A NEW analysis from record labels association the BPI reveals that one in every ten songs (10.1 per cent) streamed around the world is by a British artist.
The UK’s share of global streaming is four times greater than its share of global GDP (2.2 per cent) (1), underlining the UK’s exceptional performance in music.
The BPI, which represents over 450 UK-based record labels, carried out the analysis based on the music charts of 14 major music markets (2), which together account for around three-quarters of global recorded music consumption.
The one in ten result highlights the extraordinary global influence of British music. The ease of
accessing UK music via streaming services and worldwide promotion by labels means that more British artists are now connecting with more fans to build international careers.
Music markets previously out of reach, notably in Asia, South America and Africa, are much more accessible thanks to streaming’s global reach and record labels’ digital marketing. Newly-signed artists can now also expect to have a more immediate international impact than previous generations.
A new wave of British talent is harnessing streaming to reach hundreds of millions of fans.
In addition to established British superstars – such as Ed Sheeran, Adele, Sam Smith, Calvin Harris, Harry Styles, Coldplay – and iconic artists such as Queen and The Beatles, whose songs are being streamed billions of times a year, a rising new global wave of British talent – including Dua Lipa, Lewis Capaldi, Stormzy, Anne Marie, George Ezra, Ellie Goulding, Rag’n’Bone Man and The 1975 – has grown up with streaming and is achieving enormous success with it.
Additionally, UK artists – ranging from Jorja Smith, Joel Corry and Gerry Cinnamon, to rap and hip hop acts such as Dave, Aitch, AJ Tracey, Headie One, J Hus and KSI, to name just a few – are achieving hundreds of millions of streams each year in the UK and beyond and are growing their global profile.
The success of British artists around the world demonstrates how the UK continues to punch well above its weight as the world’s second-leading exporter of music (after the US), and third-largest recorded music market.
With the UK now having left the EU and forging a new future for itself as an independent trading nation, there is a huge opportunity for British music exports to grab a growing share of burgeoning new markets – enabled by labels’ artist development and marketing efforts, as well as streaming’s global reach.
Labels help fuel growth with growing support for artists
A key component of this success is labels’ signing and development of artists and marketing them successfully around the world. The major labels alone signed 153 artists in the UK in 2019 (up 38 per cent on 2010), contributing to a total roster of 640 acts signed to majors in the UK – up 68 per cent on 2010.
Record labels are the leading investors in artists’ development. In 2019, investment in A&R (artists & repertoire) by independent and major labels rose to above £250 million.
Labels also market their artists in the highly competitive 24/7 global streaming market – with over £150 million spent by UK record labels on international marketing and promotion in 2019.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BPI, said: As the UK charts its new course as an independent trading nation, music serves as a symbol of the UK’s economic potential and creativity.
“A new wave of homegrown talent, backed by labels’ support, is taking British culture and business to every corner of the world. This is a new tune for a new age of opportunity. We are excited by the possibilities that streaming offers for our artists and for the continuing growth of British music.”
ENDS
Enquiries
Gennaro Castaldo
gennaro.castaldo@bpi.co.uk +44 (0)20 7803 1326 / +44 (0)7801 194 139
Toby Leveson
toby.leveson@bpi.co.uk +44 (0)20 7803 1390 / +44 (0)7917 150 176
Notes for editors:
(1) UK GDP 2020 here: https://www.statista.com/statistics/270452/united-kingdoms-share-of-global-gross-domestic-product-gdp
(2) Music markets chart data evaluated for British artist share based on value: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.
About the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) – www.bpi.co.uk
The BPI champions the UK’s recorded music industry, safeguarding the rights of its members and of the artists, performers and label members of collecting body PPL.
The BPI’s membership consists of well over 450 independent labels and the UK’s three ‘majors’, which together account for 85 per cent of legitimate domestic music consumption and ten per cent of music consumed around the world.
The BPI promotes British music overseas through its trade missions and the Music Exports Growth Scheme.
It provides insights, training and networking with its free masterclasses, Innovation Hub, Insight Sessions, WidsomWednesdays events, and reports.
The BPI administers The BRIT Certified Awards, co-owns The Official Charts, organises The BRIT Awards and BRITs Week, and is also home to The Mercury Prize.
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