Mission Participants
Vick Bain
CEO, British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA) London, UK
Vick Bain is the CEO of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA), the professional association for the UK's music creators and the home of the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards. Vick graduated top of her class with a BA in music & theatre from Sheffield University in... read moreVick Bain is the CEO of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA), the professional association for the UK's music creators and the home of the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards. Vick graduated top of her class with a BA in music & theatre from Sheffield University in 1996 and with a varied career in the creative industries in the intervening years; in 2012 she graduated from Henley Business School, Reading University, with her MBA (dissertation focus Employers Attitudes Towards Equality & Diversity in the UK Music Industry).
Vick sits on the UK Music board, the UK Music Research Group, the UK Music Rights Committee, the British Copyright Council, the PRS Creator Voice program, the joint Accreditation Committee of JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), the steering group for Henley College of Management’s MBA for the Creative Industries and previously Chaired the UK Music Skills & Education Committee.
Vick has led a number of campaigns within BASCA, launching the Day The Music Died campaign in early 2015 in order to improve the safety, transparency and remuneration for songwriters and composers online. BASCA is also at the forefront of campaigning for the protection of the BBC, greater diversity in the music industry, improving EU copyright legislation, fair compensation for private copying and writer credits on online streaming services.
Vick performed professionally in the UK and USA and released recordings with experimental composer Robin Storey on the Staalplaat label before moving to London. She then joined the London Bulgarian Choir during which time they won the open category of the Radio 3 Choir of the Year and performed with Doves on the BBC Electric Proms. Her musical passions still remain for anything early, eclectic and experimental.... show less
Christopher Barrett
Music Business Journalist, Consultant & PR, Audience - Miracle Publishing London, UK
An entertainment business communications specialist, Christopher has well over a decade of music business journalism experience gained at titles including Audience, Billboard, IQ, Music Week, MusicAlly and Musical America. Christopher’s work has also appeared in broadsheet consumer press as far... read moreAn entertainment business communications specialist, Christopher has well over a decade of music business journalism experience gained at titles including Audience, Billboard, IQ, Music Week, MusicAlly and Musical America. Christopher’s work has also appeared in broadsheet consumer press as far and wide as the UK’s Independent and Australia’s The Sunday Telegraph. He undertakes multi-media content creation projects for clients including Abbey Road Studios, Universal Music, Google, Warner Music and the BPI, and has spoken at music business conferences from Iceland to Ibiza. As an Associate Partner of Simpatico PR, Christopher offers media relations counsel and the delivery of PR and marketing content.... show less
Scott Cohen
Founder VP International, The Orchard Covent Garden, London, UK
Scott Cohen is the co-founder of digital distribution pioneer The Orchard. The Orchard is the largest digital distributor in the world with offices in more than 25 countries. As a well-recognized public speaker and lecturer, Scott travels the world evangelizing new business models for the digital... read moreScott Cohen is the co-founder of digital distribution pioneer The Orchard. The Orchard is the largest digital distributor in the world with offices in more than 25 countries. As a well-recognized public speaker and lecturer, Scott travels the world evangelizing new business models for the digital age. He is a visiting professor at London Metropolitan University and sits on the BPI Council, the trade body for the UK music industry.
Scott’s music career started in the late 80’s in independent and major label artist management. In addition to his responsibilities at The Orchard, he manages the Raveonettes, the Dum Dum Girls, Dan Owen and Fallulah.
Scott is a human rights activist and strict vegan. No meat, fish, cheese, milk, honey, leather, wool or anything else derived from an animal.... show less
Mark Davyd
Founder & CEO, Music Venue Trust London, UK
Mark Davyd is the CEO of the Music Venue Trust, the registered charity that campaigns to protect, secure and improve grassroots music venues in the UK. In the last twelve months the Trust has created a new national event (Venues Day) specifically for the sector, delivered a report to UK Parliament,... read moreMark Davyd is the CEO of the Music Venue Trust, the registered charity that campaigns to protect, secure and improve grassroots music venues in the UK. In the last twelve months the Trust has created a new national event (Venues Day) specifically for the sector, delivered a report to UK Parliament, and chaired the Mayor of London's Music Venues Tasforce which delivered a landmark report in October which will see London elect a Night Mayor and adopt the Agent of Change principle in planning. Mark is the co-owner of Tunbridge Wells Forum, a venue he founded in a toilet over 20 years ago. Since then, Mark has split his time between various music activities; he is also the CEO of Rhythmix, the music charity that works with young people in challenging circumstances; the owner of Outstanding Music, a 360 degree music company with a specialism in alternative latin music and a portfolio of clients that includes Disney, Warner Brothers, CBS, ABC and leading US brands; and loudmouth band manager to a stable of Spanish acts. Mark is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a regular speaker at international conferences (ILMC, SXSW, LAMC, Eurosonic). In his spare time he likes to sit in a corner and mutter the phrase "what spare time?" over and over again.... show less
Jo Dipple
CEO, UK Music London, UK
Jo Dipple is Chief Executive of UK Music and one of the most senior women working in the music industry today.
