It’s time to take stock at the end of one of the busiest years the music business has seen in recent memory. Our special end of year review looks back on it all with an epic collection of reflections from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Read on for the 11 and final part of our massive look back, including insights from Lucy Dickins, Tim Major, Damaris Rex-Taylor, Nickie Owen, Austin Daboh & more…
LUCY DICKINS
Global head of contemporary music and touring, WME
Adele broke attendance records, outside of Las Vegas, for her Munich residency – why does this live format work so well for her?
“It allowed for hundreds of thousands of fans to be able to experience a show that felt truly intimate, and a familiar setting for Adele each night to play. With Adele, we like to do things that others do not do – so building our own bespoke stadium and the ‘Adele World’ meant for a unique fan experience. It created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for so many.”
With rising touring costs, how can you help new and developing artists build a live fanbase?
“It requires creativity to find new ways to get these acts on the road, whether that’s packaging them with other acts, booking further out, or finding untapped venues or small residencies. It’s always quality over quantity here.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Birds Of A Feather by Billie Eilish. I love the dark lyricism and the romance of the track. I also keep going back to Messy by Lola Young – she is one to watch out for!”
And your favourite album?
“Chromakopia by Tyler, The Creator. I love his storytelling and the musicality of the album. I also love that Tyler doesn’t conform and does exactly what he wants to do – he’s a real leader in that regard.”
TIM MAJOR
Co-MD, UK, Sony Music Publishing
Last year, you told us you were concerned with the industry’s “obsession” with numbers. Did you ?have the same worry this year?
“I have hope. We have seen a theme emerging that points to the benefits of long-term patience. I chose Noah Kahan as my album of 2023 and, at that point, had no idea quite how much global success he was about to enjoy. Nick Bral signed him to SMP many years ago and Noah has been grafting for a long time. He went from playing the Forum in London early last year, to multiple nights at The O2 a matter of months later and will be headlining Hyde Park next summer. Similarly, we’ve seen huge impact from Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Teddy Swims and Benson Boone. Even Charli XCX – who has obviously enjoyed success before – had a massive breakthrough year. And Hozier has just had his first US No.1.”
What SMP moment made you proudest this year?
“Obviously, seeing Alison Hook recognised at the Women In Music Awards was very special. Thank you again to Music Week for supporting the unsung heroes of our industry. Alison is a legend and very much best in class in what she does. I could not be more proud of our team.”
What was your track and album of 2024?
“The new version of Labour by Paris Paloma as it’s such a powerful and important song. She is an amazing example of an authentic artist with a clear identity. My album is Brat by Charli XCX. It was authentic, it was brash, it was clever and it was absolutely everywhere. And still is!”
DAMARIS REX-TAYLOR
MD, RCA UK
Can you share your music industry highlight of 2024?
“The emergence of Myles Smith – a Black British singer-songwriter who is already becoming a global proposition.”
What are you looking forward to in 2025?
“Artists continuing to reject generic music and embracing the nuances of musicianship, songwriting craft and authentic, fearless performance.”
What was your track of 2024?
“I know it’s an RCA release but, genuinely, Jade’s [right] Angel Of My Dreams is my single of 2024.”
And your favourite album?
“Yaya Bey’s Ten Fold.”
AUSTIN DABOH
EVP & president, Black Music, Atlantic
What lesson did you learn about yourself during 2024?
“That I have the patience of a saint!”
How did campaign building change this year?
“The words ‘community’ and ‘first-party data’ have been on everyone’s lips this year, which is fascinating when I think back to campaigns in the 2000s that relied on community and first-party data. It feels like we’ve come back full-circle, which I think will play in the industry’s favour.”
What was your track of 2024?
“KSI’s Thick Of It. The most talked-about song in the world and more proof, if any were needed, that there’s a big gap between perception and reality.”
And your favourite album?
“Brat, of course!”
NICKIE OWEN
President, international marketing, Universal Music UK
How did you maximise Hozier’s success overseas this year?
“Hozier is an incredible songwriter and has the most special connection with his fans. That’s where his success stems from and leads back to. Whether it was on radio, DSPs or on short-form content, his genius lyrics cut through and people just wanted to listen and listen again. We were able to amplify across all those verticals, putting his songwriting at the front and centre of all the marketing driving back to his catalogue. His work made it really easy.”
