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 10 of our massive look back, including insight from Tom Lewis, Martin Mills, Taponeswa Mavunga, Jo Whiley, Paul Hitchman and Toyin Mustapha…
TOM LEWIS
Co-President, Decca
At a time when some are arguing that it takes three or four albums for artists to truly break, what does Aurora’s story say about the way emerging acts grow these days?
“Aurora’s incredible worldwide ascent has come through determination, long-term thinking, relentless belief and patience – and these do feel like watchwords for emerging artists. There have been a number of significant catalytic moments – you can’t pinpoint just one thing. Instead, lots of things have happened in lots of places, across lots of platforms and over a long time. It’s the musical equivalent of the network effect.”
Why is Decca’s A&R approach right for Aurora?
“I’ve often likened our A&R approach to the editor/writer relationship in book publishing. Our job, simply, is to do everything we can to help the artist clarify and hone their own vision, message and music. In Aurora’s case, this is particularly apt as she is such a profoundly insightful and powerful lyricist. Equally, we’re not chasing fleeting trends. This approach can be spotted within the label’s DNA since its inception nearly 100 years ago.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Aurora – Starvation. I genuinely crashed my car when I first heard it!”
And your favourite album?
“Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol 4. His second successive Grammy nod [for Album Of The Year].”
MARTIN MILLS
Chairman, Beggars Group
How will the new Cargo Independent Distribution business change the indie sector?
“Independents need the option of direct access to market. What the majors offer can come with too many strings, or not enough attention. We’ve always supported independent distribution and have seen our scale as valuable for the viability of those we choose to work with. Now that PIAS has crossed to the other side, there’s a vacuum to be filled, and we want to be part of that solution.”
How did Beggars move forward in its sustainability work in 2024?
“We have vigorously measured and reported our business impacts and reductions, placing a focus on transitioning to sustainable ways of working with our vinyl suppliers. We’re also proud partners of Murmur, an organisation that empowers artists to understand climate issues and gives vital funds to sustainability initiatives.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Kim Deal – Nobody Loves You More.”
And your favourite album?
“Geordie Greep – The New Sound.”
TAPONESWA MAVUNGA
Director of Africa, Sony Music UK
Where is African music going next in terms of global expansion?
“African artists aren’t just expanding globally; they’re spearheading a cultural movement, seamlessly blending their own sounds with hip-hop, R&B, electronic and even Latin influences. These hybrids resonate far beyond Africa. Tyla embodied this beautifully for South Africa this year, with her debut album and her sound that’s both distinctly African and universally magnetic. This crossover is no longer just a niche phenomenon; it’s a part of the global mainstream. Also in South Africa, Afro house remains one of the most exciting genres to watch.”
What was your track and album of 2024?
“Ram Pam by Rudimental featuring Mystic Marley and Flowdan had a warm vibrant energy that felt like summer. And Tems’ Born In The Wild album has been on repeat for me since it dropped.”
PAUL HITCHMAN
Global COO, AWAL
At a time when it’s harder to break, is AWAL set up better than your rivals to steer artists to success?
“AWAL’s aim is to be the world’s best artist development company and we build teams around artists designed to help them progress creatively and commercially without compromise. The old-school levers are no longer as impactful, so you have to be patient and go back to the core creative principles of artist development. AWAL is also still one of the only music companies that thinks and acts globally from day one, with the resources to deliver.”
How do you reflect on winning at the Music Week Awards this year?
“To me, it felt like the award was a long time coming, after many years of being shortlisted. We had another great year with five BRIT nominations and big hits with the likes of Jungle and Djo, so it feels like it was our turn.”
Name your track of 2024...
“I loved being part of the campaign for Djo’s End Of Beginning and seeing it go to No.1 on Spotify’s global chart. The song has an enigmatic quality and yet is relatable to anyone with nostalgia for their home town.”
And your favourite album?
“Psykos by Yung Lean and Bladee. An inspired union between two innovative and experimental Swedish artists that totally defies any attempt at pigeonholing.”
TOYIN MUSTAPHA
Head of music partnerships, UK, Ireland & SSA, TikTok
TikTok was in the news a lot in 2024, for various reasons. How do you feel the platform is emerging at the end of the year? How will you look back on 2024?
“From a music point of view, there have been some real positives. It was a year of big changes for us, but I believe we’re set up to deliver even more success for artists and partners going into 2025. I’m particularly optimistic that the new products and features we’ve introduced will really help with this and enable artists to engage with fans more closely.”
