SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

Educational Support Network encouraging Young Women to join the UK Music Industry, and to support all Women to reach their Full Potential

“We #ChooseToChallenge the UK Music Industry!” 

 

If we want more women to make it in our industry, we need them in every niche and every level of seniority.” - Karen Emanuel, CEO, Key Production Group

“It’s about education and opening gateways after Uni. Students we meet are blown away by the fact we are women who’ve reached such a senior level in music. That shouldn’t be the case.” – Jenni Cochrane, CEO, Getahead

 

A group of influential women who have reached the top in the UK music industry have joined forces to form Moving The Needle (MTN), an educational support group which launches for International Women’s Day 2021. Its members #ChooseToChallenge the status quo where women come into the UK music industry in droves, yet only hold a third of senior management roles. That’s despite the fact the UK is famed for pushing the boundaries of creative innovation as the world’s second biggest exporter of music - an industry worth £5.2Bn a year. 

Findings from the UK Music Diversity Report published in October by the UK’s overarching music trade body showed little progress on gender:- 

*Stat from A Seat At The Table 

 

MTN’s mission is therefore three-fold: to boost the pipeline of young women coming into the industry by educating them about the wide range of careers available to them; to support women in all types of job within the UK music industry; to mentor women to reach their full potential and help them gain senior management roles.

Its vision is to see women of all backgrounds, ethnicities and personality types join the many niches and roles available; for women to know that their talent and hard work will be reflected in the promotions, pay and respect they deserve, regardless of gender; a 0% gender pay gap; women in 50% of the industry’s senior management roles; women staying in the industry beyond the age of 45.

MTN’s leadership programme will consist of mentoring and training via workshops, panels and debates, with a focus on building vital career skills, such as how to network and negotiate. The group will also help to drive out ‘imposter syndrome’ and build resilience. (It’s OK to ‘fail’ because F.A.I.L stands for ‘first attempt in learning’.) 

By attracting others who share its vision, MTN will put pressure on people and organisations to change for the better. Vick Bain, Consultant and curator of The F-List, is on MTN’s advisory board. In her words, “There is not one black, female CEO or Chair of a UK music trade body. Everyone in the industry should be helping in our mission. We want to feel proud that our dynamic industry is fair and diverse, and we’re prepared to make some noise to make this happen. We need people and organisations to join in our mission. The time is now!”

Karen Emanuel, Founder & CEO of Key Production Group is a board member and founder of MTN. After 30 years running a company making physical music formats (records, CDs, cassettes), she reflects, “In the late 1980s, someone told me that to join this industry, I’d have to start as a secretary. Well I never learned to type, and I’ve done pretty well without that skill by knowing my numbers. But I’m still not seeing enough women come in and rise to the top in the ‘nuts and bolts’ side of this business. It drives me crazy.”

The women behind MTN believe there is no other organisation that offers the range of support it will give to women of all ages, stages and niches of the music industry. Jen Otter Bickerdike, who was the youngest ever director of marketing at label, Interscope, and who lectures at BIMM music college, notes, “I’ve never, ever had a mentor in the industry. There’s a real  lack of support for women. When I left the label, no women were above me, which indicated there was no pathway. We hope to make a difference now as part of Moving The Needle.”

 

UNSEEN, UNHEARD
Many women who graduate in music performance degrees vanish from the industry over time. Vick Bain notes, “Nearly half (46%) of our music performance graduates are female, yet just 14% of songwriters and composers are women. Women exit the music industry far too young.” Consider the fact only 3 of the 32 people nominated for Best Song at the 2020 BRIT Awards were female, with no females winning Best Album or Best Group. This is leading men - as well as women - to speak out. Whilst receiving their gong for Best Group, Foals’ lead singer, Yannis Philippakis, said, “Hopefully next year we’ll see some more women in this category.” Influential men are voting with their feet, which MTN encourages wholeheartedly, so it is seeking male advocates such as Matt Healy of The 1975, who pledged only to play at festivals committed to gender balanced line-ups. 