How can UK music continue to compete globally?
“It’s down to a brilliant artist proposition that hits culture and a willingness to spend time in the market on a promotional or live basis.”
What was your track and album of 2024?
“Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter – it’s just genius. And Songs Of A Lost World by The Cure is incredible.”
CARLA MARIE WILLIAMS
Songwriter/producer, Founder, Girls I Rate
Country dominated in terms of songwriting trends this year. What was your take on the way hitmaking changed in 2024?
“I love that songs are being recognised again – lyrics and melodies with meaning, a story, a message. Nashville has been on my hit-list since before Covid, so I definitely want to get there in 2025.”
Who was the best new writer of the year?
“I’m loving Baerose, a writer duo who work with Fridayy and are Grammy-nominated for 2025. They have super-positive energy.”
What was your track and album of 2024?
“Coco Jones’ Here We Go (Uh Oh), and Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet!”
GEE DAVY
CEO, AIM
What was the biggest challenge for the indie sector this year?
“The ability to achieve the scale needed for long-term success in an increasingly monopolistic market. MIDiA’s State Of The Independent Music Economy report shows substantial growth in the global independent music sector, now at 46.7% share of the global recorded music market. However, most of this growth is concentrated at the very top end, with the smaller business end seeing lower revenues. The report also showed that 87% of indie labels feel it is becoming more difficult to get artists to cut through. While technological advances and evolving business models have democratised access to market, the disparity between those with huge scale and those without is becoming starker. Increased costs, Brexit and cost of living squeezes have all had the most impact on smaller businesses and emerging music. Added to this, some recent changes seen on streaming platforms have had unintended negative consequences of de-monetising or slowing the progress of emerging artists and niche genres.”
Name your track and album of 2024…
“After his beautiful performance at The Independent Music Awards, it has to be Sampha’s Spirit 2.0. Album-wise, Nubiyan Twist’s Find Your Flame just blew me away this year.”
ROBERTO NERI
CEO, Ivors Academy
How’s your campaigning for remuneration going?
“We’re making strong progress. Songwriters and composers deserve fair pay and recognition, yet many aren’t seeing it. We’re advocating for transparency and fair compensation, especially through streaming. It’s encouraging to see the new UK government’s willingness to listen and act, as well as the industry’s growing awareness and engagement. We won’t rest until songwriters and composers receive the recognition – and pay – they deserve.”
Amid concerns about AI, do you feel creators will be protected?
“AI is here and it’s crucial that songwriters’ rights and intellectual property are protected. We’re focused on ensuring that generative AI respects the original creators and that AI content doesn’t take away songwriters’ careers or earnings.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Home by Master Peace, our Rising Star winner this year.”
And your favourite album?
“Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft. This is my most played album of the year. Incredible.”
WEZ SAUNDERS
CEO, Defected
How did Defected build up engagement with superfans in 2024?
“They are the heartbeat of our community and we cultivated engagement in several ways this year. There was our Together series, launched for our 25th anniversary, featuring 25 collaborations between legacy artists and emerging talents. We also did limited-edition products, including the bespoke vinyl box set for the XXV Together compilation and a coffee-table book titled Defected: 25 Years In The House. Also, our events continue to bring together our community in immersive environments.”
What was your track of 2024?
“There are three records that really stand out: Low Steppa & Crusy’s Bullerengue; Nic Fanciulli’s Set Me Free featuring Robert Courtois; and Oden & Fatzo’s Tell Me What You Want featuring Poppy Baskcomb.”
And your favourite album?
“What’s Mine Is Yours by Yours.”
ANDREEA GLEESON
CEO, TuneCore
TuneCore has now hit $4bn in payouts to its artists – how will that continue to grow in 2025?
“We’re committed to supporting independent artists at all stages of their careers. Between our distribution, artist development and music publishing offerings, we’re constantly exploring partnerships, products, and expanding our services to put more money in the pockets of talented artists around the world.”
How are TuneCore helping artists develop their superfans?
