SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

 
  • BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE calls on UK Government to support music businesses in pursuit of creative industries growth, while BPI Chief Strategy Officer Sophie Jones highlights importance of IP to UK’s world-leading creativity
  • Political names including Lisa Nandy, Bridget Phillipson and Wes Streeting celebrate British music with their own playlists at BPI’s Silent Disco

At this year’s Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, leaders from across the music and wider creative industries came together to discuss the impact of British creativity on the global stage, the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP) in driving investment and innovation into the UK’s £125bn-per-year creative industries, and the continued need for government support.
 
BPI leaders Dr Jo Twist OBE (Chief Executive Officer) and Sophie Jones (Chief Strategy Officer) participated in packed panel discussions, with a clear message throughout: the UK government should protect IP and explore how best to support a positive business environment for the music and wider creative industries, in order to capitalise on British creativity’s enormous economic and cultural growth potential.
 
BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE joined a flagship panel discussing British Creativity on the Global Stage, with colleagues from the Motion Picture Association (Emilie Anthonis) and Publishers Association (Caroline Cummins) as well as Baroness Dinah Caine to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s creative sectors.
 
In a wide-ranging session chaired by Total Politics’ Mark Wallace, Dr Twist welcomed the inclusion of music as a significant sub-sector in the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, calling the focus on investment, innovation and talent announced as part of the Plan “the right priorities for Government, and the right priorities for our members.” (…) “A dedicated sector plan like this is important,” said Dr Twist, “to ensure the music industry can continue to play a role in delivering growth and ensuring that the UK remains a global hub for creativity.”
 
Dr Twist called on the Government to remain steadfast in its support of the UK’s gold-standard IP framework, which “turns music consumption around the world into revenue for artists, businesses and the economy”, and also stressed that supporting creative businesses as well as creators was vital to the music industry’s continued growth:
 
“Too often in policymaking, the ‘industries’ side of the creative industries can be forgotten. Between 2020 and 2024, UK label businesses invested over £2 billion in artist A&R and marketing – an investment which has helped the UK cultivate global music stars. As well as directly supporting creators, it’s critical that the Government also supports the businesses and industry investment underpinning the UK’s musical success if we are to see British creativity continue to thrive.”
 
Meanwhile, BPI Chief Strategy Officer Sophie Jones joined a panel in the Cultural and Creative Pavilion on IP in the Age of Gen AI: Rights, Revenues & Responsibilities, alongside the Premier League’s Max Chambers, the Publishers Association’s Mandy Hill, DACS’ Reema Selhi and Samantha Niblett MP. Over the course of a 90-minute session, Jones reiterated that “copyright is what turns creativity into investment; undermining it risks the UK’s world-leading position.”
 
Calling on the Government to encourage and stimulate a dynamic licensing market for intellectual property, rather than a previously-proposed ‘opt-out’ system for AI training, Jones pointed to the number of positive steps already being taken by British music businesses to develop robust licensing frameworks which would enable creative and AI businesses to flourish in tandem. “It’s clear that licensing works in music -the challenge lies in identifying scalable technical solutions which can be universally applied. Creators and rights-holders alike must have a seat at the table in ongoing discussions around IP, and we must ensure that AI training does not come at the cost of Britain’s world-class creativity.”
 
Elsewhere at the conference, the BPI also hosted its highly-popular silent disco which is a celebration of British music. In association with Total Politics, the event featured playlists from a host of well-known political faces including Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy MP, Deputy Leadership Candidate and Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Government Steve Reed MP, and Lucy Powell MP, who is also standing to be Deputy Leader. Links to each participant’s playlist can be found below:

14 Nov 2025 | Press release

Introducing bulletin board: a new way for TikTok creators to communicate with their fans and build community

Today we're announcing the launch of bulletin board, a new in-app channel which helps creators communicate and share content directly with their fans and followers. Bulletin board is a one-to-many broadcast channel, making it quick and easy for creators to post...more

14 Nov 2025 | Press release

The MOBO Group and Greene King Partner Together to Open 'House of MOBO' Pub in South London

'The House of MOBO' in Gipsy Hill will be a home for culture, community and collaboration in hospitalityThe pub reopens on Thursday 27 November as a ready to serve the local community The MOBO Group and Greene King have today announced...more

14 Nov 2025 | Press release

Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso joins BBC Radio 6 Music

  Femi Koleoso, bandleader and drummer for the BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, will join BBC Radio 6 Music as a regular presenter, hosting The People's Party on Fridays (7-9pm) from 2nd January 2026. The show, broadcast from MediaCity UK,...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

80 performing arts organisations commit to PIPA pledge in landmark commitment to parents and carers

