Cee-ing is believing: Central Cee – who scored both a UK No.1 and US Top 10 album this year – performing at The O2 in April
NADIA JAE BBC Radio 1Xtra
What was your track of the year?
“My song of the year has to be Kehlani’s Folded. I am
elated that ’90s-sounding, heart-wrenching, high-singing R&B has made its way back into the charts. I remember being at an event singing with hundreds of people whilst Kehlani was singing back to us and that was my summer moment of the year. Plus the likes of Brandy, Toni Braxton and JoJo hopped on remixes, so it was a beautiful time for the scene.”
And your favourite album?
NEGLA ABDELA Ministry Of Sound
What was the biggest show of strength in the UK industry this year? “For me, it’s been watching UK talent thrive globally. There’s a real sense of momentum behind British artists right now: they’re connecting with audiences far beyond the UK and doing it on their own terms. This year saw UK artists dominate international charts, with the likes of Central Cee, Raye and Myles Smith
breaking new ground. It’s been amazing to see that impact, especially when it’s driven by authenticity and creative risk-taking.”
What was your track of 2025?
“Tate McRae’s Sports Car! She keeps levelling up with every album campaign: the songwriting is sharper, the visuals are stronger and her confidence is just undeniable.”
And your favourite album?
“It’s a tie between Doja Cat’s Vie and Dave’s The Boy Who Played The Harp. Vie is a masterclass in pop reinvention, which Doja does so well. She delivered a bold homage to the ’80s that we had so much fun bringing to life in the UK. And Dave’s storytelling is unmatched, the guests elevate it to another level.”
ALEX KENNEDY Believe
Believe Music Publishing launched this year. What are the synergies with your label services business? “We have already signed several clients to represent both publishing and recorded music interests. For example, SL, Hospital Records, Shogun Audio and many more. Having 360-degree rights represented for sync and other licensing opportunities is crucial.”
You joined with the majors in partnering with Spotify on responsible AI – what will the benefits be for your clients? “This partnership is fully aligned with Believe’s historic approach to AI and GenAI, which is based on two key principles: responsible AI and value-creative AI. For our artists and labels, this partnership will translate into value creation through tools that will fuel artist development and unlock new creative and commercial opportunities.”
What were your track and album of 2025? “Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s Rein Me In has been on repeat, and Adekunle Gold’s new album Fuji is simply incredible. His star is burning very brightly.”
musicweek.com
DREW HILL Proper Music Group
After almost 20 years of vinyl growth, has the market peaked? “Every year, we question whether the numbers have finally peaked,
and every year we’re proven wrong. Even in this digital-first world, fans still want something that feels personal and tangible. As long as those products continue to be accessible, whilst offering creative packaging and limited-edition formats, the appetite from fans will likely remain long into the future.”
What was your track of 2025?
“I want to shout out Do Things My Own Way, the lead single from Sparks’ Mad! album. They are an iconic duo who have proven their appeal is immortal, and our campaign with them showed that with the right strategy, physical music can deliver huge cultural and commercial impact.”
And your favourite album? “Sam Fender’s People Watching. Being in Newcastle to see him lift the Mercury Prize was a real moment.”
“Dave’s The Boy Who Played The Harp. It was an ode to music. Real artistry, lyrically and instrumentally sublime, and I will eternally thank Dave for it. We owe Dave everything for Chapter 16 and bringing Kano back on the mic. I cried when I first heard it in the 1Xtra studios. A real historic moment for the UK.”
DAVID
MARTIN Featured Artists Coalition
You’ve been part of
the campaign to remove barriers to EU touring – how much progress is being made there?
“As preparations begin for the 2026 UK–EU Summit, it will be essential for the government to dedicate both resources and political capital if we are to see real progress. Removing barriers to EU touring was one of only two music-related commitments in Labour’s General Election manifesto, and we now need to see that translated into tangible action. The industry cannot solve this alone.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “The track I’ve probably played most is POV by Clipse, and I’m going to pick two albums: Barney Keen’s Harbinger and Kid Drama’s 11:11, both are absorbing in their own ways.”
HELEN
THOMAS BBC Radio 2
How does Radio 2 In The Park help the industry?
“The success of the event is that there’s something for everyone – this year we had Bryan Adams, Def Leppard, Suede, Soul II Soul, Jessie J and Olly Murs. For pluggers, we offer artists the one-stop shop of promo that isn’t available anywhere else: live radio on the UK’s most listened-to station, digital promo via BBC Sounds, BBC iPlayer and social, as well as TV, where coverage this year reached a record 3.3 million viewers.”
What was your track and album 2025? “The Fate Of Ophelia by Taylor Swift and Brandi Carlile’s Returning To Myself.”
Music Week | 47
PHOTOS: Louise Haywood-Schiefer, Simone Joyner, Getty, Carsten Windhorst & Gerard Hynes
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