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 3 of our massive look back, including insight from Ben Mortimer, Briony Turner, Glyn Aikins, Shani Gonzales, Obi Asika and many more...
BEN MORTIMER
President, Polydor Label Group
Can you put into words just how and why Sabrina Carpenter managed to achieve such chart domination this year?
“She’s the longest overnight success I’ve ever seen. It was a huge amount of graft from her and her brilliant team, and the perfect album at the perfect time. It’s been an honour to have been a part of the record-breaking success.”
Polydor also triumphed with the more established likes of Eminem and Snow Patrol this year. How did you shape those campaigns?
“It’s about music and relationships in both instances. Marshall delivered some of his finest music in years, with the wicked sense of humour that we love in the UK. We have a very close relationship with his incredible manager Paul Rosenberg, which helped hatch the plan to bring him to the UK for the first time in a long time, a trip that paid dividends. Snow Patrol had the courage to scrap their first attempt at this record, and we fully supported them. They went in with Fraser T Smith, and the result is a masterpiece.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Confidence Man – Sicko. Its dark ’90s, post-club feel takes me back to a superb time of my life. They are really building something brilliant.”
And your favourite album?
“The Cure’s Songs Of A Lost World. It is an exceptional return to form for the band and I’m honoured to have played a small part in helping bring it to the world.”
BRIONY TURNER
Co-president, Atlantic
What was Atlantic’s biggest success in terms of A&R in 2024?
“It has to be the continued rise of Charli XCX [pictured, below] and Fred Again... Charli has had just the most phenomenal year and we couldn’t be more proud of everything she’s achieved – she fully deserves it all. Fred just goes from strength to strength – his rise to become a stadium headliner, in such a short space of time, is just incredible. And he topped the year off with another amazing body of work with Ten Days.”
Where are your next homegrown successes coming from?
“We’ve got a really exciting roster right now, full of global superstars as well as a handful of future gems. Next year is going to be exciting, with releases from returning greats, while we’ll be looking to launch Maisie Peters’ third album and we hope to make headway with some of our newer acts such as Say Now, Bug Eyed and Aziya.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe!. I just love the drama and conviction in this record. Plus, what an incredibly well-performed recording. Hats off to Dan Nigro on this, too.”
And your favourite album?
“I’m going to fly the flag and say Charli XCX and Fred Again... I feel incredibly lucky to have both at Atlantic.”
GLYN AIKINS
Co-president, RCA
Did you expect Myles Smith to break as big as he did?
“I don’t think you can ever expect an artist to explode in that way, but it’s really pleasing to see. We were building a footprint with releases across Europe and Australia, and there were green shoots in America, but Stargazing consolidated all of that and really exploded, adding the US to a growing list of countries who love him.”
How did you ensure it all took off so brilliantly?
“We could see the interest in the song building online, led by Myles’ efforts posting great content through his social media channels. We really helped him boost his content with a great global plan and pre-save strategy, which saw engagement go through the roof. The single had the most pre-saves of any Sony act since pre-saves began.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Stargazing. Because not only is it a great song, but its global success is great for UK music.”
And your favourite album?
“Chromakopia by Tyler, The Creator. It’s the first album I have listened to this year where I haven’t skipped a track.”
SHANI GONZALES
EVP, MD, and head of international A&R, Warner Chappell Music UK
You won Publisher Of The Year at the Music Week Awards for your work in 2023. What are you most proud of in 2024?
“This year, we have continued to do a lot of the same work that earned us that win. It is always nice to be recognised by our peers. We continue to sign the best in class talent, but we are also very proud of our developing artists’ stories, and we continue to be hands-on with them.”
You told Music Week that the key to finding new talent in an age of viral hits is to dig deeper. How have you been digging deeper this year?
“For us, viral moments can shine a light, but they only tell part of the story, so we go further. While it’s a metric we consider, it doesn’t override our ambition to sign the best. It isn’t just about viral moments for us; it is about the classic A&R tactic of putting together sessions, going to shows, nurturing talent and building long-lasting songwriter careers.”
What was your track of 2024?
“I know I’ll get in trouble for this, but I can’t pick my favourite so here are my top five: Pure Blue by Haile, Oh My by Alessi Rose, Äyanna’s Boys Like U, Black and British by Wretch 32 featuring Little Simz and Benjamin AD, and Personal by Nia Smith featuring Popcaan.”
And your favourite album?
“Nia Archives’ Silence Is Loud, for sure!”
OBI ASIKA
Co-head, UTA UK
Is live music now more important than ever for artists to sustain breakthroughs?
“It’s a major catalyst, but not in isolation. It’s about curating incredible moments, but they need to be backed up by strong campaigns. Campaigns don’t need to be supported by crazy money, but they do need to be super targeted.”
What took you by surprise the most in 2024?
“Selling out seats for Chase & Status’ tour. We saw no resistance to fans buying seats for huge arena shows, and I’ve never seen that for a dance act on that scale before.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us. I’ve got to give him props for what was a huge moment.”
And your favourite album?
“Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. It’s amazing that a Black artist like Beyoncé has been pivotal to driving the growth of country music globally this year.”
LAURA LUKANZ
Head of music industry, UK, Australia & New Zealand, Amazon Music
The Step Up fund returned this year – why is it so important that you support emerging independent acts?
“Because we want a thriving indie music scene, one that reflects the UK’s multicultural society. We want to continue our history of producing world-class, influential independent music. I know from my time working with emerging indie artists that there is no greater need than for resource and support in the early stages. This is crucial for discovering and nurturing future stars.”