Silvia Montello, Founder and CEO of VoiceBox Consulting (formerly Senior VP of AWAL), notes, “There are very few women in A&R (talent development) which means fewer females are signed to labels. This in turn means fewer female artists enter the music industry talent pipeline. Due to unconscious bias, your average middle class white male A&R guy is more likely to sign artists who are similar to him.” 

 

‘YOU DON’T HAVE TO HOLD A MIC TO BE PART OF OUR INDUSTRY’
Yet, it’s not just the performance talent pool that needs balancing. There are hundreds of roles across the music industry that female pupils and young women should know about, so a key mission at MTN is encouraging more of them to enter the industry. Julie Weir, Label Head at Music For Nations (Sony Music) implores, “We’ll be telling young women at schools and colleges about the rich array of roles on offer. They may only know about the roles traditionally associated with women, such as PR and marketing.” Karen Emanuel adds, “We need to bring young women into the ‘behind the scenes’ areas and ‘nuts and bolts’ roles such as mine, which are still predominantly male. At a recent conference I attended about distribution and manufacture of music, I calculated how many attendees were female: it was a miserly 5%!”

Siofra McComb, Director at Positive Subversion, explains: “There’s a lack of mentoring support within the industry, and that’s partly the reason why I wanted to get involved in MTN. We want to support young women to come into areas of music normally associated with men if they want to. Why shouldn’t an engineering role for a label be suitable for a woman? ”

 

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR. OR IS IT?
Sadly, there is plenty of evidence showing that having a family means women leave the industry over time. The Balancing Act, PiPA 2019, found 55% of parents working in music are on precarious contracts, with 80% of parents in music having to turn down work. Jenni Cochrane, CEO of Getahead, who has worked in the music industry for 20 plus years, points out, “Covid has shown men having to work from home how much women in our industry have to juggle, how challenging it is to get the work-family balance right, and the toll this takes on our mental health. A new respect and understanding has emerged, and we hope to build on it as part of Moving The Needle.”

 

NOT FADE AWAY: HOW TO KEEP WOMEN IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS
In particular, there’s an exodus of women leaving the industry before they reach Senior Management. Karen notes, “Women may leave because they don’t get good enough support after returning from maternity leave, or because having children means they are unable to network as much as their male counterparts, or because (certainly pre-covid) they aren’t given the flexibility they need. Or maybe they just assume they’ll never get to the top, because they hardly see any women there. When I started Key Production, people would arrive in my office and ask me if they could see the boss. I was the boss!” 

 

WILL THE REVOLUTION BE RECORDED, OR JUST TELEVISED?
Silvia sums things up, “There’s tons of evidence that says a diverse team makes a better team! You need different people to bring up different ideas and perspectives.” Karen adds, “We all want to give as much advice as we can to help other women (and men) achieve what we have – despite the odds stacked against them.” Julie Weir adds, “I’ve been part of the music industry for 25 years in many forms, and feel privileged as such. I want to be able to give something back and bring through a new generation of people into this creative and vibrant world.” 

Siofra McComb, states, “I’ve faced a different set of challenges at every stage of my career, so I really value the advice and support I’ve been given by my peers and female leaders of this industry. It’s amazing to be a part of this group of empowering, driven and smart women using all the lessons they’ve learned along the way to give back through education, mentoring, and support.”

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

15 May 2025 | Press release

UK Festivals Unite in War Child fundraiser

46 of the UK’s best festivals put tickets up for grabs including Boomtown, Love Saves The Day, Isle of Wight, Reading & Leeds and Shambala Donations link here. Children don’t start wars — yet nearly 1 in 5 children around the world are...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

The South Asian Soundcheck calls for UK music industry support

New survey will provide the first detailed data on the South Asian experience in UK music Take the survey   Lila, the non-profit initiative empowering South Asians in the UK music industry, has launched The South Asian Soundcheck, a new survey, supported by major industry bodies including UK Music, British...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Musical AI and Pro Sound Effects Partner to Create Licensed Datasets for AI Training

  Pro Sound Effects (PSE) has been the entertainment industry’s go-to source for high-quality sounds for decades, serving every major name in TV, film, and gaming. Now, the company is teaming up with Musical AI, the AI rights management platform, to...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Electronic Music Sector Unites to Demand Action At Landmark Parliamentary Committee Event

