Latest News & Analysis

The BPI, the trade association for the UK’s record companies and labels and the representative voice of British recorded music, today announces that applications are open for the latest (25th) round of Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) funding.   Applicants will be able to register and submit applications at this link from 12pm today and the application window will close on the 8th of June.   Deve

The British Music Embassy (BME) today announces a two-night music showcase at SXSW London 2026, taking place at Devonshire Square (DSQ) from 7-11pm on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd June 2026. The British Music Embassy in London is a collaboration between the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), music licensing companies PPL and PRS for Music, UK record labels association the BPI (British Phonogr

This year’s theme celebrates artist “Icons” PinkPantheress and Max Richter first Album Champions to be announcedBacked by Official Supporters Cherry Red, DP World, Official Charts, PPL, Proper, Trapeze, and the wider label and retail communitiesNational Album Day returns on Saturday 17th October 2026 with this year’s theme celebrating music “Icons” – encompassing legendary, cultural and contempora

The UK is on the cusp of an AI licensing boom that could cement its status as a global creative and tech superpower if the Government acts now to maintain intellectual property and mandate greater transparency by AI developers.Extensive new research, conducted by WPI Economics and commissioned by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) provides fresh insights into the enormous potential of a nasce

SHADES, a cross-label LGBTQ+ alliance uniting Sony Music UK, Warner Music UK, and Universal Music Group UK, proudly presents a landmark collaboration with Sugar For My Soul and the BPI: a one-day exhibition and evening mixer on Monday, 18th May, hosted at The Gallery in Tileyard (5 Tileyard Road, London, N7 9AH).The event will bring together the UK’s three largest music companies, along with indus

Job Title: Physical Piracy InvestigatorLocation: London/Remote Hybrid  Salary: £32,500 - £33,825 pa (plus benefits)  Length of Contract: Permanent   Company Profile  The BPI champions the UK’s recorded music community, safeguarding the rights of its members and of the artists, performers and label members of collecting body PPL.  The BPI’s membership consists of well over 500 independent labels an

BPI’s recently-published All About The Music 2026 reveals the rock genre claimed 22.2% of singles music consumption in 2025, its highest total since 2016.Rock strengthened its position as the top albums genre, extending its share to 36.0% thanks to releases by the likes of Sam Fender, Wolf Alice, Sleep Token, Yungblud, and Oasis. Rock claimed well over half (54.9%) of all UK vinyl album sales in 2

Just two months to go before the world’s only known auction of “white label” test pressings takes place, hosted by Omega Auctions, on 23rd JuneThe White Label Auction has raised over £200,000 for The BRIT Trust to support causes that draw on the power of music to improve lives, including The BRIT School and Nordoff and RobbinsHundreds of white label test pressings to go under the hammer including

The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize ‘12 Albums of the Year’ will be revealed on Thursday 30th July. The Prize returns to host city Newcastle for the second year, in partnership with Newcastle City Council, when the 2026 Awards Show takes place at the Utilita Arena on Thursday 22nd October.The Mercury Prize ‘12 Albums of the Year’ shortlist is curated by an independent judging panel of music i

Study of over 2,000 respondents commissioned for the BPI’s newly published All About The Music 2026 yearbook reveals that music is the cultural output the British public feels the UK can be most proud ofThree-quarters of respondents thought music by British artists helps to improve the UK’s global standing, while more than two-thirds agreed the UK government should be doing more to support homegro

The 2025 Pay Gap Report marks the second year that the BPI has published its gender, ethnicity and disability pay gaps. Last year we found this process helped us to reflect within the team, as well as to share outcomes with our members and industry partners.Although our BPI team is below the 250-person threshold for gender pay gap reporting to be statutory, we have committed to reporting our gende

BPI announces the latest in its series of Insight Sessions in association with Bowers & WilkinsWith special guest speaker, Sarah Boorman, General Manager Youth Strategy, Universal Music Group UK – and panelists from Beano Brain, SuperAwesome, Yoto, Young VoicesThe BPI, the representative voice for the UK’s world-leading record companies and label businesses, today announces the latest in its serie

Nineteenth edition of SXSW’s official UK musical presence saw over 60 of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists perform across ten showcases in seven daysWest LDN Carnival on Sixth paid homage to London’s Notting Hill Carnival with a vibrant showcase featuring DJAG, Rampage Sound, Kairo Keyz and more Northern Sound showcases platformed artists from the North of the UK, with Wales and other UK reg

New 7 day post-show figures paint picture of a truly global night celebrating British music at The BRIT Awards 2026 with MastercardOver 423 million video views across social platformsInstagram views up 227% to 242 millionInternational livestream hits 1 million views, its biggest reach since 2021Providing a compelling platform for a new generation of British talent to connect with their biggest eve

Harry Styles celebrates biggest opening week of his career with Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. It’s Harry’s second Official Chart Double as American Girls simultaneously tops Official Singles Chart Harry’s House and As It Was scored same feat in 2022 British artists dominate Official Albums Chart in 2026 with unrelenting run of chart-toppers Harry Styles eclipses even his own superstar st

BPI reports UK recorded music revenue increased for an 11th consecutive year in 2025, rising by 5.0% to a new nominal high of £1.57 billion.Streaming revenue rose by a further 4.6% to a new record level of £1.07 billion.Physical music revenue increased for a third consecutive year, led by a 19.9% lift in vinyl sales.These encouraging numbers come amid growing international recognition for this new

Cementing its status as a world capital of music alongside New York, the city and surrounding region ‘brings Glastonbury home’ during the famous festival’s year offLaunching in May 2026, live performances, cultural events and community activity take place throughout spring and summerAll images © Sound City Liverpool Music Month – May 2026Part of Liverpool Summer Of Music 2026Twinned with New York

Music industry boards near gender parity but the gap between gender and intersectional representation is wider now than when tracking began in 2020New study shows broadly balanced representation of women and men, but global majority women now account for 11% of board positions, down from 2024  Seat at the Table innovations for 2026 include a Boardroom Navigator and a Governance Advisory CouncilWom

Record-breaking digital engagement, with more than 250 million organic views in the 48 hours post-show – up 275% on 2025 Marked increase in demand for artists’ music post-show, led by Rosalia’s ‘Lux’ with a 583% surge    The event remains the UK’s most significant youth-driving entertainment awards event on TV, achieving a 49% share of the coveted 16-34 audience bracketThe BRIT Awards 2026 with Ma

Independent artists receiving support in 24th round of funding include Dry Cleaning, The Molotovs, anaiis, Beth McCarthy and Black Country, New RoadMEGS has now supported over 500 artists over 12 years, generating a return on investment of nearly £14 for every £1 received from Government The BPI, the trade association for the UK’s record companies and labels and the representative voice of British