Her first task as incoming Chief Executive was to push the Live Music Bill through Parliament. In her previous role as UK Music’s senior political advisor, Jo had been a key part... read moreJo Dipple is Chief Executive of UK Music and one of the most senior women working in the music industry today.
Her first task as incoming Chief Executive was to push the Live Music Bill through Parliament. In her previous role as UK Music’s senior political advisor, Jo had been a key part of the team that negotiated the Bill through its legislative stages.
The Live Music Act came into effect on October 1st 2012, a day she renamed “Rocktober”. She outlined an ambitious programme for UK Music concentrating on industry representation, research, skills and training.
With collaboration from all of UK Music’s members, she launched a report called Measuring Music. This annual project shows the economic worth of the British music industry in terms of GVA (economic contribution less costs), employment and exports. Over time, and until SIC and SOC code failures are resolved, Measuring Music is a powerful tool to reach out to Parliament and for industry to identify market trends.
Jo has put UK Music at the forefront of the agenda on copyright and online infringement. UK Music’s representations ensure the British music industry presents a unified voice to politicians and business leaders.
She made education and training a key plank of the organisation’s work. An alliance with Creative & Cultural Skills saw UK Music launch the music industry’s only Skills Academy with the CBI. Since July 2013, the Academy facilitated 50 music apprentices, launched a Music Academic Partnership and published a Code of Practice for internships.
Under this progressive skills and training programme, UK Music developed an app-based game called Music Inc. Designed by Aardman Animations, UK Music took the game into secondary schools across the UK and taught hundreds of thousands of 16-24 year olds about the business of music. Game players face challenges of illegal downloading and copyright infringement, running out of money, making money, managing bands, song-writing, licensing and other real life music business experiences.
Jo helped re-launch the influential All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music, whose secretariat is now run by UK Music. This has meant establishing the agenda for meetings and events and ensuring they attract high calibre business leaders and decision makers.
Before joining UK Music in 2008, Jo worked at Downing Street, the Treasury and Trinity Mirror Plc and she edited the “Dear Jo” column for the Daily Mirror.... show less
Debra Downes
Agent/Manager, Dawson Breed Music London, UK
Having started out as a singer/songwriter and coming from a mostly live and events background, Debra Downes set up Dawson Breed Music in 2007 at the closure of independent UK pop agency Concorde International Artistes after 6 years as the manager and setting up the developing talent roster.... read moreHaving started out as a singer/songwriter and coming from a mostly live and events background, Debra Downes set up Dawson Breed Music in 2007 at the closure of independent UK pop agency Concorde International Artistes after 6 years as the manager and setting up the developing talent roster.
Dawson Breed Music has naturally evolved into a management company and independent label services consultancy, as well as being a live agency. We have the fabulous Elle Exxe showcasing for the first time at Canadian Music Week and we are looking for opportunities for her and we are also looking to work with successful Canadian talent working with them across Europe having already worked with Canadian Jill Barber.... show less
Guy Dunstan
General Manager, Genting Arena and Barclaycard Arena Birmingham, U.K
Responsible for overseeing the operational delivery, the commercial performance and content development of the Genting Arena and Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Guy has 20 years of operational and commercial experience in venue management. The Genting Arena (formerly the LG... read moreResponsible for overseeing the operational delivery, the commercial performance and content development of the Genting Arena and Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Guy has 20 years of operational and commercial experience in venue management. The Genting Arena (formerly the LG Arena) is a 15,600 capacity multi entertainment venue on the site of the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. The Genting Arena is regularly in the top 10 venues in the world in the Pollstar attendance standings, attracting major concerts, sports and entertainment events such as Take That, Maroon 5, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Diamond, Paul Simon and Sting in 2015 and is home to Horse of the Year Show and Crufts. The Barclaycard Arena (formerly the National Indoor Arena) is a 15,900 capacity arena in the centre of Birmingham, and has hosted World Championships Sports events such as the World Indoor Athletics Championships, World Badminton Championships and the World BMX Championships. It also attracts major concerts, comedy and entertainment events. In 2015, the Barclaycard Arena hosted the likes of One Direction, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Bette Midler, Queen and Adam Lambert, Slipknot, Fall Out Boy, Lionel Richie and Disney on Ice.
