Music has become a cornerstone of brand storytelling on social media—but using it without permission carries real risks. High-profile cases show how international brands can face serious legal exposure, from statutory infringement to tortious interference.
This panel will explore how brands, marketing teams and advertising agencies can navigate music licensing and synchronization, while rightsholders learn how to safeguard their works through collaboration rather than conflict. The conversation will highlight strategies for fostering a cooperative ecosystem where brands respect copyrights and rightsholders benefit from fair, mutually rewarding partnerships.
The panel will offer practical guidance for building a compliant and thriving social media music landscape.
This event is free to AIMP members, $20 for non members.
Mark Frieser is a Clio Award–winning entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of Sync Summit. An internationally recognized leader in music, media, and technology, he also founded Sonvue, an AI-powered music company protecting creators’ rights, and has over 25 years of leadership across digital, mobile, and media. His work and insights have been featured in major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Forbes, The New York Times, and the BBC.Kevin Casini is an attorney, educator, and advocate representing GRAMMY, Emmy, and Billboard Music Award winners, RIAA-certified artists, producers, writers, and performers; advising Fortune 100 brands, tech companies, trade associations, and public agencies.
Kevin is an active member of the Recording Academy and serves on advisory boards for FARHOF (Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame) and SONA (Songwriters of North America) and the Salt Lick Incubator. He is a professor of law at Quinnipiac University School of Law and speaks at law schools and universities across the country.
Lilah Obregon-Wilson began her music career in 2003, opening the The Lucky Cat venue, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Artists featured include: Sharon Jones, Reggie Watts, Dr. Dog and TVOTR, as well as a top underground Djs. She brought her music relationships and legal expertise (JD, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law) into advertising as a music supervisor, ultimately ascending to head of the Music department at J. Walter Thompson. She moved on to freelance, developing a roster of clients including: Coach, Michael Kors, and Remezcla. In 2011, Lilah kicked off her film career with “We Are Young” and Sundance’s Audience Award winner, “Sleepwalk with Me.” She has since worked on numerous films, including: Berlinale’s 2nd place Audience Award winning music doc, “Chavela” (‘17), Annie nominated VR film, “BattleScar” (‘18).Nick D’Angiolillo is Vice President for Non-Traditional Licensing at Concord. His work involves creating opportunities for Concord’s increasingly diverse music & brand portfolio including licenses for global merchandise campaigns, name & likeness partnerships, new media and startup licenses, unique live experiences, and operations of the Sound of Music Sing-A-Long international tour.
Throughout his career, Nick has contributed to the creative process for countless international advertisements, including spots for Google, Verizon, Crayola, Oreo, GoPro, Samsung, Hyundai, and Perrier, as well as globally-licensed merchandise campaigns with H&M, Target, and Primark. He’s helped develop educational textbook accompaniments, dance company productions, and unique synchronizations such as title music for the Oscar-Award-Winning film “Call Me By Your Name” and pivotal music for the Hulu Original Series “The Handmaids Tale.”
Nick is a member of the Billboard Pride List of Industry-Shaping LGBTQ Executives, a SOLID alumni, and competes domestically and internationally for Team USA in the Triathlon and Duathlon.
Nick received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he was also a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity.
Kaveri Arora is a member of the Litigation, Intellectual Property, and Media + Entertainment Groups, representing clients in a diverse range of intellectual property and complex commercial litigation matters. She is also the co-head of the firm’s Women’s Leadership Initiative.
Kaveri regularly counsels music, technology, art, fashion, and luxury goods companies and has significant experience in all aspects of litigation at both the state and federal levels.
Latin music is no longer just a cultural phenomenon, it’s a global powerhouse. From topping international charts to reshaping streaming trends, its rise has transformed the music industry and opened doors for songwriters, artists, publishers, and labels worldwide.
Join moderator Carlos Escalona Cruz with panelists Jamar Chess (Sunflower Entertainment / Spirit Music Latino), Jarrid Lezcano (SESAC), Viviana Arias Botero (The Orchard) and Lynn Gonzalez (Granderson Des Rochers, LLP) as they explore the current state of the Latin music industry. The discussion will highlight the forces driving this mainstream surge, the role of streaming, the impact for songwriters and rights holders, and emerging opportunities across borders.
