It's tougher than ever to predict what's next for the music business. To look ahead to 2025, Music Week gathers a host of the industry's leading names – including Louis Bloom, Briony Turner, Glyn Aikins, Shani Gonzales, Alistair Norbury, Safiya Lambie-Knight, Steve Homer, Colin Batsa and more – to ask what they're hoping the new year has in store...
LOUIS BLOOM, ISLAND EMI LABEL GROUP
“I believe the UK will get its swagger back. There is so much to be positive about, we have some of the best artistry in the world happening here. The UK has always had such an enormous influence on culture, whether that’s music, film, art or fashion, and I believe that to compete with the world, we need to shout even louder about our incredible artists and dynamic UK executives.”
BRIONY TURNER, ATLANTIC
“I hope we see more diversity in the top positions across the industry. We’ve worked hard and done a good job of making the industry more inclusive, but there is still a lot of work to be done and it’s important that this remains top of the agenda for all those in powerful places.”
SAFIYA LAMBIE-KNIGHT, SPOTIFY
“We need to see more women in positions of power, and more representation across all cultures. The music industry is at its best when it reflects the true diversity of the music it creates. It’s not just about having diverse voices in the room, but about building teams that understand and celebrate the range of experiences that shape the music that everyone loves.”
ALISTAIR NORBURY, BMG
“My hope for 2025 is that industry-funded HR support for artists and songwriters becomes a priority. Mental health challenges are all too common in music, and dedicated resources would provide the guidance artists need to balance their careers and personal wellbeing, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish.”
COLIN BATSA, EGA DISTRO
“I hope to see a wave of exciting new artists, entrepreneurs, creatives and talented individuals!”
GLYN AIKINS, RCA/SINCE ’93
“I hope 2025 is a great year for British music that brings yet more UK breakthrough artists.”
HELEN SMITH, IMPALA
“My hope is for streaming reform that boosts diversity and true artistry.”
ZEON RICHARDS, RENOWNED GROUP
“My biggest hope is that we continue to create opportunities for more artists to have sustainable careers. Breaking through in this industry is tough, and we need to lower the barriers to entry. I’m currently managing DJ AG, and we’ve built a platform where artists can showcase themselves and their music directly to audiences. It’s about creating space for talent to develop, connect and thrive. The more we can support that, the healthier the industry will be.”
SALLY DAVIES, ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS
“My biggest hope for the music industry in 2025 and beyond is that the UK continues to dominate the global soundtrack market, thanks to its rich tapestry of talented musicians, composers, studios and engineers. The creativity and innovation that our artists and composers bring to the table plays a crucial role in shaping the soundtracks of film, television, games and beyond. I believe that by fostering and supporting this vibrant ecosystem, we can ensure that the UK maintains its position as a hub of musical excellence and continues to influence the world with its sound.”
GEORGE ERGATOUDIS, INDUSTRY VETERAN
“I would love to see a brilliant new British band emerge, complete with at least one iconic rock star ready to bring swagger and style.”
GEE DAVY, AIM
“My big hope is that the government will support cross-sector growth by helping the shining examples of good practice in AI development and promoting clarity that AI development is subject to our world-leading copyright regime. We are also calling for a strong international framework to ensure an open and accessible marketplace.”
DAVID MARTIN, FEATURED ARTISTS COALITION
“I hope the industry can coalesce around solutions on policy areas that we’re working on, such as the economics of streaming, in particular creator remuneration, grassroots touring and AI-era regulation. If we can, I think it will pave the way for the UK’s industry to have an incredibly successful decade. If not, I think the UK’s global position as a music powerhouse will come under significant pressure. We need all parts of the industry to thrive in unison.”
BROOKE SALISBURY, SONY MUSIC UK
“I’m hoping for a huge year for British talent globally.”
NICHAL SETHI, TIKTOK
“We saw some really exciting talent break through last year, and I look forward to seeing that develop this year with UK artists breaking out onto the global stage.”
SIAN ELERI, BBC RADIO 1
“Looking at the amazing year Kneecap had championing the Irish language in 2024, I would love to see a Welsh artist go mainstream and have the same level of impact.”
MARTIN MILLS, BEGGARS MUSIC
“I hope we find the terminology to distinguish between the diverse constituents of the ‘independent’ bucket, and for quality rather than quantity to become the watchword for digital services.”
NEGLA ABDELA, MINISTRY OF SOUND
“I hope to see more artists embrace fan-centric experiences that deepen connections with their audiences. This would not only strengthen loyalty to artists, but also bring new energy to the live scene, turning casual listeners into life-long supporters.”
STEVE HOMER, AEG PRESENTS
“Guitars and more guitars.”
HELEN THOMAS, BBC RADIO 2
“We always get excited to hear music from new artists that we know our listeners will grow to love. So, I would love to see the industry getting behind more new quality homegrown artists who make timeless music.”
KIM BAYLEY, ERA
“I hope we see more, and bigger, UK artists coming through. Digital services and retailers do so much to support homegrown talent, and I am confident that the pendulum will soon swing the UK’s way again.”
PAUL SMITH, WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC UK
“To see all songwriters being able to make a living from their craft!”
TOM KIEHL, UK MUSIC
“We need our grassroots to thrive to have a sustainable music industry and I believe we are now at a tipping point. Whether it is developing artists, venues, festivals, studios, rehearsal spaces or youth clubs, all have significant obstacles at present. There are still inaccurate assertions and perceptions, and in some cases ignorance, about the positive value and impact of music’s grassroots that need to be overcome.”
DAN CHALMERS, YOUTUBE
“For the Oasis reunion to live up to the hype.”
DELLESSA JAMES, AMAZON MUSIC
“My biggest hope is that we find more structure within the industry and continue to develop new talent to its full potential.”
ROBERT D’OVIDIO, BAUER MEDIA AUDIO UK
“It’s harder than ever for new artists to cut through, so I hope our playlist meetings are filled with exciting new music from the next wave of talent we know is out there.”
NICKIE OWEN, UNIVERSAL MUSIC
“I hope that it becomes easier for artists to be able to tour outside the UK.”
AUSTIN DABOH, ATLANTIC
“That investment in developing homegrown talent increases.”
SHANI GONZALES, WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC UK
“We need to develop more talent and have moments where we can reclaim our place in the global music space. The UK is known for acts like Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Radiohead, David Bowie, George Michael, The Beatles... There are too many to count! But it’s concerning that, of late, there are far fewer moments like these. We need to support homegrown talent by continuing to evolve a local ecosystem that drives UK culture, artists and music.”
JO TWIST, BPI
“It would be wonderful to have a period of stability and a longer term view of what interventions or support make sense from Government to help the business grow. It would also be helpful to have a long-term Secretary Of State For Culture in place.”
JANE ARTHY, WARNER RECORDS
“I’m hoping to see the right balance between human curation and algorithms this year.”
CHRISTIAN D’ACUÑA, THE O2
“Last year, we hosted the world’s first carbon-removed events with The 1975, which saw the extraction and removal of 136.46 tonnes of residual carbon per show. As a venue, we are able to offer the model to other artists, so my hope is that we get a good uptake for carbon-removed shows in 2025 and beyond.”