“Our artist development platform, Accelerator, provides them with access to promotional and marketing programmes that drive the discovery of their music, build their audience, and promote deeper fan engagement. This helps artists cultivate a following of responsive listeners that they can develop into the superfans that will act as the foundation of their careers.”
What was your favourite track and album of 2024?
“My track is Alibi by Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar, and Yseult. Sevdaliza is emblematic of everything TuneCore stands for. She’s a strong woman and voice for equality who started her career as an independent artist with us, signed with our parent company Believe and her music is now resonating with audiences around the world. For my album, it came out in late 2023, but it’s All I’ve Ever Known by Alexandra Kay. This album really took off in 2024.”
HELEN THOMAS
Head of BBC Radio 2
Radio 2 was heavily involved with The Cure’s comeback – did you foresee its success?
“As a massive Cure fan who travelled on a coach from Hull to Manchester G-Mex in 1992 to watch them, I was beyond excited about their comeback. Any concert in the BBC Radio Theatre is very special but, honestly, it was my favourite ever Radio 2 In Concert. It’s important that we support classic artists when they return with new material, as we’ve done with Rod Stewart, Elton John and Kim Wilde in recent years.”
Who or what was the unsung hero of what R2 did this year?
“We’re always keen to shine a light on as many genres as possible and from our D-Day At 80 concert, to the UK Garage 30th-anniversary concert with DJ Spoony, we covered many major milestones. There was also our 21st Century Folk initiative, and the way we celebrated the life of Quincy Jones was hugely appreciated by our listeners.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Myles Smith – Stargazing.”
And your favourite album?
“Without a doubt, it’s The Cure.”
NIKITA KANDA
DJ, BBC Asian Network
What was your BBC Asian Network moment of the year?
“Asian Network Certified London. We had the whole Asian Network presenter family and the best British Asian DJs and surprise guests at the Electric Ballroom in Camden for a night of celebrating our music and culture in one place.”
And the year’s most exciting trend?
“I love that new artists are sampling old-school music. We’ve seen this a lot in the Asian music scene using the influence of R&B songs and old-school Bollywood.”
What was your track of 2024?
“A song that I will always remember from this year is Forever by Tegi Pannu featuring Prem Lata and produced by British Asian producer Manni Sandhu. It fuses R&B and Punjabi sounds and is just such a feel-good track.”
And your favourite album?
“5 Deadly Venomz EP by Raf Saperra, a rapper and singer from South London who fuses Punjabi folk and hip-hop.”
ALEXANDRA AMPOFO
Promoter, Metropolis Music
What issue should the industry have been focusing on in 2024?
“The industry should have been placing greater emphasis on the resources available to support artists and teams. There needs to be more recognition and support for the behind-the-scenes professionals who are integral to artists’ journeys.”
Name your live moment of 2024?
“Growing up, I was inspired by Bashy and Angel and, in 2024, both of them made a remarkable resurgence and I had the privilege of promoting their headline shows. Seeing those shows sell out and being part of their comebacks was truly surreal.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Why by Sasha Keable. Her smoky, sultry tone is mesmerising, and the song just hits on so many levels. There was actually a day I listened to it on a loop for four hours straight – it’s that good!”
And your favourite album?
“Bashy’s Being Poor Is Expensive. Raw, honest, powerful and speaks to so many lived experiences.”
ROBERT D’OVIDIO
Director (music), broadcast, on-demand & premium, Bauer Media Audio UK
How will you ensure Bauer’s impact is felt across the industry under your leadership?
“Music is a fundamental part of the DNA of all of Bauer’s iconic radio brands, and I’m committed to amplifying this at every opportunity. We’ve set ourselves up for even more success in 2025 with the promotion of Toby MacKenzie into the new role of head of music and artist relations – a single point of contact for the music industry. We also have Christian Smith joining us as head of music programming. Being even more agile allows us to deliver even bigger opportunities for the industry to access our whole portfolio. If we’re talking about impact, then what Greatest Hits Radio has done this year has reinvigorated commercial radio, which is no small feat.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Stargazing by Myles Smith. Our Hits Radio brand has really championed that track.”
And your favourite album?
“For sheer pop perfection, it’s Short N’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter.”