Attendees will gain actionable insights and a front-row perspective on how songwriters and industry professionals can navigate—and thrive—in today’s fast-moving Latin music market.
This event is free to AIMP members, $20 for non members.
We invite you to join the 2025 AIMP Mentorship and Constituent Program. Mentors, utilize your experiences and knowledge to help an eager Mentee who is looking for your guidance in every aspect of the publishing industry.
We also encourage you to use this opportunity to join an AIMP Constituent Group – bringing together like-focused specialists in your field. Constituents are peer-run communities who meet virtually to discuss and collaborate on advanced industry topics.
You can sign up as a Constituent and still be a Mentor or Mentee!
To participate in the AIMP 2025 Mentorship and Constituent Program you must be an AIMP member and submit your questionnaire responses by October 3rd! For more details – click on the application links below.
Stephanie Wright leads A&R at MCA, guiding talent scouting, creative direction, and artist development. With nearly 25 years in the industry, she has worked with Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum, and Jordan Davis, helping shape their unique voices and careers. Previously Senior Vice President of A&R at Warner Music Nashville, Stephanie collaborated with artists including Jamey Johnson, Cole Swindell, Gavin Adcock, Hudson Westbrook and The Castellows. Known for her keen ear, strategic insight, and collaborative approach, she is deeply committed to artist development and the songwriting community.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite will give his forecast for the major battles ahead including the Copyright Royalty Board proceedings which will determine streaming rates for 2028-2032, the fight to end Spotify’s flawed bundling scheme, and the challenge of ensuring songwriters are fairly compensated in the Age of AI.
Israelite is the President and CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA). Since taking the helm of the NMPA in 2005, he has overseen groundbreaking victories on behalf of publishers and songwriters, including the largest Copyright Royalty Board rate increase in history, landmark royalty agreements with streaming platforms, and the passage of the Music Modernization Act, which created the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC). Named multiple times to Billboard’s Power 100, Israelite also serves on the boards of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Special Olympics DC, and previously served on the board of the Country Music Association (CMA). In addition, he is President of the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation, which supports emerging songwriters through scholarships and direct services.
This event is free to AIMP members, $20 for non members.
Association urges awareness of new federal and state bills aimed at safeguarding creative rights in the age of artificial intelligence
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) is raising awareness around two new legislative efforts designed to hold AI companies accountable for unauthorized use of copyrighted works in training artificial intelligence models.
At the federal level, Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have introduced the AI Accountability and Personal Data Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would bar AI companies from exploiting copyrighted works without permission. The bill would create a federal right for individuals to sue companies that use their personal data or creative output without affirmative consent and impose clear penalties for violations. Among other provisions, the legislation requires transparency around third-party data access and strengthens recourse for artists and rights holders whose work has been misappropriated by AI developers.
In California, Assembly Bill 412 – the AI Copyright Transparency Act – would give copyright owners the right to request a detailed list of their materials used to train a generative AI model. Developers must respond within seven days, and each day of noncompliance would constitute a separate violation. The bill represents a first-of-its-kind transparency mechanism that empowers creators to track if and how their works have been used in AI training datasets.
“AIMP supports both of these important bills and the growing recognition by lawmakers that creators’ rights must be protected in the rapidly evolving AI landscape,” said Frank Handy,AIMP National Chair. “We’ve long called for transparency, accountability, and fairness in rights management—and these proposals are essential first steps in building the infrastructure to support that.”
As AI continues to transform the music and media industries, independent publishers face unique challenges in navigating attribution, licensing, and revenue tracking in this new paradigm.
For more information on the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), please contact Jon Bleicher at Prospect PR [jon@prospectpr.com]
Congratulations to AIMP LA director Mayra Vargas for being recognized as part of Billboard’s Pride List 2025!
About Mayra:
Mayra Vargas is in the eternal quest for the intersection between music and activism. Born in Lima, Peru now residing in Los Angeles, Vargas is dedicated to uplift songwriters’ voices in the music industry through her role as Sr. Director of Creative Sync at Concord Music Publishing, pitching music for advertising and brands. She is excited to continue making efforts to have diversity, inclusion and love for music at the forefront of her journey and to keep creating ways to make songwriters and artists careers sustainable and charging to the future.
