JADE RICHARDSON Warner Records
As the winner of the Music Champion honour at the Women In Music Awards, what example do you hope you’ve set for the next generation? “Become your own blueprint if there isn’t one. Follow your own intuition: it’s trying to guide you towards your purpose, you just need to listen.”
You’ve worked with artists for years now – what do you think they needed in terms of support in 2025 in particular?
“To be trusted to be their authentic self, to be encouraged to follow their intuition and given the support to make the best art of their lives.”
Can you tell us your favourite track of 2025? “A few highlights came from releasing my own roster’s music and seeing the public lock in, like PinkPantheress’ Illegal going viral and Fancy Some More, which unexpectedly led to 21+ remixes. Other stand-outs include Sasha Keable’s Move It Along (feat. Leon Thomas) and the EP Act Right, Deed0t’s Stand & Lean (feat. Klyrae) and his UK Rap Daily freestyle, Kwengface’s return with Interplanetary Criminal & Flowdan on Dot Dot, and hearing Kano alongside Dave on Chapter 16, which is an instant classic.”
SAM
And how about your favourite album of the year? “Jim Legxacy – Black British Music (2025). I love how Jim is taking R&B and flipping it on its head. He’s doing something fresh and unique, while honouring the influences that made him who he is. The creative celebrates both past and present Black Britain, and I’m proud that it represents me and our community.”
ISABEL GARVEY Warner Music UK
POTTS AWAL
Looking back, what did AWAL do in
2025 that made you proudest? “Seeing the depth of creativity and entrepreneurialism from our team, working across a range of uncompromising independent artists all with a different story to tell. The culture in this group of people is unmatched: the energy in the room is as good on Monday morning as it is at the end of the week.”
How do you view the landscape for new domestic acts right now? “The UK is and will remain a place where incredible art is launched on to the world stage, as long as we keep investing in artists with a long-term view. In a world of abundance, a focus on the value that scarcity can bring to a campaign is important.”
What was your track and LP of 2025? “Lucy Rose – Pale Blue Eyes. My favourite record of hers by far. My album of the year was CMAT’s. There isn’t another album that bangs like Euro-Country.”
MIKE
Can you share your favourite thing about the industry in 2025? “For Warner to have a massive presence in the singles chart throughout 2025 – with some weeks as many as six or seven songs in the Top 10 – thanks to tracks from artists including Alex Warren, Ravyn Lenae, Benson Boone, Ed Sheeran, Sombr and more. It was just such a reward for a business that’s been working so hard on new acts and new music.”
What was your favourite track and album of 2025? “Alex Warren’s Ordinary. I just think it’s an extraordinary song. And I’m going with Sam Fender’s People Watching, with special mention for Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, which I’m loving, too.”
ALT BLK ERA Artist
What do you want to say to the music industry right now? Nyrobi Beckett-Messam (right): “Our sound and our look don’t always fit the mould, but this year has shown us that unconventional artistry can move forward with momentum. We’ve worked our way into rooms with industry professionals who see beyond convention, and we’ve had the honour of sharing stages and platforms with artists and leaders who value creativity over conformity. Our message to the industry is: keep championing artists who live outside the box.”
What was your favourite track and album of the year? NB-M: “Trinkets by Ashnikko. I love the risks she takes.”
Chaya Beckett-Messam (left): “Just For Fun by Beyoncé and Willie Jones. Our album of the year is Pendulum’s Inertia. We supported them on tour and got to see them bring the album to life. They are incredible! We’ve learned so much about ourselves, too, and grew massively as touring artists in the process.”
GREEK CAA
What was the most common issue your acts faced in 2025? “In the live world, the biggest challenge
was around artist touring expenses. Costs continue to go up and shows are getting bigger and bigger.”
musicweek.com
Are we in a better place in terms of protecting grassroots venues in the UK than we were 12 months ago?
“Some progress has been made, but there is still a long way to go to keep a viable UK scene going.”
What was your track of 2025?
“Nice To Meet You by Myles Smith. The song resonated with the whole family.”
And your favourite album? “Sam Fender – People Watching. Great storytelling.” ALISTAIR
NORBURY BMG
You’ve had one of the most talked-about albums of 2025 with new signing Lily Allen – what’s the experience been like so far as you build up to its physical release?
“Lily’s album has created a real cultural moment for BMG. It is a project that has connected deeply with audiences and demonstrated what’s possible when artist vision and label collaboration truly align.”
Also this year, BMG marked 50
years of Motörhead with the Killed By Deaf tribute album – how did that project help to shine a light on their legacy?
“Motörhead fans already knew the band changed rock forever and Killed By Deaf reminded everyone else. Hearing today’s artists tear into those songs with fresh energy showed how timeless Motörhead’s sound is, and how their ‘louder than everyone else’ ethos still defines heavy music.”
What was your track of 2025?
“Achilles by The Divine Comedy for its melancholy lyrics and beautifully constructed melody.”
And your favourite album? “Suede’s Antidepressants – visceral power, production and performance.”
Music Week | 45
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