Guy has successfully led the delivery of major events such as BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the Ryder Cup Gala Dinner and Horse of the Year Show. He was a key member of the Client Advisory Team for the £29million redevelopment of the Genting Arena and £26 million redevelopment of the Barclaycard Arena, from involvement in creating the initial architect brief through to the successful completion of both projects.
He was the Chairman of the National Arenas Association (the NAA) in the UK from 2013 - 2015, which is the industry association representing indoor venues in the UK over 5,000 capacity. He is now a member of the Steering Group for the association and before becoming Chair, led the NAA training and development programme for the previous 3 years and instigated the launch of the NAA Safety Advisory Group. He was a founder board member of the International Association of Venue Management Europe and lectured in Customer Service and Booking and Scheduling in the Arena business at the European Academy of Venue Management for 4 years.
Away from work, Guy enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and son. He loves most sports, especially football, cricket and golf. He has been an Aston Villa season ticket holder for over 20 years, a regular supporter at Warwickshire County Cricket Club and England Test Match cricket fixtures. He also enjoys running, cycling, playing golf and outdoor pursuits.... show less
Stuart Galbraith
Chief Executive Officer, Kilimanjaro Live Ltd London, UK
Stuart Galbraith is CEO of Kilimanjaro Live, one of the most successful and respected live music promotion companies in the UK. Galbraith has been a key player in the growth of UK live music over the last four decades. 2015 will Kilimanjaro’s most successful year to day. The summer will be a... read moreStuart Galbraith is CEO of Kilimanjaro Live, one of the most successful and respected live music promotion companies in the UK. Galbraith has been a key player in the growth of UK live music over the last four decades. 2015 will Kilimanjaro’s most successful year to day. The summer will be a highlight in the Kili story, with three Ed Sheeran nights sold out at Wembley Stadium – making Ed the first person in history to headline the 80,000 capacity venue single-handed. This mighty feat is a testament to the skill, dedication and strategic excellence of Galbraith and his team.
Galbraith’s career in music started off as Social Secretary and Promoter at Leeds University in 1980. He brought in an amazing array of bands including The Clash, Simple Minds and U2 and early on showed a flair for dealing with artists and making sure music fans got the kind of brilliant show they deserved.
He quickly progressed and joined Midland Concert Promotions (MCP) in 1984. Galbraith spent almost 15 years with MCP, rising to become Director and Partner. Whilst there Galbraith promoted and worked with many incredible artists including Simply Red, Def Leppard, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Metallica, U2, Simple Minds and AC/DC. MCP saw a gap in the market a Galbraith played a role in the development of the creation of Monsters of Rock Festival at Donington Park.
MCP was sold in 1999 to SFX and then SFX to Clear Channel. 2005 was a pivotal moment in Galbraith’s career, as Live Nation was created with Galbraith as a key founding member of what was to become a promoting powerhouse. Galbraith as MD, created and led a team promoting tours in arenas and stadiums with many of the world’s biggest bands. The festival market was also part of the plan and Galbraith was a critical part of the creation, development and launch of Download, Wireless and Hyde Park (Hard Rock) Calling. In addition, iconic events, Live8 in 2005 and Live Earth in 2007, saw Galbraith at the head of the organising team.
Galbraith made it his mission to build Hyde Park as a music destination and highlights over the last few years in that venue include Bon Jovi, Simon & Garfunkel, REM, Queen, Shania Twain and the record breaking run by Red Hot Chilli Peppers, which played to over a quarter of a million people.