New Spotlight Conversation Announced: “Rights & AI” with ICMP’s John Phelan
June 10th | Fordham College at Lincoln Center | NYC For information and ticketing, please visit the GMPS 2025 Event Page
Multi-platinum songwriter and producer Sam Hollander will deliver the Songwriter Keynote at the 2025 AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit, presented by the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), on Tuesday, June 10th at Fordham College at Lincoln Center in New York City. With more than 22 U.S. Top 40 hits and collaborations spanning Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Ringo Starr, Carole King, Def Leppard, and Weezer, Hollander brings a singular creative perspective to the role of the modern songwriter. His keynote will reflect on his prolific career and offer real-world insights on creative longevity, industry adaptation, and the evolving relationship between songwriters and publishers in a rapidly changing music economy.
In addition, AIMP has announced a new Spotlight Conversation: “Rights & AI: A Spotlight Conversation with John Phelan of ICMP.” Phelan, Director General of the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), will join AIMP National Chair Frank Handy for a wide-ranging discussion about the growing influence of AI on music rights. From creation and licensing to enforcement and regulation, the conversation will explore how publishers can navigate—and help shape—this next frontier. Following the interview, Phelan will present key takeaways from ICMP’s global work on AI and copyright.
The 2025 AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit will feature a full day of programming, including:
The Next Phase of Music Legislation — A must-watch panel on federal updates from leaders at the NMPA, RIAA, The Recording Academy, and NSAI, moderated by HFA’s Michael Simon.
IMPF Global Market View Report — Featuring IMPF representatives from Reservoir, ABKCO, and Music Publishers Canada, this session will explore trends in global publishing and the power of international partnerships.
SynchA&Ronicity — A behind-the-scenes look at how Sync and A&R departments collaborate for creative and commercial success.
The Indie Perspective — An open discussion among indie publishers from Third Side Music, Empire, Anthem, and Domino Publishing on adapting to the evolving business landscape.
The Music Industry’s Next Generation of Leaders — A spotlight on emerging executives driving change across publishing, licensing, and A&R.
The Summit will be preceded by a June 9th Kickoff Party hosted by AIMP NY’s Young Professionals Committee and sponsored by The Music Infrastructure Company and Tipalti. All tickets include admission to both events, as well as meals and a complimentary one-year AIMP membership for new attendees.
Event Details
What: 2025 AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit
When: June 9–10, 2025
Where: Fordham College at Lincoln Center , 140 W 62nd St, NYC
For more information on the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP), please contact Jon Bleicher at Prospect PR [jon@prospectpr.com, 973.330.1711]
April 4, 2025 (Los Angeles) —
David Israelite Presents “State of Music Publishing” to AIMP LA Luncheon, April 2, 2025 (photo: Zach Gulino)
AIMP is excited to announce the launch of its newly updated website! Thank you for your patience as we navigate the transition.
Instructions for members to access your AIMP Member account:
A password reset email was sent to you on Friday, 03/15/2025, this is not a spam. All AIMP Members will need to reset their password to access the new website. Use the email link sent to you to reset your password and access your member portal. If you did not receive the email, click the button below to reset your password. Your username is the email address you have on file with AIMP. If you need further assistance, email info@aimp.org.
If you are NOT an AIMP member but would like to continue to be informed about AIMP events, webinars, and news, you’ll need to sign up anew for our mailing list. Click the button below to do so.
February 11, 2025 (Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York) – The Association ofIndependent Music Publishers (AIMP) has finalized its leadership for the next two years, with the Association’s Executive Committee unanimously electing National Chair for 2025-2026. In this role, Handy will work with the Executive Committee, which consists of each Chapter’s President and Vice President, to ensure all four AIMP Chapters are aligned and working together toward the Association’s goal to educate and inform the independent music publishing community about the most current industry trends and practices impacting the sector. He will also serve as President of the Los Angeles Chapter.