ROSALIE CRAIG, RAKIE AYOLA, EMMY THE GREAT, SOPHIA DI MARTINO AND INDUSTRY LEADERS SUPPORT PIPA PLEDGE   To mark its 10th anniversary, Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) proudly announces the launch of the PiPA Pledge – a new initiative inviting...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Radiohead and Sam Fender lead calls for PM to honour pledge for ticket resale price cap

Some of the biggest names in music have come together with groups representing consumers and the industry to call on Sir Keir Starmer to honour his pledge to protect fans from online ticket touts. For years, genuine fans have been fleeced...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

Texas alt-rock band Culture Wars sign to Primary Talent International

Texas alt-rock band Culture Wars have signed with Matt Bates at Primary Talent International for worldwide booking representation (excluding North America) and have sold out their first London show at the O2 Academy Islington. The Texas native band, known for...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

Vevo Announces Highly Acclaimed "DSCVR Artists to Watch" List for 2026

Annual taste-maker program highlights emerging global artists poised to break through in the year ahead Gigi Perez is named "DSCVR Artist of the Year", releases exclusive performance of "Fable"   Vevo, the world's leading music video network, today released the complete list for...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

Charlie Lexton appointed CEO, Merlin

Merlin, the digital rights agency for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, today announced the appointment of Charlie Lexton as its CEO, effective 1 January 2026.   Lexton, who succeeds Jeremy Sirota, has worked for Merlin since its inception, initially alongside...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

22 UK festivals awarded free AIF memberships and marketing support through Skiddle partnership

  The UK’s independent festival scene has received a major boost as 22 grassroots festivals are announced as recipients of an industry-first support scheme from Skiddle and the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). The initiative, created to champion and sustain the UK’s thriving...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

Warner Records Group elevates Gregg Nadel to President of A&R

Widely-Respected Executive Joins Central Leadership Team in Newly Created Role   Widely respected music executive Gregg Nadel has been elevated to a senior leadership position at Warner Records Group in the newly created central role of President of A&R. Based in Los...more

13 Nov 2025 | Press release

TuneCore’s independent artists surpass $5 billion earned

The leading independent artist development platform announced that artists who distribute through TuneCore have now earned over $5 billion since the company’s founding nearly 20 years ago—marking a historic milestone and the first public achievement of its kind among distributors...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

BSI Merch Unveils Artist Services Strategy

Company Rebrands as BSI Merch & Artist Services New Division BSI Music Announces Still Pigeon as First Signing   UK-based music merchandise and e-commerce specialist BSI Merch has rebranded as BSI Merch & Artist Services, marking an exciting new chapter for the company...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

New Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributes Record £8 Billion To UK Economy 

  UK music contribution to the UK economy in 2024 hit a record £8 billion.  UK music exports revenue in 2024 reaches new high of £4.8 billion.  Total UK music industry employment in 2024 rises to record high of 220,000.    UK Music, the collective voice...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

NIC Hike Hammers Jobs: NTIA Slams Government Over Rising Unemployment

  Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association: “The latest ONS figures are deeply concerning. A rise in unemployment to 5%, the highest in four years, is a stark signal that the Government’s current approach is failing to support job - particularly...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Public voting for the European Festival Awards 2025 has begun

TICKETS FOR THE EUROPEAN FESTIVAL AWARDS 2025 GO ON SALE ON NOVEMBER 11th  The public voting for the 15th edition of the European Festival Awards is open until Thursday, November 20th. During this period, the public can vote for their favourite Festival...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Jeremy Vuernick named EVP, Atlantic Music Group

London-based Exec to Work Across UK & US Teams to Sign & Develop Transatlantic Talent Accomplished A&R leader Jeremy Vuernick has been named Executive Vice President, Atlantic Music Group (AMG), joining AMG's global leadership team. In this new post, reporting jointly...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

BPI invites tenders for its member training programme

Proposals to be received by 5th December 2025 deadline   The BPI, the representative voice for the UK’s world-leading record companies and label businesses, is from today inviting tenders from organisations or individuals who would be interested to meet all or part of its...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Rough Trade Announce First Global Edition Of Albums Of The Year For 2025

VIAGRA BOYS FIRST SELF-RELEASED ALBUM 'VIAGR ABOYS' TAKES NO.1 SPOT IN THE TOP 30 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR ALSO FEATURINGOKLOU, PULP, TURNSTILE, HAYLEY WILLIAMS, CAMERON WINTER, CMAT, HOTWAX, GEESE, JEHNNY BETH, BON IVER, MATT BERNINGER + MANY MORE LIMITED EDITION VINYL RELEASES EXCLUSIVELY FOR ROUGH...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Kodak Black Pioneers the Future of Fandom: $YAK Coin x Audius

Rap superstar Kodak Black announced today that he has teamed up with the music discovery platform and marketplace, Audius to launch a next generation fanclub powered by his very own Artist Coin, $YAK. $YAK holders will gain exclusive access to...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Cris Lacy Named Chair & President of Newly Rebranded Warner Records Nashville

