SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

Sam Fender’s Seventeen Going Under has won the coveted title of BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record of the Year 2021, announced tonight in a special edition of Radio 1’s Future Sounds. 

Seventeen Going Under, the title track from Sam Fender’s second album, debuted on Radio 1 as Hottest Record in July of this year. The single has since clocked up 21 weeks in the Official UK Singles Chart to date, including three weeks in the Top Ten, while the album debuted at Number 1 following its highly-anticipated October release. 

With Radio 1’s Hottest Record of the Year now in its fifth year, Sam Fender is the first artist to win the title twice after claiming the top spot for the first time in 2019 with Hypersonic Missiles.  

Sam Fender says: “I was doing therapy at the time that I wrote this song, and music has always been therapy before I did therapy. I’m a true believer that a song belongs to the fans once it’s out there, and if it provides the same level of catharsis that it did for me while writing it, then that’s the best thing I could ever hope for.” 

Clara Amfo says: “I think Sam’s win is really well deserved. There have been so many definitive songs of the year, but with this one in particular I’ve seen first-hand how people have made it their survival anthem. It’s a song that’s really helped a lot of people, so salute to Sam.”  

Listeners were able to vote for their favourite tracks via the Radio 1 website and via social media.

The top five Hottest Records of the Year 2021 are: 

  1. Sam Fender - Seventeen Going Under
  2. Joy Crookes - When You Were Mine
  3. Wolf Alice - How Can I Make It OK?
  4. Adele - Easy On Me
  5. Griff - Black Hole 

Other tracks longlisted for Hottest Record of the Year were (in alphabetical order): 

  • Anz ft. George Riley - You Could Be
  • Billie Eilish - Your Power
  • Central Cee - Obsessed With You
  • Charli XCX - Good Ones
  • Doja Cat ft. The Weeknd - You Right
  • Ewan McVicar - Tell Me Something Good
  • Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes ft. Joe Talbot - My Town
  • Fred again.. feat. The Blessed Madonna - Marea (We've Lost Dancing)
  • Kojey Radical ft. Lex Amor - War Outside
  • Little Simz - Introvert
  • Pa Salieu ft. Aitch - Bad
  • Paul Woolford & Amber Mark - HEAT
  • PinkPantheress - I Must Apologise
  • Sigrid - Mirror
  • Tion Wayne x ArrDee - Wid It 

The Hottest Record in the World is unveiled every night on Radio 1 at 6pm in a slot known for breaking some of the most exciting new music on the planet. Bring Me the Horizon and YUNGBLUD’s Obey was named as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record of the Year in 2020, beating the likes of Billie Eilish and Royal Blood to the top spot. 

21 May 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group to relocate New York offices to the Penn District

World leader in music-based entertainment lands new space for Eastern U.S. operations of iconic labels, businesses  New offices will feature state-of-the-art production facilities, retail space and premium digital signage in heart of Manhattan    Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Department for Business and Trade & Music Technology UK announce inaugural UK MusicTech Mission to Los Angeles

The UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with Music Technology UK (MTUK), has announced the ten innovative UK music technology companies selected to participate in the inaugural UK MusicTech Mission to Los Angeles, taking place June 9-11,...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Payday Music Publishing announces agreement for Kenny Young catalogue

New Signings & Big Hits for UK Division    Payday Music Publishing (‘Payday Publishing’), the leading independent publisher of Electronic Dance Music, Pop, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Reggae, has announced a publishing deal with the estate of the late Kenny Young. Kenny Young was...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

The Ivors 2025: Myles Smith and Darren Kiely to release Amazon Original tracks plus exclusive livestream performances

AMAZON MUSIC TO LIVESTREAM PERFORMANCES FROM LOLA YOUNG AND MYLES SMITH FROM THE IVORS BEA AND HER BUSINESS AND DARREN KIELY TO PERFORM BACKSTAGE EXCLUSIVELY FOR AMAZON MUSIC AMAZON ORIGINALS - MYLES SMITH COVERS "BEAUTIFUL DAY" BY U2 AVAILABLE HERE - WITH DARREN KIELY...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Cleber Augusto releases new album with the assistance of AI

Warner Music Brazil helps artist who lost his voice to throat cancer   The deluxe version of the album Minhas Andanças is out today, capping off a remarkable project that brings the voice of Brazilian samba legend Cleber Augusto back to the spotlight. Blending...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Creators and industry leaders rally for faithful implementation of AI regulation at European Parliament