At the start of 2008, Galbraith decided it was time for the next chapter and in partnership with Tim Leiweke at AEG Live formed Kilimanjaro Live, the company he runs to this day. Touring is at the heart of what Kili Live do and the calibre of artists they work with speaks for itself – Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica, Simply Red, Barry Gibb, Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Andrea Bocelli and many more.
Always with an eye to the future, Galbraith and the Kili Live team place a huge emphasis on artist development. Since the creation of Kili Live, they have helped break many emerging acts who have become huge stars - Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Bastille and The 1975, to name a few. Festivals are also a significant part of what Kili Live does and they are involved in the likes of Sonisphere and Vans Warped in Europe.
2012 was a milestone for Galbraith, as Kilimanjaro Live became an entirely independent company, following a management buy out from parent company AEG Live. In that same year, the company promoted the first two comeback shows by The Rolling Stones shows at the O2 Arena and closed 2012 with three Robbie Williams shows at the same venue. Not a bad start on going it alone …
Over the last couple of years the company has expanded into areas such as comedy – they have staged shows with the likes of Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart, plus spoken word and sports, but music is still at the heart of what Galbraith and Kilimanjaro Live does. In the last few years there have been an eclectic mix of shows from The Prodigy, Andrea Bocelli, the Ed Sheeran sold out UK Arena Tour, Donny & Marie Osmond, Nine Inch Nails, Peter Gabriel and Barry Gibb.
May 2014 saw a major investment deal with public German entertainment company, Deutsche Entertainment (DEAG), which promises to allow the company to grow even further whilst retaining their independent spirit.
Away from work, Galbraith is an extreme sports enthusiast and very keen cyclist who has pursued his passion all over the world (triathlon, ski touring, climbing and mountaineering). And there’s a common thread between his work and hobby – stamina and unending determination, life’s a marathon, not a sprint.... show less
Chris Goss
Managing Director, Hospital Records Limited London, UK
Chris Goss is co-founder/owner of Hospital Records, the leading brand in drum & bass. Established in 1996 with business partner Tony Colman, the pair made music as London Elektricity, til Chris withdrew from recording work in 2002 to focus on building the company.
Hospital pioneered... read moreChris Goss is co-founder/owner of Hospital Records, the leading brand in drum & bass. Established in 1996 with business partner Tony Colman, the pair made music as London Elektricity, til Chris withdrew from recording work in 2002 to focus on building the company.
Hospital pioneered artist development within the genre, discovering artists such as High Contrast, Danny Byrd, and Netsky, and in 2001 launched the clubnight “Hospitality”, which has grown into the award-winning brand it is today.
Chris is Managing Director at Hospital, which is now a full-time team of fifteen staff, with warehouse, office and studio space in Forest Hill. Hospital also own sister label Med School, and Songs In The Key Of Knife Publishing, alongside their new booking agency, Clinic Talent.... show less
Keith Harris
Consultant, Phonographic Performance Limited/Video Performance Limited London, UK
Keith Harris began work in the record industry in 1974. The first record company for which he worked was a small independent UK label called Transatlantic records. The label represented mainly British folk musicians but also distributed the Blue Note and Milestone Jazz labels. In 1976 he joined... read moreKeith Harris began work in the record industry in 1974. The first record company for which he worked was a small independent UK label called Transatlantic records. The label represented mainly British folk musicians but also distributed the Blue Note and Milestone Jazz labels. In 1976 he joined EMI Records where he initially worked for several in-house EMI labels in the promotions department. These labels included Rocket where he worked on the Elton John album ‘Blue Moves’, Fantasy, Ariola and EMI International. He then joined Motown which was an EMI licensed label. He worked for Motown for two years ending up as General Manager for the label. During his period at the label he worked with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, The Commodores, Rick James, The Supremes, Thelma Houston and Stevie Wonder. He left Motown in 1978 and moved to Los Angeles to work with Stevie Wonder and became Operations Manager for Stevie’s companies. On his return to the UK in 1982 he formed his own management company and has been involved in the management of various UK based artists since. He has managed Junior Giscombe, Junior Tucker, Paul Johnson, & Omar. Keith also managed the late Lynden David Hall.
Keith still represents Stevie Wonder, and was Tour Manager for his European tour in 2014.
He is a Consultant on Performer Affairs for PPL - www.ppluk.com.
