The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has unveiled the lineup for AIM Sync 2023, the UK’s leading global sync conference and marketplace.

Taking place online on 21st February, speakers will include industry big-hitters Toby Williams (Music Supervisor, Leland Music), Lynden Campbell (Managing Director at HotHouse Music), Mitch Page (Senior Label Relations Manager at Amazon Music), Emma Lomas (Head of Licensing and Creative at Beggars Group), and Robert Buckley (Senior Creative at Ninja Tune).

The event, which brings together the independent music community with music supervisors in film, gaming, TV, advertising and brands, will include three concurrent live streams featuring expert-led panels and workshops.

The market overview, which has become an annual staple of the conference, will provide insight from different stakeholders including spokespeople for HotHouse Music, Too Young and Beggars Group, who will share their perspectives on developments across the global sync and brands landscape. Further topics on the day will include Creating Successful Long-Term Brand Partnerships and Bespoke Composition in Sync: Tips and Strategies for Independent Rights Holders & Music Supervisors.

Case studies will unpack strategy around the soundtrack and music identity of Netflix’s hit drama Top Boy, which has championed high-profile syncs from independent artists Dave, Jorja Smith, Central Cee and Flohio, among others. Additionally, the team behind Alfie Templeman’s virtual ‘Mellow Moon’ Minecraft festival, one of the first major examples of an independent artist securing an in-game performance-based partnership, will discuss how it worked and how the innovation around the event powered Templeman’s 2022 album launch.

‘Listening sessions’ will give attendees a unique chance at receiving feedback on their music from world-leading music supervisors who have placed music for global brands including Burberry, PlayStation, Apple and FIFA, as well as hit shows The Crown and Killing Eve. Delegates are also able to sign up to one-to-one meetings and open networking sessions throughout the day.

The event will also include the 2023 AIM Sync Awards, which celebrate the year’s most innovative syncs in independent music and the teams behind them. Nominations are open here for the two award categories — ‘Music Supervisor of the Year’ and ‘Independent Sync Of The Year,’ recognising the best sync placements in the independent music landscape.

Last year’s Music Supervisor of the Year award went to Eyeliner Music’s EMMY-nominated Managing Director Catherine Grieves for her work on the international hit series Killing Eve. ‘Independent Sync of the Year’ was awarded to the team at Young (Beggars Group) for their placement of ‘Two Weeks’ by FKA Twigs in Burberry’s Hero Fragrance campaign.

Tickets for AIM Sync are available here, with discounted prices for members and friends of AIM, as well as various other trade organisations. Those interested in buying a discounted ticket can reach out to their relevant organisation representative, or alternatively can email info@aim.org.uk for more information.

Gee Davy, COO at AIM, commented: “Sync licensing and brand partnerships have seen significant innovation over the last few years, with streaming TV, in-game and the start of Web 3.0 opportunities adding to the mix. These innovations alter traditional deal structures as well as creating new revenue streams for creators and the businesses and teams who invest in and work with them, so it’s vital to keep up to date. Sync continues to be an important source of income as well as an effective tool for artists to reach new audiences so we designed AIM Sync to help professionals understand, participate in and capitalise on the sync and brand partnership opportunities available today.”

David McGinnis, Managing Director of Mute Song, who spoke at last year’s conference, added: “AIM Sync is the very best UK forum for learning about sync marketing and licensing and for making connections in the sync world. No conference or speaker will assure you sync placements but if you have extraordinary music to market then AIM Sync can help you on your mission."

AIM thanks its event partners Guild of Music Supervisors UK & EU and Too Young, as well as AIM’s Annual Platinum Partners: Amazon Music, Facebook, Merlin, PPL, Spotify, VEVO and YouTube Music, for their ongoing support.