2.6 million people tuned in online to watch the I’M three-day event which serves to open International Indie Music Season (IIMS) in China. I’M, the three-day business and showcase music event, took place from 17-19 July 2020. Organised by China’s National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Shanghai) and National Copyright Trade Base (Shanghai), in association with Kanjian Music, China’s leading music services company, the event brought artists and industry speakers from 35 countries from around the world together. Viewers from all over the world could hear about the latest global trends in culture, music, tech and media and discuss challenges and opportunities for copyrights in China and internationally.

International Indie Music Season (IIMS) was a three-month international music industry event that took place between July and September 2020. IIMS was based on the international culture of inclusiveness, linking the strength of global cities, and the leading music culture consumption of Shanghai, which kicks off with three days of online music shows, industry talks and more.

The three-day online event, supported by a range of international strategic partners including International Music Collaboration Organization China (IMCO), Kanjian Music, Music Ally, MQA, LyricFind and Chartmetric featured government announcements on music artist services and policies, music industry panels, and international music talent showcases.

Highlights among the panel sessions include:

• The Future of Music in the Post-Pandemic Age – with Helen Smith (Executive Chair, IMPALA), Noemí Planas (Network Development, WIN – Worldwide Independent Network), Lei Wang (General Manager, Tencent Musician, TME), Haiying Li (Vice Chairman, MCSC – Music Copyright Society of China), and Nan Zhai (Host, FM100.1)
• DSPs and Indie Artists – How Can We Work Better Together? – with Yan Lu (Head of Copyright and Strategic Partnership, ByteDance), Dong Zhang (Chief Content Officer, Radio.cn), Chi Chen (Head of Content Cooperation and Copyright Management, Migu Music), Bo Ding (Vice President, Netease Music), and Haze (Host, Hit FM)
• Indie Musicians – discussion on creativity – with artists Josh Cumbee, mxmtoon, YEHAIYAHAN, and Glenn Dickie (Export Music Producer, Sounds Australia)
• Tech and Lifestyle Trends Driving Music Innovation – with Mike Jbara (CEO, MQA), Sam Sterling (Managing Director Greater China and Japan, AKQA), June Ip (Vice President of Marketing (Global), Lenbrook), Long Ji (Senior Product Manager, Xiami)
• Brands and Music – the Ultimate Chemical Reaction – with Joelin (Director of Branding and Communication, YSL Beauty, China), Yoyo (General Manager, AKB48 China), Justin OH (Artist), Olivier Kreis (CEO and Co-Founder, VOX Music)

Showcases by 125 artists will take place over the three months, including performances by APEX-2045, Corsak, Dardust, Jinlong Fang, Josh Cumbee, Kodaline, Lumuade, mxmtoon, Ruth Koleva and SIIVIBA.

Click here to watch the 2020 conference and showcase sessions on YouTube