He is a Senior Fellow of the University of Westminster school of music film and fashion where he has Lectured since 1993.
He is a former Chairman of the MMF the managers trade body -www.ukmmf.net.
He is the Chairman of Musictank - www.musictank.co.uk.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Westminster in November 2007.
He received the Music Industry Champion Award at the Artists and Managers Awards Ceremony in 2014.
He is a Trustee of the EMI Music Foundation, The Midi Music Company and The British Music Experience.
Keith was awarded an OBE in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the Music Industry.... show less
Andy Malt
Editor, CMU, Unlimited Media/CMU London, UK
Andy Malt became editor of CMU in 2009, having joined the company in 2007. Leading the title ever since, he has overseen the expansion of both the CMU Daily and the CMU website, as well as the launch of CMU Premium and the CMU Podcast. As part of the CMU team, he is also an advisor on the... read moreAndy Malt became editor of CMU in 2009, having joined the company in 2007. Leading the title ever since, he has overseen the expansion of both the CMU Daily and the CMU website, as well as the launch of CMU Premium and the CMU Podcast. As part of the CMU team, he is also an advisor on the programming of CMU Insights @ The Great Escape.
Prior to joining CMU, Andy spent a decade in various guises in the music industry. He kicked off what was to become his career with a fanzine, Indigo Flow, while still at school, moving the operation online while mainstream internet use was still in its infancy. He then spent years unsuccessfully trying to think of a better name for it before celebrating its tenth anniversary by shutting it down. After leaving university, he launched an independent record label, Human Recordings, and enjoyed a brief stint as a roadie.
He also works as a freelance writer and copywriter for various music and tech companies and publications, and regularly provides independent comment on music and the music industry for outlets including Sky News, Wired, Digital Music Trends and BBC 6music.... show less
David McGinnis
Head, Music Publisher, Mute Song London, UK
David McGinnis is Head of Mute Song, the music publishing division Mute
McGinnis is a broadly experienced music publisher with a specialist background in synchronisation marketing and licensing.
Following a decade learning the legal and technical foundations of music rights management... read moreDavid McGinnis is Head of Mute Song, the music publishing division Mute
McGinnis is a broadly experienced music publisher with a specialist background in synchronisation marketing and licensing.
Following a decade learning the legal and technical foundations of music rights management and licensing at PPL and MCPS, McGinnis joined Mute Song in 1999 as Licensing Manager. Over time McGinnis' role with the publisher developed and expanded until he was appointed Head of the division in 2014.
As Head of Mute Song David McGinnis manages all of the division's A&R, creative and business affairs activity, supervises the copyright, royalty and sync teams and directs the company's future development and growth.
Mute Song publishes many internationally renowned recording artists and a very successful roster of composers working in film, television, opera, theatre and ballet.
The Mute Song roster includes Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Max Richter, Johann Johannsson, Underworld, Bob Geldof & The Boomtown Rats, Swans, Josh T Pearson, Public Service Broadcasting, Liars, Gavin Friday, Cabaret Voltaire, Fad Gadget, The Hidden Cameras, Venetian Snares and many other important artists.
In 2015 McGinnis was elected to the UK Music Publishers Association Board of
Directors.
David McGinnis is a regular public speaker and panelist at events such as South By Southwest (Austin), In The City (Manchester), Go North (Inverness), The Great Escape (Brighton), BUMA Music In Motion (Amsterdam), Music Finland (Tampere), The Sync Summit (Paris) and Tune In (Tel Aviv). McGinnis has also addressed events for The Music Publishers Association (MPA), The Association of Independent Music (AIM), The National Film and Television School (UK), Platform One College Of Music (Isle Of Wight) and The Academy Of Contemporary Music (Guilford).
David was born and raised in Canada and has lived in London for thirty years. Established in 1978, Mute is a highly successful international independent record label, music publisher and artist management company.... show less
Mark Meharry
Founder & CEO, Music Glue Camden, London, UK
Mark is the founder & CEO of Music Glue, a London (UK) based Direct-to-Fan (D2F) platform that empowers artists of all sizes to become global retailers by commercialising the direct relationship with their fans. Music Glue consolidates the best of Shopify, Kickstarter & Eventbrite and is... read moreMark is the founder & CEO of Music Glue, a London (UK) based Direct-to-Fan (D2F) platform that empowers artists of all sizes to become global retailers by commercialising the direct relationship with their fans. Music Glue consolidates the best of Shopify, Kickstarter & Eventbrite and is the only platform available today allowing artists anywhere in the world to sell any product (digital content, physical items, experiences or tickets) to anyone, anywhere, in any currency, any language and via any device.