How do you think TikTok’s relationship with the music industry will develop in 2025?
“As our platform continues to grow and evolve, we want TikTok to carry on being the home for music discovery and to give artists more opportunities to build their careers.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Without a doubt, Adam Port’s Move. From the minute I heard the initial preview on TikTok, I felt it had the potential to be an instant classic. It was probably my most played song in the summer and I definitely think it’s a song that encapsulates 2024 perfectly.”
And your favourite album?
“Asake – Lungu Boy. I’ve been a big fan of Asake since his Mr Money With The Vibe release back in 2022. He’s an artist that’s full of surprises, which is a testament to his versatility. Lungu Boy was, in many ways, a new side to him, but he yet again raised the bar with this album and executed it masterfully.”
KOMALI SCOTT-JONES
Co-founder, The Black Music Coalition/A&R director, AWAL
How do you feel about pathways into A&R roles at the end of 2024?
“There are increasingly more initiatives from some of the larger companies to encourage new talent from a wider pool into A&R, which is cool. It’s important to have as many diverse ears as possible. The landscape is ripe for innovation and a DIY spirit, creating spaces and platforms to uncover new artists. Aspiring A&Rs can provide so much currency and development for themselves, rather than fighting for limited spots via traditional pathways.”
What was your proudest moment of the year?
“The launch of Wretch 32 and Little Simz’s [pictured, below] track Black And British – the imagery, sonics and lyricism all came together to create such a powerful moment and I felt honoured to be a part of it alongside two brilliant artists and some incredible minds working to make it so special.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Odeal – Free Me.”
And your favourite album?
“Bashy’s Being Poor Is Expensive – a masterclass in authenticity.”
LIZ GOODWIN
GM, Atlantic
Do you think the Brat remix album will start a trend?
“It was an incredible moment, unlocked early by Billie Eilish’s appearance on Guess, and released at just the right time for a fully deserved No.1 album moment for Charli in the UK. Generally speaking, it’s exciting to see so much more authentic artist collaboration across the board.”
Outside Atlantic, what impressed you the most this year?
“The continuing rise of exciting new bands, seeing touring truly back on its feet, and an important focus on IRL moments powering global content strategies and rewarding fanbases.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Amyl And The Sniffers’ U Should Not Be Doing That. This band have an unmatched energy and this song just grabs you and immediately makes you want to see them live. This is reflected in the amount of shows they are selling out around the world.”
And your favourite album?
“Halsey, Aziya and MK.Gee are three artists who have made incredible music that has stopped me in my tracks this year.”
ANDREW PARSONS
MD, Ticketmaster UK
In the wake of the Oasis Live ’25 on-sale, has Ticketmaster made any changes to its process?
“The Oasis sale was the biggest ticket sale of the digital age – tripling our previous record, with 10 million people joining our queues. In context: that’s one in 10 people in the UK and Ireland attempting to buy a ticket. Whilst there were never going to be enough to meet the demand, we’re always seeking to improve the fan experience. Fans are now provided with ticket prices and real-time updates on ticket availability while they wait, ensuring they’re informed and engaged throughout. The Oasis sale was also a historical day for the number of bot attacks faced, with our teams blocking 250m+ suspicious actions. Despite having the world’s top defences, touts were still able to buy 2% of tickets on our site, making queues longer and taking tickets from real fans. That’s why we’re calling on the government to enforce anti-bot laws and hold these touts accountable.”
What does such demand say about live music?
“While so much focus has been on huge rock acts dominating stadiums, it is hugely exciting to see artists stepping up the gears, from Dua Lipa to Fontaines DC. It’s always a thrill to see the next generation of headliners on their meteoric rise.”
Please name your track and album of 2024?
“Matador by Luvcat was an incredibly catchy and haunting pop song. For album, Taylor Swift. I was lucky to take my daughters to her show – it was an unforgettable experience.”
STUART GALBRAITH
CEO, Kilimanjaro Live
Why did you choose to partner with National Album Day in 2024?
“We work with many artists that have made brilliant albums for decades now, and focusing on National Album Day enabled us to work closely with the BPI to maximise ticket sales and album bundles, which helped drive combined sales.”
What was the biggest live music story this year?
“The Labour government being elected with a promise to bring in legislation to outlaw unscrupulous ticket touting. We very much look forward to working with DCMS to help frame the legislation after so many years of campaigning.”
