position of the global independent recorded music sector, such as the Global Independent Values and the Principles for Generative AI. This report will be particularly valuable in informing policy and supporting the remarkable efforts of trade associations around the world to promote the value of music and the strength and diversity of the independent community.”
Noemí Planas, CEO, Worldwide Independent Network (WIN)
“At A2IM, our mission is to promote equity and support the diverse voices within the independent music community. As practitioners on the front lines of helping policymakers understand a complicated ecosystem, we appreciate that the ORCA report aligns perfectly with our goals, emphasizing music's cultural and economic value. The report highlights the vital role of independent record labels and their collective efforts to drive positive change to ensure the music industry remains a vibrant and equitable space for all stakeholders.”
Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO, A2IM (American Association of Independent Music)
“This report sets out the unique work of independent labels and their vital contribution to the music ecosystem and beyond. It also illustrates how these labels work collectively to lead on key issues and we are proud to see some of IMPALA's projects featured as “best in class”. The interviews are particularly illuminating as they illustrate how independent labels in different markets share the same unique approach for artists with their expertise, risk taking and investment. This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand why labels are inundated more today than ever before by artists looking for long term partners. It is the first piece of comprehensive research devoted to independent labels on this scale. Not only is it the perfect complement to IMPALA’s storytelling features and awards to illustrate the sector in a compelling way, it underpins all our concrete programmes on key issues such as streaming reform, AI, sustainability and inclusion. We hope this is the first of many from ORCA.”
Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA
Nathan Nichols/Unsplash