With offices in London, New York and Sydney, Music Glue is now experiencing exponential growth and is the preferred D2F supplier for Bryan Ferry, Mumford & Sons, Neill Finn, Jose Gonzalez, Enter Shikari, Public Service Broadcasting + over 20 thousand other artists looking to control the global retail relationship with their fans.... show less
Frances Moore
CEO, IFPI London, UK
Frances Moore is the Chief Executive Officer of IFPI, a post she has held since July
2010. She was previously Executive Vice President of IFPI and Regional Director, Europe, leading the music industry's representation to the European Union and coordinating strategy with national groups across... read moreFrances Moore is the Chief Executive Officer of IFPI, a post she has held since July
2010. She was previously Executive Vice President of IFPI and Regional Director, Europe, leading the music industry's representation to the European Union and coordinating strategy with national groups across the 28-member EU. A barrister, Moore has worked for more than 20 years in government relations and public affairs, representing European and US companies in the retail and electronics sector before joining IFPI in 1994.... show less
Mark Mulligan
Media Analyst & Co-Founder, Midia Consulting Whalley, Lancashire, UK
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Gareth Ospina
Sales Manager, Audience - Miracle Publishing London, UK
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Paul Pacifico
CEO, Featured Artists Coalition London, UK
Paul is CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition (‘FAC’), the organization in the music industry that represents the interests and rights of the artists. Paul is also President of the International Artist Organisation (‘IAO’), which unites artist organisations from different country to speak... read morePaul is CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition (‘FAC’), the organization in the music industry that represents the interests and rights of the artists. Paul is also President of the International Artist Organisation (‘IAO’), which unites artist organisations from different country to speak with one voice. In his early career, Paul spent almost 10 years in the City in banking and strategy consultancy before leaving to focus on Specific Music in 2005. Specific Music is a creative music consultancy which designs and delivers bespoke music for industry clients as well as brands and charities. Paul also set up The AllStars Collective, which is made up of 40 of the world's top session musicians. Paul continues to perform and record with his band, Pacifico Blues.... show less
Greg Parmley
MD, International Live Music Conference - ILMC London, UK
The head of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC), Greg has spent two decades involved in the international live music industry. The former editor of IQ Magazine, Greg became MD of ILMC two years ago after eight years as the Director of Content & Media. In 2015, he launched the... read moreThe head of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC), Greg has spent two decades involved in the international live music industry. The former editor of IQ Magazine, Greg became MD of ILMC two years ago after eight years as the Director of Content & Media. In 2015, he launched the International Festival Forum, which sold out six weeks in advance.
Greg is a published author and book editor, and a founding member of the UK Live Music Group. Due to one too many pub conversations, he also holds the Guinness World Record for Most Music Festivals Visited in 30 Days.... show less
Jeremy Silver
Director, Mediaclarity Digital Ltd London, UK
Jeremy Silver is Chairman of MusicGlue and SupaPass. He is an advisor to WhoSampled.com. He is an author and entrepreneur specializing in music, digital media and big data. He licensed the first ever music download service with a major record label. He advised the founders of Shazam on their market... read moreJeremy Silver is Chairman of MusicGlue and SupaPass. He is an advisor to WhoSampled.com. He is an author and entrepreneur specializing in music, digital media and big data. He licensed the first ever music download service with a major record label. He advised the founders of Shazam on their market entry. He has worked in Los Angeles, San Francisco and London with multinationals and start-ups. He advises UK government innovation agency InnovateUK on creative industries and is a member of the UK Creative industries Council. He was Executive Chairman of Semetric Ltd (acquired by Apple), CEO of Sibelius Software (acquired by Avid) and Worldwide Vice-President of New Media for EMI Group in Los Angeles. He co-founded Uplister in San Francisco which was the world’s first playlist-sharing music service. His highly acclaimed book “Digital Medieval (the first twenty years of music on the web)” is available in paperback and as an e-book.... show less
Geoff Taylor
CEO, BPI-The British Phonographic Industry Limited London, UK
Geoff Taylor is Chief Executive of the BPI, the representative body for UK record labels, and of BRIT Awards Ltd, which stages the annual BRIT Awards show. He is also a Director of the Official Charts Company, a Governor of both the BRIT School for the Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon... read moreGeoff Taylor is Chief Executive of the BPI, the representative body for UK record labels, and of BRIT Awards Ltd, which stages the annual BRIT Awards show. He is also a Director of the Official Charts Company, a Governor of both the BRIT School for the Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon and of East London Arts & Music – the Industry Academy (ELAM), and a Trustee of the UK music business' charity, The BRIT Trust.
