The music industry is back to work and possibly looking to the year ahead with a certain degree of optimism in the light of the latest figures from the BPI and ERA.
So far we’ve quizzed the biz on the best thing (part one and two) and the worst thing (part one and two) that happened in 2017. We’ve also discovered their favourite albums (here and here) and track of last year. Now it’s time to find out their response to the question: What’s your biggest hope for the music industry in 2018?
Sammy Andrews, founder/CEO, Deviate Digital
Following #MeToo and allegations of sexual abuse and harassment in music and beyond I hope our entire business takes the time to review, reflect and rectify what has gone unspoken for far too long. It is my hope that in 2018 everyone working in the music industry, in every job, in every sector, does so without fear or abuse or harassment and can go about the business we all love in a safe and respectful environment.
Kanya King, founder and CEO, MOBO Awards
There is still much work to be done both at entry level all the way up to the boardroom in creating more opportunities for diverse talent in the creative industries. That is why we have created MOBO Trust, a charitable organisation to help address the issue at entry level, as well as providing a number of Executive Fellowships in the creative industries.
Kim Bayley, chief executive, ERA
That as ERA celebrates its 30th anniversary we can continue to develop our relationships with supplier organisations. We have done great work together on developing vinyl sales and streaming, but there’s still work to be done to bolster CD sales, to throw a focus on to albums (as opposed to tracks) and to address some desperately unsexy, but absolutely vital supply chain challenges. There’s still a lot to be done!
Nicola Spokes, UK label head, Caroline International
That this new era of renewed energy and excitement across the music industry helps more new artists break through and more young people to feel like the music industry is a home for their creativity, talent and skills.
Imogen Heap, artist in residence, Featured Artist Coalition
That we can get a music makers database together, to enable those at the source to connect the dots and get music ready for all it can give to the world for generations to come.
Jeremy Lascelles, CEO, Blue Raincoat Music and Chrysalis Records
Peace, love and understanding. Now that would make a good song title...
Ali Fletch, A&R manager, Insanity Records
I hope that we do start to see a growth in gender and racial diversity in the senior exec roles across companies in all spheres of the music industry.
Helen Smith, executive chair, Impala
Rebalancing the digital market with a new copyright package in Europe.
Marc Robinson, president, Globe – creative & commercial, Universal Music UK
Continued investment into talent, creativity and A&R so that we get to work on brilliant and culture defining projects across content, film and TV and with all our brand partners.
Nitin Sawhney, composer
I hope the music industry finds a new and exciting way to support young and upcoming artists without compromising their creative integrity and to find new and inspiring platforms for musical expression.
Amy Wheatley, GM, Ministry Of Sound Recordings
To continue to break UK artists!
Korda Marshall, EVP, new recordings, BMG UK
Glastonbury announce they’ve change their minds and there will be a festival in 2018 – and that Alt-J headline!
Caroline Elleray, head of A&R, Universal Music Publishing
More young women in influential positions in the music business.
Julian Palmer, A&R director, Columbia Records
That more new British artists make a dent internationally.
Shabs Jobanputra, president, Relentless Records
Continued growth but not to get totally suckered in by streaming services who have their own agenda that is not necessarily ours.
Annabella Coldrick, chief executive, MMF
That we collectively as an industry turn our back on the touts and see the long-term relationship between artists and fans as more important than short-term profits.
Jason Rackham, MD, PIAS
That the business continues to evolve in a positive direction embracing diversity and equality.
Bruce McKenzie, sales director, Townsend Music
More artist encouragement, support and development alongside the continued resurgence in vinyl sales.
Rebecca Ayres, COO, Sound City and Modern Sky UK
That we continue to find ways to call out and eradicate inequality in all of its many forms.
Chris Walsh, head of brand & creative, Tixserve
That the music industry is able to embrace the technology of today and move away from problematic old paper and print at home tickets for live events. In this day and age, paper tickets are simply outdated. They encourage fraud, touting and fuel secondary markets, making it more and more difficult for real fans to support their favourite artists.
Steve Homer, co-CEO, AEG Presents
To stop losing all our musical heroes.
Paul Pacifico, CEO, AIM
The we use the potential for transparency and growth right now for positive change and continue to improve the prospects for great music to shine in a healthy ecosystem.
Emmanuel de Buretel, founder, Because Music
More diversity. The algorithms should be more sophisticated and open to the music companies. You need time and patience to discover new music. The platforms have to take into consideration the fact that the masses are reactionary.
Jeff Smith, head of music, BBC Radio 2/6 Music
More success for UK music globally and development of more new content around music.
Gadi Oron, director general, CISAC
I would love to see more competition, and more variety of offerings in the online streaming market. As a vinyl/CD collector, I’ve always enjoyed discovering small music stores I never knew existed and finding that album I always wanted but couldn’t get my hands on. I’d love to have that feeling transformed into the digital market. We need more online services offering different types, perhaps even niche consumer experiences, to the major ones we have today.
You can read more insights from the execs in our huge review of the year issue, available now. To subscribe and never miss a big music biz story, click here.