Europe's creative sectors call on EU policymakers to uphold transparency, consent, and creators' rights in AI Act implementation  Last night, cultural and creative voices from across Europe came together in the European Parliament with a united message: the EU policymakers must...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

Introducing Fender Studio - Record, jam and create with the authentic sound of Fender amps and effects

In An Industry First, New App Brings One-Tap Recording, Mixing and Jam Tracks to Mobile, Tablet and Desktop Devices    Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announces the launch of Fender® Studio, the all-new app for recording, jamming and capturing creativity wherever and whenever...more

21 May 2025 | Press release

European creators led by Bjorn Ulvaeus meet top EU policymakers to ensure Transparency, Consent, and Remuneration for creators in AI market

A high-level delegation of creators led by ABBA co-founder and CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus has visited Brussels to call for action by the EU to safeguard creators’ rights in the AI era.  DOWNLOAD ULVAEUS' FULL SPEECH They met on May 20-21 with...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

National Album Day returns on 18 October with this year celebrating Rock

NATIONAL ALBUM DAY RETURNS ON SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2025, THIS YEAR CELEBRATING ROCK   National Album Day returns on Saturday 18th October 2025 with this year’s theme celebrating Rock, following previous editions that, among other themes, have focused on the albums of the 90s, Women in Music, Debut Albums and, just last year, Great...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

BBC Radio 1 Presenter and DJ Jodie Bryant joins Youth Music as new Ambassador

  Jodie Bryant, known for presenting the BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop show and championing new musical talent, joins Youth Music as an Ambassador Throughout the Ambassadorship, Jodie will amplify a variety of Youth Music initiatives, including the Next Generation Day with BBC...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

Dua Lipa is the most played artist in the UK for the second time in five years

Noah Kahan claims most played track of 2024 with ‘Stick Season’, while country music makes waves in the UKPPL can reveal that Dua Lipa was the most played artist across radio, TV and public places in the UK throughout 2024....more

20 May 2025 | Press release

FastStream Interactive acquires ROXi, prepares to revolutionise US Broadcast TV

  * Management-led buy-out of ROXi technology and business* Revolutionary free Interactive TV Channels to launch imminently* Backed by major US broadcasters including Sinclair and Gray* FSI shareholders also include Adam Clayton, Guy Hands, Jim Mellon   Management at music video streaming service...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

Cherry Red Records announce acquisition of Dome Records

Lulu, Beverley Knight, Incognito & James Taylor Quartet Included in Catalogue Purchase. Cherry Red Records has announced the acquisition of UK label Dome Records from directors Peter and Santosh Robinson.   Founded in 1992 by industry veteran Robinson, the company’s extensive catalogue...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

UK Music responds to EU touring announcement in today's UK-EU summit

Touring is referred to in point 15 of the Common Understanding document below:  15. The European Commission and the United Kingdom recognise the value of travel and cultural and artistic exchanges, including the activities of touring artists. They will continue their efforts to...more

20 May 2025 | Press release

Recognition Music Group establishes senior advisory group

Recognition Music Group, a leading music rights and investment company, today announced the formation of its Senior Advisory Group and appointed Matt Spetzler as Chairman, alongside Lisa Alter and David H Johnson as members. The Senior Advisory Group will provide...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

UK Music Industry Sends a Postcard Plea from Great Escape Festival to Political Leaders to Remove Barriers to EU Touring ahead of Summit

Legendary music industry broadcaster Steve Lamacq and Kaiser Chiefs' Simon Rix were among a raft of musicians, artists, and industry leaders who united at Brighton's Great Escape Festival to urge political leaders to sweep away the barriers to touring the...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

Unchained Music partners with Sonic Wax for vinyl manufacturing and distribution

Partnership will see artists on Web3 platform effortlessly gain a physical presence in record stores   Pioneering distribution and services company Unchained Music has agreed a manufacturing and distribution partnership with respected vinyl pressing plant Sonic Wax. The innovative partnership will see select...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy unveils free membership, new brand and website to champion songwriters and composers

  To kick off Ivors Week, The Ivors Academy – the UK's leading organisation for songwriters and composers – has unveiled a new brand and website as part of a major relaunch of its membership offer, reaffirming its commitment to be...more

19 May 2025 | Press release

Brockwell Festivals Battle Marks Dark Day for Culture, Workers, and Community - NTIA Warns

  Comment from Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association: “The legal action brought against Lambeth Council over the Brockwell Park festivals is emblematic of a much deeper crisis facing our cultural and events landscape. If these festivals are unable...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

