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 part 7 of our massive look back, including insight from Colin Batsa, Amber Davis, Vanessa Bosåen, Jo Twist and many more...
JO TWIST
CEO, BPI
With the ongoing rise of AI, are you confident that the government will protect artists and copyright?
“People’s creative endeavours are translated into IP: it is our lifeblood. We are doing our very best to work with the government on this key issue to land our arguments with as much impact as possible. Generative AI offers all sorts of exciting possibilities and our members are at the forefront of innovation and experimentation, and we’re also working with a number of AI start-ups through our innovation programme. But when it comes to the challenges, top of the agenda is safeguarding music rights and creating an environment in which these are respected and valued. That means AI companies seeking authorisation when they want to use music in training AI models, via licensing. That means not having any new exceptions to copyright introduced, and greater transparency obligations to allow those licensing models to develop and to support enforcement. It is striking how much feeling about this there is across the creative community, and we were proud to be amongst the many rights organisations to sign up to the Human Artistry Campaign, and to put our names to the statement on AI training, alongside some 35,000 illustrious names. The UK could be a global leader in developing a workable, foresighted set of policies in this space and we look forward to working to realise that ambition.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Von Dutch by Charli XCX. It gives me a sense of drive, and I especially love listening to it whilst travelling for some reason!”
And your favourite album?
“I am still really enjoying Idles’ Tangk and I am also an OG Cure fan, so Songs Of A Lost World is an album that I was very excited to welcome.”
DAMIAN CHRISTIAN
MD & president of promotions, Atlantic
Tell us your favourite radio campaign of the year?
“Teddy Swims. It was a very radio-led campaign and Teddy has done amazingly leading on the airwaves. At this moment, Lose Control is the highest-played record in the UK for the year. He is the only male artist to have two of his tunes in the Top 20 end-of-year airplay charts, and he has three massive records played by every station. We started the campaign with a BBC Live Lounge and Graham Norton, and it hasn’t stopped since then!”
What was your track of 2024?
“Favourite by Fontaines DC. I love this record and I love this band. This shows that if you make the right song with a guitar band, it can still work.”
And your favourite album?
“Brat. I don’t think any act has ever broken this wide open on a sixth studio LP.”
CHLOË ROBERTS
COO, Young
Did the industry look after its workforce well enough in 2024?
“The pressures can feel relentless and we’ve got to find better ways to support people, especially as the industry accelerates. Prioritising artist development and wellbeing alongside sustainable careers is more vital than ever.”
Who or what lit up the indie sector this year?
“Fontaines DC’s album. They’ve evolved beyond their post-punk roots, while maintaining that raw spirit.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Eusexua by FKA Twigs [right]. It’s exactly the kind of fearless creativity we need more of.”
And your favourite album?
“Jamie XX’s In Waves. Truly timeless.”
NICHAL SETHI
Head of SoundOn EMEA, TikTok
What was the biggest lesson that you learned about the realities of life for new acts in 2024?
“That it is an extremely difficult job and the pressures on artists these days are only increasing.”
Do you have any message to aspiring acts who are put off by things such as the pressure to always be on social media?
“I’d say that these things take time, and don’t compare yourself to others. Having a viral hit isn’t always the best thing for longevity. Taking the time to grow your fanbase from the bottom up, whether that’s through 10 singles, 20 or even 30, is all part of the work needed to have longevity in your career. Don’t get bogged down by the pressures or the myths of social media – posting 10 times a day doesn’t help to grow your fanbase. Two to three times a week consistently is a much better approach to take.”
What was your favourite track of 2024?
“This is a tough question. I’m so consumed by the music that comes through SoundOn that I have a lot of favourites from there, but I would say Abracadabra by Craig David and Wes Nelson, LeoStayTrill’s Pink Lemonade or Her Eyes by Charlie Jeer.”
And your favourite album?
“M Huncho and Potter Payper’s mixtape, 36 Hours.”
AMBER DAVIS
SVP, Warner Chappell Music UK
Music moves fast, you must always be learning new things. What’s a top A&R tip you can share now that you wouldn’t have been able to last year?
“You learn a lot from the people around you and we have had a new addition to our A&R team with Lulu Largent who wasn’t here last year and she shows me a new way of looking at things!”