Before joining the BPI as its Chief Executive in February 2007, Geoff was General Counsel and Executive Vice-President at the international record industry association the IFPI – having also been General Counsel at the BPI during an earlier spell with the organisation. He practised EU and competition law at the US law firm Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering and has an Honours Degree in Law & French from Sussex University and a Postgraduate Diploma in EU law from the College of Europe in Bruges.
Geoff is a lifetime music fan who attended a music school from the age of 7 and ran a recording studio during his time at university, but eventually confronted the reality that, in a reverse of industry norms, he was going to have to pay people to listen to his music. He’s now committed to making sure that the many talented people who work in music have a chance to succeed, by creating an environment in which artists and the record labels that support them can thrive.... show less
Neil Warnock
Head of Worldwide Music, United Talent Agency London, UK
Neil Warnock is Head of Worldwide Music at premier global talent and literary agency United Talent Agency and former president and founder of The Agency Group, one of the world’s foremost entertainment booking agencies. Under his guidance, The Agency Group operated five international offices with... read moreNeil Warnock is Head of Worldwide Music at premier global talent and literary agency United Talent Agency and former president and founder of The Agency Group, one of the world’s foremost entertainment booking agencies. Under his guidance, The Agency Group operated five international offices with nearly 100 agents, a staff of over 220, and a combined roster of more than 2000 celebrated musicians, speakers and authors. In 2015, United Talent Agency acquired The Agency Group, combining it with UTA’s existing music practice to form UTA Music.
Neil Warnock and UTA Music believe in their artists above anything else. Their focus is seizing opportunities so clients thrive—developing long-term careers and focusing on maximizing their full potential as opposed to short term hits. “Lack of investment in long-term careers combined with short-term thinking has been an area of definite concern for the music industry going forward,” according to Warnock.
UTA Music are not a faceless accounting set-up with a veneer of music/promotion in the shop window. Whilst the others compete for ever smaller margins in one-off events, Neil does what he always does, thinks long-term. He is ceaseless in his quest in building a classic British brand, brick by brick, based on core values and quality. What is good for the artist’s career benefits everybody involved in the long-run is his mantra, and it’s served him brilliantly in what has been one of the UK’s most outstanding music industry careers.
Warnock’s career spans over five decades during which he has represented of consulted on many of history’s most influential musicians including the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Dolly Parton, and Michael Jackson. As well as newer artists such as Nickelback, Katie Melua and Caro Emerald. There have been many notable coups, not least of which being the confirmation of a headlining slot for Dolly Parton at the world famous Glastonbury festival in 2014. Warnock doesn’t get side-tracked by celebrity; he is all about the music and securing Dolly such a prestigious placing at a festival noted for its cool factor epitomizes his focus on quality.
At the age of 15 Londoner Warnock left school to become an apprentice printer and instead launched his career as an agent. In his spare time, he worked with many of London’s semi-professional bands booking their shows at colleges and universities in the area. Over-time he quickly became a force within the college booking circuit. Soon thereafter, he opened his own booking agency, South Bank Artists, which came to manage a majority of bookings for all of the major colleges and universities in and around London, with artists such as Pink Floyd, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Soft Machine and Jethro Tull.
Within two years of opening South Bank Artists, Warnock was recruited by NEMS Enterprises, the legendary home of The Beatles, where he became the Directory of Contemporary Artists at age 25. In 1973 he joined The Bron Agency as Managing Director. In 1981 he bought out the company and changed its name to The Agency Group.
Neil’s timing was impeccable. He recalls, “This was a great time for musicians. Until then the promoters were in charge. The bands were only getting a small fee, but in the Seventies the power of the musicians became stronger and they started getting fees they deserved.”