  On 14 May, the UK’s electronic music industry delivered an unprecedented show of unity and urgency as sector leaders from artists to club owners came together to meet with Parliament’s Culture Committee. The sector called unequivocally for Government action to prevent...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

The Radio Academy announces winners for The ARIAS 2025

The Radio Academy ARIAS returned tonight at the exciting new venue in Leicester Square, as Clara Amfo and Gok Wan MBE, took to the stage at ODEON Luxe, to host the most prestigious night in UK audio. The winners of 23 awards were...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

LIDO and ELAM extend their partnership with a dynamic new programme supporting young students

LIDO is contributing to the future of UK live music From mentorships, internships, work experience, masterclasses and more… Lido Festival, Victoria Park Visit LIDOFESTIVAL.CO.UK    LIDO Festival, the newest addition to London’s summer calendar, is proud to announce an extended partnership with East London Arts...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

RAJAR results Q1 2025: Bauer Media Audio UK celebrates 23.4m weekly listeners

The first quarter of 2025 showcased another set of impressive listening results for Bauer Media Audio UK. As Bauer Media Group marks its 150th year, the results show that Bauer stations reach an amazing 23.4m weekly listeners. Standout performances this quarter, include: Hits...more

15 May 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Greater China launches Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China, marking a strategic expansion into China's classical and jazz scene

Legendary Classical Label Deutsche Grammophon Debuts DG China, Announcing Projects with Cellist Jian Wang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and Next Wave of Chinese Classical Talent  Iconic Jazz Label Blue Note Launches Blue Note Records China with Signing of Avant-Garde Duo INNOUT   Universal Music...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

Armada Music Group Names Maarten Steinkamp as Interim President

Former chairman and CEO of Sony BMG Europe will support Armada’s burgeoning growth in newly formed position   Armada Music Group, the parent company of Armada Music, BEAT Music Fund, and Armada Music Publishing, today announced the appointment of Maarten Steinkemp as...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

Don't stop believin' in CDs: Gen Alpha dig physical music too

Vinyl and CDs continue to live on with nearly half of Gen A listening to physical music records   Survey conducted by Key Production reveals that nearly half of Generation Alpha listen to CDs and they know how to use CD and...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

Wales' oldest record label tunes into tomorrow as new CEO steps up at Sain

Kev Tame has been announced as the new chief executive of Sain. A native of Waunfawr, Tame has been behind a range of exciting new projects at Wales’ oldest record label over the past 18 months and has now taken on...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and Apple Music announce Sound Therapy

The collection leverages cognitive science and UMG’s roster of global superstars, adding subtle auditory beats to well-known curated tracks, aiming to help listeners focus, relax, and sleep Apple Music is joining forces with Universal Music Group (UMG) to introduce Sound Therapy, an...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

Sonar 2025 cements its status as a one-of-a-kind festival with nearly 150 premieres, co-productions, and exclusives, sparking both dancing and discovery

  Sónar Week once again turns Barcelona into the international epicenter of electronic and digital culture, with more than 200 events and projects presented in collaboration with leading artistic, scientific and technological institutions.  Sónar 2025 presents an agenda-setting lineup with exclusive premieres such as Grasa, the...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

Official Charts Company agrees new deal with Kantar

Relationship extends into a fifth decade New state-of-the-art music data platform under construction   The Official Charts Company has inked a brand-new deal with technical support partner Kantar extending their relationship into a fifth decade. The new contract will see the two companies continue...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

UK and EU Music Industry Chiefs Join Forces to Urge Political Leaders to Tear Down Barriers to Touring the EU

Musicians and industry leaders from the UK and Europe have joined forces to demand urgent action to remove the barriers to touring across the EU.    They are warning political leaders that the current arrangements for UK acts touring the EU and...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

Live Nation makes record investment in emerging talent through The Great Escape Festival 2025

