Leading executives have spoken to Music Week about their renewed optimism for securing artist breakthroughs in 2019.

The revival for UK debut acts has been led by the chart-topping performances of Lewis Capaldi, Dave and Tom Walker, who won the BRIT for British Breakthrough Act.

Virgin EMI president Ted Cockle hailed Capaldi’s “remarkable” campaign. After three weeks at No.1, Someone You Loved has OCC sales to date of 424,721.

Capaldi has further chart entries with Grace (No.24) and Bruises (No.59), ...