As CEO of The Agency Group, Warnock implemented an unconventional boutique like strategy where agents represent specific acts for the whole of their career, rather than having specific agents represent each act in definite territories.
Warnock continues international trailblazing in the industry and has had significant success in booking tours in established and emerging markets, including Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe. Among his many unparalleled achievements are Michael Jackson’s tour in India, the Rolling Stones’ tours in South East Asia and two European tours, and Pink Floyd’s tour in Russia while the iron curtain was still in place.
As part of his career, Warnock has been lucky enough to be acknowledged on several occasions for his contribution to the industry. Among his accolades he has been awarded the Classic Rock VIP Award in 2005, Booking Agent of the Year at the Pollstar Awards in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2012, Agent of the Year at the A&R Worldwide Industry Awards in 2014, and more recently receiving Agent of the Year 2015 at the MUSEXPO Awards and the coveted Strat at the Music Week Awards 2015.
The company’s talent pool includes the full spectrum in artist development, including emerging artists, artists at the pinnacle of their careers, and legends in music.
Outside of UTA, Warnock is actively involved with the Nordoff Robbins music charity where he sits on the Board as Chairman of Fundraising. He is also a member of the Country Music Association Advisory Group.... show less
Jon Webster
President, The MMF UK London, UK
Jon Webster spent the early part of his career at Richard Branson’s Virgin Group initially Virgin Retail where he researched the Virgin Megastore concept before its launch in London. In 1981 Jon moved to the record label working in sales, marketing and international before becoming Managing... read moreJon Webster spent the early part of his career at Richard Branson’s Virgin Group initially Virgin Retail where he researched the Virgin Megastore concept before its launch in London. In 1981 Jon moved to the record label working in sales, marketing and international before becoming Managing Director in 1988. He worked with world famous acts such as Mike Oldfield, Genesis, Culture Club, Simple Minds, Phil Collins, Human League, Simple Minds and UB40. Jon was instrumental in the founding of the Now! That’s What I Call Music brand which has sold over 100 million units worldwide. After the sale to EMI in 1992 he became a consultant working with many of the acts above with whom he had developed a great working relationship. He has been a manager, founded the Mercury Music Prize, worked for the BPI but left in 2007 and now runs the Music Managers Forum (www.themmf.net).... show less
Simon Wheeler
Director of Digital, Beggars Group London, UK
Previously a musician, engineer, producer, remixer and promoter, Simon has been with The Beggars Group since 1990. Starting work with online distribution in 1997 - licensing the groups catalogue for download sales - Simon has since worked with almost every significant entity in digital media. He... read morePreviously a musician, engineer, producer, remixer and promoter, Simon has been with The Beggars Group since 1990. Starting work with online distribution in 1997 - licensing the groups catalogue for download sales - Simon has since worked with almost every significant entity in digital media. He chairs AIM's New Media Committee in the UK, has spoken at most music conferences around the world on digital music and media strategy, made statements to the UK parliament on DRM and has testified at the USA's CRB webcasting proceedings. He is also a director and board member of Video Performance Ltd (VPL) and Consolidated Independent (CI), but the most important role is keeping the Beggars Group of labels at the forefront of all new technologies to deliver its award winning roster of artists to the widest possible audience. The Beggars Group represents 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade, True Panther, XL Recordings and Young Turks.... show less
CAAMA, in association with Canadian Music Week, is facilitating access for Canadian artists and labels to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) and Ireland.
With a population of 64.1 million, the UK is the third largest in the European Union (behind Germany and France.) It is the second largest music market in Europe and ranked fourth worldwide with industry revenues of US$1.33 billion (*IFPI RIN 2014) and the largest performance rights market in the world.
In May 2016, at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, will be hosting labels, booking agents, festival organizers, promoters, talent buyers and industry specialists from the entertainment sectors in order to open new trade routes for Canadians who are interested in furthering opportunities with these two key European markets as part of a Spotlight on the UK and Focus on Ireland.
CAAMA will provide a market intelligence report and trade support for Canadian artists and music companies to do business. The report will include an in-depth overview of the territories and we anticipate the report will serve as an invaluable resource in future preparations for the 2016 Spotlight and Focus activities.
