Thursday 15th May 2025 – A full day of talks, discussions, case studies and insights presented by Council of Music Makers and Association of Independent Music
THE COLLABORATORS
Council of Music Makers
The Council of Music Makers are the umbrella organisation representing the Ivors Academy, FAC, MMF, MPG and the MU. This day will cover key areas for anyone in the business of music creation.
Association of Independent Music (AIM)
AIM is the not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting the UK’s independent music community, which makes up a third of the UK’s recorded music market.
THE MAIN THEMES OF THE DAY…
The Changing Shape of the Music Market in 2025
– Market Trends in Music
– Policy’s role in sustaining the future of the industry
– The Role of Labels in a Changing Market
– International touring
THE SESSIONS…
Market Trends In Music
Mark Mulligan, MD at MIDiA Research, provides insights on the latest trends in the music business, and what that means for music-makers and their business partners.
Speaker: Mark Mulligan music analyst and the founder at MIDiA Research
AI, Streaming + The Cost Of Touring Crisis: The Music-Maker Perspective
There have been lots of big debates in the music business this year. How AI interacts with the music industry and music-makers. How streaming services are changing their business models. The cost of touring crisis. Get the perspectives of music-makers, their managers and independent music businesses on these crucial issues.
Speakers: Gee Davy (CEO, Association of Independent Music), Naomi Pohl (General Secretary – Musicians’ Union), Roberto Neri (Chief Executive Officer of The Ivors Academy), David Martin (CEO, Featured Artists Coalition), Annabella Coldrick (CEO of Music Managers Forum), Cameron Craig (Executive Director, Music Producers Guild)
Getting The Most From Creative Collaborations
We all know that music-making is a collaborative process – but what makes those collaborations really work? How do collaborators – artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and engineers – come together, what happens in the studio and beyond, and where do A&R and management fit into the mix?
The Power Of Independence
With the big corporations busy trying to buy everyone up, how can independent music companies truly prosper in the modern business? What does independence even mean in 2025 – and what are the benefits to music-makers and their managers of working with truly indie labels and publishers?
Moderator: Gee Davy – (AIM)
Speakers: Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group / AIM), Kameil Sattar (Cargo Records)
An International Ideas Exchange
Music-makers and independent music companies face many of the same challenges around the world, but different approaches are being taken in different countries to address key issues. What’s working, what isn’t working, and what can we learn from each other?
Building Bridges Into The Industry
How does the current music industry create barriers that stop people from pursuing a career in the music business – whether as music-maker or in the industry – and what initiatives are successfully replacing the barriers with bridges?
The Dream Team
How can music-makers go about building the dream team around themselves and their music to deliver long-term creative and commercial success? This practical session puts the spotlight on a dream team, with input from an artist, label, manager and more.
More information and speakers will be announced soon
THE LOGISTICS…
The Council of Music Makers and AIM day takes place on Thursday 15th May 2025 at the Leonardo Royal Waterfront Hotel in Brighton and is open to anyone with a TGE delegate or conference pass.