Name your track of 2024...
“Olivia Dean – Time.”
And your favourite album?
“Andrea Bocelli’s Duets.”
JO WHILEY
DJ, BBC Radio 2
What was your Radio 2 moment of the year?
“The Cure In Concert for Radio 2. To see a band who’ve been massively influential on your music tastes and who you’ve loved all your life perform an intimate gig and still be at the top of their game was hugely emotional. A real career and personal high.”
Why was Radio 2 important to artist campaigns this year?
“Radio 2 simply has a huge audience with an appetite for a broad range of music and the desire and capacity to spend time at gigs and festivals. I love that Radio 2 introduces new artists to this open-minded audience, especially on my show where we had sessions from English Teacher, Yard Act, Fontaines DC, Rachel Chinouriri [left], Jacob Collier, Orla Gartland and more.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Fontaines DC’s Starburster.”
And your favourite album?
“Fontaines DC, Chappell Roan and Charli XCX defined 2024.”
CHRISTIAN D’ACUNA
Senior programming director, The O2
What was the best O2 Arena moment from 2024?
“Linkin Park’s UK exclusive show. We felt so lucky to be one of just six venues globally to host the comeback show of such a seminal band. The event itself was outstanding and there was such excitement throughout the venue that you could feel how much of a big moment it was. A big thanks goes to WME and Live Nation for choosing The O2.”
What was the biggest threat to the venue’s success in 2024?
“Due to a number of reasons, ranging from touring schedules to album delays, there was an increase in shows that had to be rescheduled from this year to the 2025 diary.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Dilemma by Green Day. One of the best songs ever written by my favourite band of all time.”
And your favourite album?
“Midas by Wunderhorse, who are my favourite new band.”
KAREN EMANUEL
CEO, Key Production Group
How do you see the future for vinyl?
“It’s been fantastic that Coldplay’s Moon Music has brought attention to some of the ways in which artists, labels and the supply chain are collaborating to look for ways to reduce the impact of manufacturing a record. It has brought awareness that we can manufacture vinyl more sustainably, which is extremely positive and we encourage artists and labels to consider this. Consumers, artists and factories are striving for ways to reduce impacts, which is great, but we need more traction, particularly with major labels in the US to enable us to reach the tipping point to bring prices down for bio-attributed PVC, for example. We know the demand for physical is there – just look at HMV and now WH Smith stocking records again. Vinyl will go from strength to strength, particularly now younger generations are getting into physical music.”
In the wake of your Women In Music Awards win, what do you think your story says about what is possible in the music industry?
“Anything is possible with determination, hard work, resilience, perseverance, authenticity and a great team. The event was incredibly inspiring and made a real statement about how the industry is shifting.”
What was your track and album of 2024?
“Zetra have released some great songs, including Shatter The Mountain, and I’ve listened to their debut a lot. But it’s not every year you get a Grammy nod, so Alpha Wolf’s Half Living Things box set is top of the list!”
ZEON RICHARDS
Director, Renowned Group
How did your relationship with your long-term management client Wretch 32 evolve this year?
“It is stronger than ever. We’ve known each other since we were kids, he was one of my first proper friends. Now, we share a mutual excitement for the future. We both face challenges, but we find solutions together. It’s a bond rooted in friendship and a shared passion for the work.”
What was the most exciting thing about UK music in 2024?
“For me, the most exciting thing is the global opportunities. With the rise of short-form content and how connected platforms have become, there’s a massive chance for collaboration. The doors are wide open for UK music.”
What was your favourite track and album of 2024?
“My track is Black And British by Wretch 32 with Little Simz, and On Purpose, With Purpose by Ghetts was hands-down my album of the year.”
REBECCA FRANK
Content director, Kiss Network
How did commercial radio boost artists in 2024?
“With the sheer amount of choice DAB and IP listening now offers, radio audiences now experience the type of quality and human curation that both current and catalogue artists need. Commercial radio can give more space to artists in an industry that’s more competitive than ever. These are the kinds of modest but effective innovations that make radio an even more powerful platform for boosting artists. Also, commercial radio now outweighs the BBC in market share, 53% to 45% respectively, showing the influence brands like KISS have in supporting homegrown acts.”
What was your favourite track and album of the year?
“I have to rep drum & bass. It will never die! My track is Chase & Status & Stormzy’s Backbone and my favourite album is Khruangbin’s A La Sala. Just put it on and tell me the world doesn’t feel better.”
