AIM Connected 2026: Data, AI and the Future of Independent Music

AIM Connected 2026 brought the independent music industry together at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, with conversations spanning AI, streaming fraud, data, global growth and the changing infrastructure behind music distribution.

For DUB 5, the conference was particularly relevant as we continue developing new music technology focused on improving release workflows, data accuracy and operational efficiency for the independent sector.

Among the speakers were David Lapushner, Head of Distribution & Rights Management at Involved Group, Robyn Edwards of Republic of Music and Rachel Buswell, Head of Digital Partnerships & Analytics at Domino Recording Company. Together, they contributed to discussions around how independent businesses can use data more effectively to improve decision-making and global reach.

Elsewhere, Cargo Independent Distribution’s Kameil Sattar joined a session focused on fraud and so-called “slop”, covering issues including artist hijacking, unauthorised uploads and the growing challenge of identifying problematic content at scale.

Curve Royalty Systems CEO Richard Leach also spoke on independence within an increasingly interconnected music industry, reinforcing a wider theme running throughout the event: behind every successful release sits an increasingly complex network of data, rights, distribution and technology.

DUB 5 also had the opportunity to speak directly with David Lapushner at the conference about some of the technology currently being developed internally and the challenges facing catalogue and distribution teams.

AIM Connected highlighted a clear shift across the industry. As release volumes continue to grow, technology that improves accuracy, reduces repetitive manual work and strengthens catalogue intelligence is becoming increasingly valuable, exactly the space DUB 5 is now building within.