What would you say is the biggest takeaway for the rest of the industry from your client Raye’s success this year?
“Persistence is key. We are in a climate where it is really difficult to break new artists and Raye is testament to sticking to your craft andnot giving up.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Odeal – Soh-Soh. Sometimes you just get a song that can lift your mood for the entire day!”
And your favourite album?
“Adam Port’s Move because it is a great fusion of genres. And Nia Smith’s Give Up The Fear, an EP full of exceptional songs – there is nothing not to love about it.”
NADIA KHAN
Chair, EarthPercent/Founder, Women In CTRL
How much progress in trade- body representation was made this year?
“Many trade bodies are not just committing to diversity and inclusion on paper, but are implementing actionable plans. We’re seeing more diverse representation in leadership positions and on boards. A great example is Michelle Escoffery stepping into the role of chair at the Ivors Academy. That said, there’s still work to do, particularly in ensuring intersectionality and succession planning.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Hinak Hina by Laughta, featuring AG Nimeri and Noramai.”
And your favourite album?
“The debut record from Seera, an all-women Arab psychedelic band.”
DAVID MARTIN
CEO, FAC
Why is a £1 arena/stadium ticket levy important for developing artists?
“Too frequently when measures are aimed at supporting our industry, we end up with ‘solutions’ that focus on infrastructure not music makers. This is particularly important to avoid if we are to develop grassroots artists. If we support infrastructure without enabling artists to tour, we will not develop the artists of the future, we will not grow new audiences and scenes, and those that rely on artists for their income will not get paid. It’ll be the equivalent of mothballing the sector.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Oneohtrix Point Never’s Long Road Home. I’m a huge fan.”
And your favourite album?
“Iceboy Violet & Nueen’s You Said You’d Hold My Hand Through The Fire on Hyperdub.”
COLIN BATSA
President, EGA Distro
What did it mean to you to put out the Nines record this year?
“It meant a lot personally and was a bucket-list moment, as I have wanted to release a Nines record for my whole career! To do it with my own company was a dream come true. Unfortunately, I can’t shed light on his next endeavours, but all I can say is that they are going to be very successful. Watch this space!”
Earlier this year you told us you “live for doing deals”. What exactly did you mean?
“Winning the deal, then designing the deal, then negotiating the deal, to watching the deal materialise into success, is something that I love. I think it’s because I used to want to be a lawyer, but I like the competition and the process makes me enjoy the results more!”
What was your track of 2024?
“Nines’ Tony Soprano 3. This is Nines at his best!”
And your favourite album?
“Skrapz – Reflection. A classic, in my opinion, and the best rap album of the year.”
DARI SAMUELS
Head of BBC Radio 1Xtra
What is your personal mission for BBC 1Xtra?
“For fans of Black music and culture, I want 1Xtra to be their go-to place to connect to the rising stars, icons and trendsetters that they love. To help make that happen, part of my role is to step into the unknown and create new ways for us to uncover, explore and celebrate artistic excellence.”
What was the most exciting story in UK music in 2024?
“Raye’s record-breaking win at The BRITs, where she took home the awards for R&B Act, Best New Artist, Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Songwriter Of The Year.”
What was your track of 2024?
“FLO – Caught Up. It’s a beautifully crafted R&B song by one of the UK’s most promising acts.”
And your favourite album?
“Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose. Ghetts really impressed me with the lyrical power and artistic growth he showed throughout.”
SIAN ELERI
DJ, BBC Radio 1
What was your hidden gem of 2024 – something or someone that deserves much wider attention?
“Where to start! Ellur is an incredible songwriter from Halifax, her music has got that grand expanse while still feeling intimate; lots of fuzzy guitars, great for Sam Fender fans. Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka is superb, he used to be a teacher before pursuing music full time. I’ve got to mention Lemfreck and Douvelle19, too, both representing Newport, doing amazing things in their respective scenes.”
What was your favourite track of 2024?
“Doechii’s Catfish. I’m delighted she’s had three Grammy nods, this track is solid gold.”
And how about your top album of the year?
