IMPALA was established in 2000 by independent music companies across Europe. The independents are world leaders in terms of discovering new music and artists - 99% of Europe’s music companies are SMEs, and they produce more than 80% of all new releases. IMPALA's mission is to grow the independent music sector, return more value to artists, promote cultural diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access and modernise perceptions of the music sector. Its work spans the political, financial, commercial and promotional worlds. It has three award schemes, the European Independent Album of the Year Award, the Outstanding Contribution Award and the IMPALA Sales Awards, which help promote new talent and highlight the diversity and artistic contribution of independent music. IMPALA award winning artists include Viagra Boys, Gurr, Caribou, Agnes Obel, José González, Guadalupe Plata, The xx, Armin van Buuren, Adele, Mogwai, Metronomy, Orelsan and Andrea Bocelli. IMPALA Outstanding Contribution Award 2019 went to Music Declares Emergency, because there is no music on a dead planet.