Popindia announces the acquisition of Musicraft Entertainment catalog in India

PopIndia, Reservoir Media, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: RSVR) newly launched subsidiary based in Mumbai, India, today announced the acquisition of publishing and master rights to the entire Musicraft Entertainment catalog. This marks the Company's first catalog deal in India. Established in 1980, Musicraft...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

IMPALA launches new EU-funded support scheme to boost change-making initiatives in the indie sector

IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, has launched a new EU-funded support scheme aimed at boosting sector-led initiatives working on equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and environmental sustainability. The initiative is part of IMPALA's broader work programme as a recognised EU cultural network and...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Kane Brown's Verse 2 Music Renew Partnership

Deals extends joint venture helmed by country star Kane Brown and Industry Veteran Kent Earls Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the renewal of its partnership with Verse 2 Music, led by multi-platinum, award-winning country music superstar Kane Brown and industry...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

New report shows independent promoters as vital champions of local talent - but under threat

First of its kind AIP Report details composition, contribution and struggles of independent promoters in the UK. Most survey respondents showcased local talent in over 51% of their events in 2024. But 55% supplement their income with other work. The Association of Independent...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

ClicknClear selected as a finalist for the world intellectual property organization (WIPO) global awards

CLICKnCLEAR SELECTED AS A FINALIST FOR THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION (WIPO) GLOBAL AWARDS Further strong validation of the company’s innovative music rights tech platform and business momentum with both sports and music.   The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has selected ClicknClear...more

16 May 2025 | Press release

Full Time Hobby signs Dead Pioneers under Bucks sponsorship deal

Band signed to Full Time Hobby sister Hassle Records last year.  Full Time Hobby has signed Dead Pioneers to its publishing roster under its sponsorship agreement with Bucks Music Group. The agreement between Full Time Hobby and Bucks Music Group means that...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp shares his concerns with the state of touring and how labels 'rely on artist's social media' to sell them

Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp shares his concerns with the state of touring and how labels 'rely on artist's social media' to sell them, in a new podcast released today   Following on from the successful launch of his new album ‘The Destination’,...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Music Venue Properties announce second community share offering to purchase iconic UK grassroots music venues under its 'Own Our Venues' initiative

Esquires in Bedford, Stoke-on-Trent’s The Sugarmill & Southampton’s The Joiners among venues included in new acquisition plans  Music Venue Properties (MVP), the pioneering Charitable Community Benefit Society created by Music Venue Trust (MVT), has announced the launch of the next phase...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Artist applications open today for the 2025 FAC Step Up Fund supported by Amazon Music

  This year’s fund will support the creative projects of 10 developing independent acts with grants of up to £8,000 More than 30 artists have benefitted from Step Up funding since 2022 Today’s announcement coincides with The Great Escape, where the Featured Artists...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Heart becomes the UK's biggest radio brand reaching a phenomenal 13.4 million weekly listeners

Heart brand celebrates its highest ever listening figures beating Radio 2 for the first time ever A record-breaking set of listening figures for Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden Overall, Global celebrates record share of 27.3% - the UK’s biggest commercial radio...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

DDEX Announces BMAT As Newest Charter Member

  DDEX, the international standards-setting organization dedicated to improving the exchange of data and information across the music industry, has announced BMAT Music Innovators, the Barcelona-based company, will become a DDEX Charter Member from June 1. BMAT becomes the newest Charter...more

21 May 2025

  • Why some artists are rethinking touring (see Analysis)

  • Spotify reveals its Songs Of Summer predictions (see Digital)

20 May 2025

  • Government defeated for third time in Lords over copyright protection against AI (see News)

  • Young people are being excluded from live music (see Comment)

19 May 2025

  • Lambeth council acted ‘irrationally’ over approval of summer festivals, High Court rules (see News)

  • UK Music and Elton John deliver warning about Government’s AI copyright plans (see News)

16 May 2025

  • You can’t put a price on culture—but you can put a price on saving it (see Comment)

15 May 2025

  • SoundCloud backtracks on AI-related terms-of-use updates (see Digital)

14 May 2025

  • Data Bill returns to the Commons today for crucial vote (see News)

13 May 2025

  • Music discovery is not dead, just evolving (see Comment)

12 May 2025

  • The business fundamentals behind DSP's and what this means for music (see Comment)

  • Artists urge Prime Minister to rethink AI copyright plans (see News)

09 May 2025

  • Tariffs, tours, and trade wars: Why music investment won’t slow down (see Comment)

  • Unintended consequences – the year ahead for streaming (see Comment)

08 May 2025

  • Spotify’s latest update gives users more control over their listening experience (see Digital)