It’s time once again for the Black Music Coalition’s Excellence Honourees list, the organisation’s annual celebration of Black music business talent. In this interview, Official Charts business development manager Eric Hunter offers up his thoughts on his path through the industry and what the OCC means for the business...
Why does the music industry need the BMC and its Excellence Honourees list?
“The Black Music Coalition is an essential part of the music industry as it promotes and champions diversity across the business. The Excellence Honourees list gives visibility to professionals working behind the scenes who are helping to move the industry forward. Personally, it really means a lot to me to be recognised for the work I’ve contributed to the industry – and it feels good to know that people see potential in what you’re doing.”
You’ve also been part of Power Up – can you quantify the impact that support from such organisations makes on people trying to make it in music?
“I was part of the first Power Up cohort and the support genuinely made a difference. It helps people build connections, and access the knowledge and resources needed to support their careers. The organisations that support creatives and professionals in the industry are important because they help people navigate the business and provide opportunities they might not have had otherwise.”
What led you to your role at the OCC?
“I used to remember listening to the Official Charts on the radio as a child, so to be working at Official Charts is a full-circle moment. It felt like a natural next step, and the role aligned well with the knowledge and experience I’d gained across different parts of the music and entertainment industries, along with my experience in B2B sales.”
Can you sum up what in your mind makes it special?
“The scale of what it does. We engage millions of music fans every week through radio, our website and social channels while also delivering a huge range of charts, as well as the iconic awards [trophies] that mean so much to artists and their communities. On the B2B side, Official Charts sits right at the heart of the music, film and entertainment industries. We compile charts across the UK, Ireland and France, work with major and independent labels, publishers, distributors, managers, retailers and film studios. We also recently launched Official Charts PRO – a brand new data and insights platform, which provides the industry with some of the most granular sales, streaming and market information available.”
What can the OCC do for Black music in the UK?
“It can help celebrate, measure and document the success of Black music genres in the UK through the singles, albums and specialist charts. They provide a tangible benchmark for artists, labels and their teams, showing how releases perform in the market and alongside their peers. They also create a lasting record of achievement, whilst giving artists the opportunity to receive awards and celebrate their success. This year, we’ve launched the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart and the Official R&B UK Chart, with more exciting opportunities in the pipeline. I was able to draw on my network to bring the right people and partners together, helping connect Official Charts with trusted voices across the scene. These kinds of partnerships are essential in shaping the charts, building support and ensuring they are relevant, credible and genuinely representative.”
In your opinion, what is the worst-kept secret in the industry?
“Networking is key! From my experience, the business is very relationship-driven, so getting into the right rooms and having conversations with people from across the industry can help open doors.”
Tell us the issue or challenge related to the business that keeps you up at night…
“Balancing new technology and innovation with what matters most in the industry – the music and the creators behind it.”
You’re in charge of the whole industry for a day – what do you do first?
“I would bring the best people together from across all sectors to share more ideas and focus on collaboration and raising standards across the industry.”
PHOTO: Calvin Ceile