Handy has been actively involved in the Los Angeles Chapter for the past several years, serving as Chapter Treasurer from 2021 – 2023 and then Vice President from 2023 – 2025. Prior to starting his current role as VP, Catalog Royalties Administration at Peermusic, he held the role of VP, Head of Operations & Administration at Position Music from 2020 – 2024 and Head of Creator & Publisher Relations at AllTrack Performing Rights from 2018 – 2020. Handy has also consulted for Swell Sound, Geoffen Records, and El Camino Media. He is based in Los Angeles.
“It is an honor to serve as AIMP National Chair and build upon the work I have been doing with our Los Angeles Chapter,” said Handy. “As things continue to rapidly evolve in our industry, I am committed along with each of our Chapter Presidents to educating and supporting our independent music publishing community and continuing to grow and strengthen our mission. I thank the Executive Committee for their support and look forward to a successful term ahead.”
In previously announced results, the AIMP Atlanta Chapter elected Tony D. Alexander (MIME LLC) to a second two-year term as Chapter President, while Crystal Morris (Digital Royalty Distribution LLC) will serve as Vice President. David Alexander (David Alexander Consulting LLC) will take over as Treasurer, and Cheryl Potts (Cleerkut) will continue as Secretary. They will be joined by re-elected Frank Handy (Peermusic) as incumbent Board members Christopher Bass (Clark Atlanta University), Robin Kindrick (Track Dat Sync), Megan Oliver (Skybound Entertainment), and Eric Spence (Mosley Music Group). The Chapter’s Administration Director will remain Kandice Bell (KandiLand Entertainment, LLC).
In Los Angeles,Frank Handy (Peermusic) was elected Chapter President. Eric Polin (Music Publishing Consultant) will take over as Vice President, while Yvonne Drazan (peermusic) will serve as Secretary and David Quan (The Greater Goods Co.) as Treasurer. In addition, newly elected Board members Gabi Cote (Position Music), Jessica Raviol (NBCUniversal), Debra Delshad (Creative Licensing Consultant), Sherry Orson (Star Vibe Group), Bryan Bakke (Orfium), Andrew Wixen (Simplify Music), Charley Londoño (Counsel Plus), and Mayra Vargas (Concord Music Publishing) will join re-elected incumbents Marc Caruso (Angry Mob Music), Barbie Quinn (BMI), Todd Brabec (musicandmoney.com), Michael Todd (ASCAP), and Garrett Johnson, Esq. (Garrett Johnson Law) on the Board. The Chapter’s Administration Director will remain Juliet Lyons.
In Nashville,John Ozier (EVP, Creative, Reservoir Media Management) was elected Chapter President. The Chapter has also elected Courtney Crist (Eclipse Music Group) as Vice President, Janine Ebach (Ebach Entertainment) as Secretary, and Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank) as Treasurer. Newly elected Board members Duane Hobson (ASCAP), Dave Pacula (Liz Rose Music), Leslie DiPiero (Jonas Group Publishing), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb LLP), and Melissa Spillman (Concord), will join incumbents Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), ET Brown (SESAC), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Keithan Melton (Combustion Music), Alex Heddle (Big Machine Music), Tim Hunze (Big Machine Music), and Robert Carlton (SMACKSongs). The Chapter’s Administration Director will be Kendall Lettow (peermusic) and its Administration Assistant will be Alex Tamashunas (Creative Nation).
In New York,Debbie Rose (Sundae Songs LLC) has stepped up to the role of NY Chapter President, and Jeff Pachman (Domino Publishing Company) will take over her former position of Vice President. Art Levy (Songtradr/The Levy Firm) will remain as Secretary. Newly elected Board members Omar Sandoval (Spirit Music Group) and Peter Raleigh (Raleigh Music Group) will join re-elected incumbents Amber Charania (Downtown Music Holdings), Antonella Di Saverio (BMI), Brooke Primont (Concord Music Publishing), David Hoffman (Reservoir Media Management), Joanne Kelsey (Anthem Entertainment), Joyce Dollinger (Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP), Melanie Santa Rosa (Third Side Music), and Michael Simon (Harry Fox Agency/Rumblefish) on the Board. The Chapter’s Administration Director will remain Leigh Cusick (Sundae Songs).