What’s your take on the superfan phenomenon?
“We’ve seen the growing influence of superfans both economically and creatively. Watching artists leverage AI and VR to build virtual experiences, while involving fans in the creative process by enabling remixes, art and lyric input and early access to music, is exciting. It will be interesting to see what happens next.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Muni Long – Made For Me.”
And your favourite album?
“Fontaines DC’s Romance. I loved the energy and production.”
KIM FRANKIEWICZ
EVP A&R Worldwide, Concord Music Publishing
How did you strengthen your partnerships with songwriters in 2024?
“We are always conscious that we do not take on too many songwriters. We like to make sure we have the time to dedicate to them and help develop their careers. The worldwide A&R team all have great relationships with their roster. Even though Concord is continually growing, we still pride ourselves on prioritising quality over quantity.”
What was it like to be involved with a No.1 album from Kylie Minogue, through your client Biff Stannard?
“Being a fellow Australian, I am so pleased that Biff continues his wonderfully strong and successful relationship with Kylie. Since he has been signed to us, Biff has consistently worked with Kylie on all her new albums.”
Name your track of 2024...
“Teddy Swims – Lose Control. It is one of the classiest songs I have heard in a long time. His vocal delivery is very emotional and always hits a chord with me.”
And your top album?
“Charli XCX, it’s great for many reasons. The success says it all – I love seeing a UK act conquer the world.”
AFRYEA HENRY-FONTAINE
Co-founder, The Black Music Coalition and The Debrief
Who inspired you the most in 2024 and why?
“Komali Scott-Jones. A wonderful friend and also a formidable executive who excels in multiple roles with remarkable poise, skill and impact. I was so proud to see her inducted into the Women In Music Roll Of Honour. This is testament to the hard work, energy and dedication she has poured into an industry that is undoubtedly better for having her.”
What’s the best piece of advice you heard this year and why?
“‘It’s OK to have moments where you don’t have all the answers’ – [PRS For Music’s] Jacqueline ‘JPL’ Pelham-Leigh shared these words of wisdom and they resonated so much.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Jordan Adetunji’s Kehlani remix with Kehlani. This song had me in a headlock!”
And your favourite album?
“Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal.”
ALICE FROST
General manager, ADA
Which part of the distribution market is most interesting at the end of 2024?
“The growth and opportunity. The scope of distros is becoming so much more significant. The campaigns that we run and the results we drive are competitive with any frontline. And the industry is waking up to that.”
How did the way deals were being done change this year?
“It’s a lot more competitive out there with some big numbers being thrown around. But people need to remember what’s important: the team and the service they will be given.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Pa Salieu’s Belly. It’s hard to be unique in rap but he stands out.”
And your favourite album?
“Jamie XX, In Waves. So much fun.”
LARA BAKER
GM, FUGA/co-founder, Women In Music Awards
The Women In Music Awards turned 10 this year – what was your favourite moment from the event?
“Tori Amos [below] winning Inspirational Artist. Such an icon, and I loved her speech. She talked about how she stopped attending awards ceremonies in the ’90s as she always left them feeling less energised and inspired, but the Women In Music Awards had filled her up; the love in the room and all the stories of our winners had made her feel really inspired and seen. I’m paraphrasing badly, but it totally resonated with me and I’m so glad the event brings such joy.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Anger by Nina Nesbitt. A female rage anthem from a brilliant record in Mountain Music.”
And your favourite album?
“Lighthouse by Francis Of Delirium. Grungy, cinematic, haunting.”
TALIA SHABATAI
Director of legal & business affairs, Island
After winning Rising Star at the Women In Music Awards, you spoke to us about the idea of a long career in music. What is the best way to build that?
“I think a combination of relationships with people you work well with and respect, and hard graft!”
Is there a rising executive who caught your attention in 2024?
“Roya Nadry, A&R at Island EMI – she is an exceptional executive and human being.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Messy by Lola Young. It’s a real showcase of what an incredible songwriter Lola is, she’s a total superstar.”
And your favourite album?
“Prelude To Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party.”
MARTIN TALBOT
Chief executive, Official Charts Company
What’s your take on the concerns about UK artists losing out to US stars in terms of No.1 hits in 2024?
“I think a number of factors have been at play – the cyclical nature of music tastes and popularity, for one. British artists will have their moment again very soon. Release schedules also play a huge part. On top of that, Sabrina Carpenter was a sheer colossus in 2024, amassing a record number of weeks at No.1. More broadly, it has never been easy to be a successful artist, but today we have a perfect storm – more music released, more classic repertoire to compete with, always-on availability and fewer dominant media channels. Competition for attention is greater than ever.”
Were you surprised by Oasis’ chart surge this summer?
“Not particularly. In their absence, Oasis have become an iconic band, bigger and more loved than they have ever been. Their surge on the charts reflected the love for them, as their huge ticket sales did. Absence definitely does make the heart grow fonder here.”
What was your track of 2024?
“Public Service Broadcasting’s The Fun Of It with Andreya Casablanca is the most joyous, uplifting anthem. I love it.”
And your favourite album?
“Yard Act, Bess Atwell, Khruangbin, Laura Marling, Big Special, Personal Trainer, Gruff Rhys, Cindy Lee, Cassandra Jenkins, Public Service Broadcasting... But the album that has stayed with me is Idles’ Tangk.”
