Young at heart: Lola Young
performed at the BRIT Awards in March, where she was shortlisted for Best Pop Act
LOUIS BLOOM Island EMI Label Group
What did you learn about the art of A&R in 2025?
“It has been clearer than ever before that by sticking to your gut, understanding that things take time, and keeping the faith in our brilliant artists, the rewards will come.”
How will Island EMI continue its success with guitar acts? “Across the whole label, there is a deep love for alternative music, both past and present, so it feels very natural for us to focus on this genre. We always want to be on the
DAN
front foot in culture and credibility and there is some very innovative music coming from our shores, across all genres, which is thrilling.”
What was your favourite track and album of 2025?
“Lola Young’s Messy is my track of the year. When we signed Lola in 2019, we knew she was really very special. It has been a long journey but throughout that time we always had the belief that she would connect and with Messy she did that in spectacular fashion. My album of 2025 is Geese’s Getting Killed. I think it was one of the most exciting alternative albums of the year.”
CHALMERS YouTube
You spoke to Music Week for our Oasis special this year – what does the return of those kinds of acts do for the music market? “It reminded everyone of the power of great songs, the strength of community and how music can take you away from the stresses of everyday life. Great artistry never fades. It’s also
inspiring to see a new generation discovering the great bands of the past. Moments like the Oasis return bring real buoyancy to the market and open doors for new artists who emerge in that cultural slipstream. It also reinforces the global impact and importance of British bands and the UK’s creative influence worldwide.”
Why should the UK industry be proud at the end of 2025? “We’ve seen a wave of exciting new British artists come through: Sam Fender, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Myles Smith and Raye to name a few. The UK should be incredibly proud of this next generation of global superstars who are taking our music culture to the world.”
What was your favourite track and album of 2025? “Parachute by Hayley Williams stood out for me. It’s bold, beautifully written and emotionally rich. My favourite album was I Barely Know Her by Sombr. Every track holds up. He’s a true songwriter and I think he has the potential to become a global icon.”
musicweek.com
JO TWIST BPI
The BPI has campaigned on generative AI – are you winning the policy debate? “It’s not been the easiest of
debates, but I think we can be proud of our relentless policy work and of the collective Make It Fair campaign, which has seen not just the music sector, but all the creative industries come together with great impact, including hundreds of artist voices and powerful advocacy in Parliament. It shows what can be achieved when we come together. Of course, there is a great deal more work and hard campaigning needed if we are to win this critical argument and land on an acceptable outcome, but it feels like the government is at least finally listening now.”
How have UK artists improved their global standing in 2025 amid intense competition? “It’s been a challenging period, but we’re seeing encouraging green shoots, such as the impact of Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Central Cee and Sleep Token. With the right policy environment and government support for British music businesses that back and invest in great talent, artists can realise their full creative potential.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “CMAT’s Euro-Country and its parent album. She is an incredibly authentic artist.”
DAVID VENTURA Sony Music Publishing UK
You won the Music Week Award for Publisher this year – what do you have to do to repeat that feat come next May? “It has been a stellar year for our songwriters and artists with British music shining globally. We hope 2026 will continue on the same trajectory. Since celebrating and gratefully receiving this year’s win, everyone at SMP UK has doubled down on their work, effort and commitment to our roster and this has resulted in us growing our representation in the UK charts and airplay.”
The company has a long relationship with Lola Young – what makes her a brilliant songwriter in your opinion? “Because this is who Lola is: she writes what she feels and what she thinks. Lola is true to herself and she has always been. The audience wants thoroughness, honesty and sincerity in a world which is becoming more fake by the second. Lola is a natural-born and self-made songwriter; she puts everything into her art. There is only one Lola Young on this planet and that’s probably why the whole planet loves her so much.”
What was your favourite track and album of 2025? “Prospa – This Rhythm. Because it’s right up my street. And Lola Young’s I’m Only F**king Myself, because it’s simply a masterpiece, every single song owns its space on this record.”
MICHELLE
ESCOFFERY Songwriter/The Ivors Academy Trust
What were the key challenges for the songwriting community in 2025? “The biggest challenge remains ensuring that songwriters are fairly valued. High levels of attrition and the ongoing restructuring of business models and major corporations are creating instability, impacting investment, relationships, mental wellbeing and, ultimately, creativity. Another key challenge is access – nurturing talent at all levels, particularly from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds who continue to face barriers to opportunity, development and visibility.”
Can you share your favourite track and album of 2025? “Worst Behaviour by Kwn and Home? by Wretch 32, which resonates deeply with me as a second-generation British citizen born to Jamaican parents. A reminder of the power of music.”
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