In the latest move in the expansion of the Warner Records Group, Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the newly rebranded Warner Records Nashville, formerly known as Warner Music Nashville. In this post, she reports to Warner...more

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

Sam Fender donates Mercury Prize money to Music Venue Trust

Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of the UK’s grassroots music venues (GMVs), today announces that Sam Fender has donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to MVT to support its ongoing work protecting and securing the future...more

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy launches new commissioning templates for classical composers

Just ahead of The Ivors Classical Awards tonight, The Ivors Academy has launched new commissioning template agreements for composers working in classical music. Clear and practical commissioning agreements help new music be created on fair and equitable terms. Created by legal...more

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Sabres of Paradise withdraw music from Spotify over ethical and artistic concerns

  Independent artists The Sabres of Paradise have removed their music from Spotify, citing ongoing concerns surrounding artist compensation, creative independence, and ethical accountability within the platform’s leadership.   “Spotify’s algorithmic business model undervalues artists and underserves fans. Furthermore, its leadership’s financial involvement...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

IMPEL continues growth with five new members

Wings Music Group, Afro Soundtrack, Elite Embassy Publishing, Perfectly Formed Songs and Full Thought Publishing join the IMPEL Collective   IMPEL has recently expanded its membership and global reach by adding five new members, welcoming Afro Soundtrack from Nigeria, Elite Embassy Publishing...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

UK music promoter diversity database launches

AIP-driven project developed in association with Women In CTRL, LOUDWOMEN, Black Lives In Music, MVT, AIF, AIE, LIVE, FAC, Attitude Is Everything, Tonic Music, UK Music and Come Play With Me. Database can be found on the AIP site. The Association of Independent Promoters...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team expands ‘Sounds of the Future’ programme to the UK

LAUNCHES WITH IMMERSIVE GALLERY HONOURING BLACK CULTURE AND ARTISTRY, CURATED BY DR ALEEMA GRAY PARTNERS WITH THE BLACK MUSIC COALITION ON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME   Universal Music Group’s (UMG’s) Global Impact Team (GIT) has announced the expansion of the company’s Sounds of the Future (SotF) programme...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

UK Music Pays Tribute to “Outstanding” Chair Lord Watson as Peer Announces Decision to Stand Down from Role as Industry Leader

UK Music paid tribute to Lord (Tom) Watson after the peer confirmed he is to stand down as UK Music Chair after six years leading the industry body which champions and campaigns for the sector.   Lord Watson of Wyre Forest...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Catherine Anne Davies (aka The Anchoress), Jess Smyth (aka Biig Piig) and Rina Sawayama elected to the FAC board

Following an Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) is delighted to announce the election of Catherine Anne Davies (aka The Anchoress), Jess Smyth (aka Biig Piig) and Rina Sawayama as board directors.  All are hugely respected for their...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

“Music To Your Ears” Podcast Explores the Future of Music Marketing and Promotion

  Music To Your Ears  a new music podcast that takes a deep dive into the evolving strategies, tools, and stories shaping modern music promotion has launched it’s first three episodes. The show is produced by Mil3s Entertainment and sponsored by...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

BPI comment: British music hits high note at Grammy nominations

Sophie Jones, Chief Strategy Officer, BPI (British Phonographic Industry) said:“The brilliant showing of British artists in the Grammy nominations, including by a next generation of global breakthrough talent like Olivia Dean, Lola Young, PinkPantheress, Sleep Token, FLO and Yungblud, is a...more

14 Nov 2025

  • What are pop-up shows teaching us about building fandom in 2025? (see Analysis)

13 Nov 2025

  • How much AI will audiences accept in music and movies? (see Analysis)

  • Stars urge Kier Starmer to tackle ‘pernicious’ ticket tout websites (see News)

12 Nov 2025

  • Report reveals UK music industry contributes record £8bn to UK economy. (see Reports)

  • Deezer publishes survey on AI music (see Reports)

11 Nov 2025

  • Songs are going viral faster than ever — but fewer are becoming streaming hits (see Analysis)

10 Nov 2025

  • The music we should save is the music AI needs the most (see Comment)

07 Nov 2025

  • The Council Of Music Makers: Put music-makers first in AI deals (see News)

06 Nov 2025

  • The future of music marketing is no marketing at all (see Features)

05 Nov 2025

  • AIM states that the independents’ voice is now louder, clearer and impossible to ignore (see News)

  • Secondary price caps and figuring out fact vs. fiction (see Comment)

04 Nov 2025

  • Spotify responds to RBX lawsuit over ‘fake’ Drake streams (see Digital)

03 Nov 2025

  • Spotify perfected the business of distraction — and now we’re paying the price (see Features)

  • Remasters, deluxe editions and greatest hits show back catalogues are a goldmine (see Features)