“Charli XCX’s Brat remix album was genius. Other favourites were Another Sky’s Beach Day, Fontaines DC’s Romance, Willow’s Empathogen, and Tyler, The Creator with Chromakopia.”
JIM KING
CEO, European festivals, AEG Presents
How would you sum up the festival summer of 2024 in one word?
“Sustainability. Because it means everything. How we operate, how we grow for the longer term and how we connect with new audiences and have them in turn commit to a lifetime of engagement with live music.”
What will define festival season in 2025?
“For me personally, it’s the launch of our new LIDO Festival in Victoria Park, London. Operationally, LIDO is the most sustainable music event we have ever produced and curating events of this scale with the headliner means so much more to the artists and their fans. My other defining moment for 2025 is Zach Bryan selling out two shows [130,000 tickets] at BST Hyde Park. Whilst he crosses many genres, for country music to have an artist selling out two Hyde Parks is a defining moment for the industry.”
Name your track of 2024?
“I’m going to cheat, so my one song is a mix of Places To Be by Fred Again.. featuring Anderson .Paak and Chika, mixing into Baddy On The Floor by Jamie XX and Honey Dijon.”
And your favourite album?
“It’s a toss-up between Charli XCX’s Brat and The Cure’s Songs Of A Lost World. Two very different records but I’m going with Charli.”
MICHELLE ESCOFFERY
President, PRS Members’ Council
What was PRS members’ key concern in 2024?
“The rise of generative AI. Policy discussions around AI and copyright are active globally and PRS are in the centre of these. Some countries are exploring laws that recognise and protect the rights of creators whose work is used to train AI models. Advocacy is key to ensuring that these protections extend to all creators. Also, touring and international showcasing has been challenging for many members due to the complexities of both funding and visa requirements.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Motion Sickness by Sons Of Sonix & Bellah. I love every single thing about this song! The composition and arrangement have had me totally engaged and the production value is excellent.”
And your favourite album?
“Love Heart Cheat Code by Hiatus Kaiyote. After waiting patiently for a new offering from these musical giants since 2021, there was absolutely no disappointment! A breath of fresh air once again.”
JULIE WEIR
Director, Music For Nations
How was the past year in rock music?
“It’s still going from strength to strength. I’ll always cheerlead those who choose to be brave in style and aesthetic. Weekend tickets for Bloodstock 2025 sold out in record time; Outbreak is smashing it; Supersonic was a hotbed of new talent, while 2,000 Trees and Arc Tangent are continuing to expand. Download will always be akin to a pilgrimage for many. Gigs are still selling out, with bands like Bring Me The Horizon and Sleep Token leading the charge. On a more sombre note, no 2024 round-up can omit mentioning Michelle Kerr – a bright light taken way too soon, and a more than authentic and memorable force of nature. She lived and breathed rock music unlike any other and it is a shock that she is no longer here.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Mogwai’s God Gets You Back.”
And your favourite album?
“High Vis – Guided Tour. So good I bought it twice on vinyl.”
VANESSA BOSÅEN
President, UK, Virgin Music Group
Last year, you told us that choice is more important than ever in label services. What choices did you enable them to make in 2024?
“All of them, that’s the whole point! Our artist and label partners are in control over every choice they make with regards to their careers and label business. We are focused on supporting our partners’ creative and commercial visions. With so many choices to make over the course of a campaign and a career, an artist needs the best people, strategy, infrastructure and services on their side to help make the best decision for them in that moment. That’s where our global team of experts strive to be the very best.”
What kept you awake at night in terms of industry issues this year?
“I’d say the constant state of evolution across innovation and new technology; thinking of new ways to empower artists and labels to succeed in an age where the landscape and vehicles used to connect with fans are continually morphing. Artist development remains incredibly important and we are committed to helping our partners connect with fans in new and sustaining ways.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Rafters by Antony Szmierek. Antony has created a genre of spoken word over euphoric beats with lyrics that capture the very zeitgeist of British culture. Rafters so perfectly captures a moment in time.”
And your favourite album?
“All Born Screaming by St Vincent. It feels like the soundtrack to a dystopian, cinematically stunning future where the heavy boots of St Vincent powerfully strut across a world on fire.”
FOLLOW 