The Great Escape (TGE), the UK's leading new music festival, returns to Brighton this week with a record-breaking lineup of over 550 emerging artists from around the world and 750 performances. Performances will take place in more than 30 intimate venues across the city – the...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

adidas and Co-op Live lead a new era in music through launch of adidas Originals Recording Studio, engineered by Abbey Road

  adidas, Co-op Live and Abbey Road Studios reveal a first-of-its-kind Recording Studio within Manchester’s acclaimed Co-op Live arena  The adidas Originals Recording Studio will be open to the adidas Originals community, supporting young creative talent through collaborations with Co-op Live, Abbey...more

14 May 2025 | Press release

UK trade mission aims to boost British music in Japan

Applications now being accepted for mission to Osaka & Tokyo in August 2025 Deadline for Application is 18th June 2025   A UK music industry trade mission to Japan is set to take place from 16th – 22nd August 2025, providing an open door for music businesses to explore...more

13 May 2025 | Press release

Curve Royalty Systems Launches New Payments Feature, Revolutionizing Royalty Accounting Payments

All-in-one Royalty Accounting and Payments Platform Supports Payees across 180+ Countries Downtown’s Royalties & Financial Services division today announced the launch of a powerful new payments feature from Curve Royalty Systems. The new feature gives labels, publishers and distributors the...more

13 May 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group appoints Matt Ellis as Chief Financial Officer

Former Verizon CFO Brings Broad Experience Across Finance, Operations, Corporate Development and Financial Planning   Universal Music Group N.V. (EURONEXT:UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced that highly regarded global finance executive Matt Ellis has been named as UMG's Chief Financial...more

13 May 2025 | Press release

Aston Villa FC and Oak View Group Join Forces to Bring World-class Entertainment to West Midlands

Premier League club Aston Villa Football Club (AVFC) has teamed up with Oak View Group (OVG), global leaders in venue development, management, food & beverage, and sponsorship sales, to bring world-class music and live entertainment to The Warehouse – a newly developed...more

13 May 2025 | Press release

iluvlive marks 21st year with next chapter of growth - Kicking off with artist showcase at The Great Escape

iluvlive Presents: DeeRiginal, JERUB, Olympia Vitalis and STORRY Thursday 15th May, Dust, 77 East St, Brighton, 12:15 - 15:30More information and tickets here Respected live music and talent development not-for-profit organisation iluvlive has announced it will mark its 21st year under the stewardship of Managing Director Lauren...more

13 May 2025 | Press release

2024 results: Sacem establishes itself as a global digital player, protecting and promoting the development of creativity

- Sustained international growth with €749 million collected abroad, driven by digital, while collections in France remained stable at €852 million  - 510,000 authors, composers and music publishers receiving royalties worldwide, thanks to Sacem  - More than 3,600 projects supported, and thousands of authors,...more

13 May 2025 | Press release

Whitemoor announces new royalty services and expansion of music industry business management, helmed by Gareth Murfin and Laura May

  Whitemoor is renowned for working across the creative industries. The UK-based Founding Partners combine 45 years of experience. Clients include Bombay Bicycle Club, The Charlatans, Jon Shave. Whitemoor–trusted accountants for the creative industries–announces the expansion of its music industry services as Gareth Murfin...more

13 May 2025 | Press release

Creative titans and industry leaders urge the Prime Minister to support UK creativity and economic growth by enforcing copyright law

Over 400 top creatives, media and creative business leaders, and creative businesses have written to the Prime Minister, urging him to give Government support to proposals that would protect copyright in the age of AI. This comes ahead of a...more

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)

07 May 2025

  • Has music reached peak fragmentation? (see Analysis)

  • How LA is rebuilding the music industry after the fires (see Features)

06 May 2025

  • Ministers reconsider changes to UK copyright law ahead of vote (see News)

  • How Ticketmaster swallowed the live entertainment scene (see Features)

  • Spotify executive on why 'per-stream rate' is one of the most misleading metrics in music (see Opinion)

02 May 2025

  • BPI responds to government’s proposed amendments to the Data Bill related to AI and copyright (see News)

  • ‘AI and intellectual property — a pivotal moment for the UK’s creative industries’ (see Opinion)

30 Nov 1999