Music and Millennials helping to fuel the podcasting boom 14 Jun 2019
New BPI Insight Session report explores dynamics & trends shaping the popularity of podcasts
A new report produced for record labels association the BPI highlights the scale of the current podcasting phenomenon and the extent to which this boom is being driven by rising listenership among millennials as well as by music artists and record labels using the medium to engage with millions of fans.
“Pod Only Knows: What’s Next For Music and Podcasts” is authored by Stuart Dredge, Editor-in-Chief of knowledge company Music Ally, and was presented to industry representatives at the BPI’s Insight Session on 13th June.
Featuring a foreword by BPI CEO Geoff Taylor, the report takes a close look at the podcast audience together with the business and distribution dynamics of the medium. It also presents BPI survey findings that reveal music industry attitudes to podcasting, while also including ‘pod perspectives’ from key influencers, and a directory of the most popular podcasts before rounding off with key takeaways for the reader.
Podcasts aren’t new, but they are enjoying a resurgence. From true-crime podcasts like Serial to politics, sports and comedy, podcast listening is booming, and music-streaming services are upping their efforts in this area. The music community’s relationship with podcasts is evolving too, and artists and record labels are embracing the medium. George Ezra and Friends, Table Manners with Jessie Ware,Blossoms Pubcast, Inside the Album, and Ninja Tune Podcast are just a few of the many podcasts that have caught the imagination, while more recent offerings includeDigging Deep: The Robert Plant Podcast, and The David Gilmour Podcast.
Report highlights/findings:
- Last August Ofcom reported the weekly audience for podcasts had nearly doubled (84%) from 3.2m in 2013 to 5.9m in 2018. This translates to over 1 in 10 (10.1%) of the adult population;
- The Ofcom figure rises dramatically to closer to 1 in 5 among 15-24 year old millennials – and close to half (49%) of the UK podcast audience is aged 35 years or below;
- 20% of listening time among 15-24 year olds goes on podcasts, and 24% on live radio, but over a quarter (26%) is still taken up music streaming;
- In December 2017 a survey by podcasting company Acast suggested that nearly a quarter (23%) of the UK population had listened to a podcast ‘in the last month’;
- Data from RAJAR’s Spring 2019 MIDAS survey shows that 14 per cent of the UK adult population is listening to a podcast every week, rising to a fifth among 15 to 34 year olds;
- A survey of music companies suggests podcasts work best for marketing & brand profiling: 94% of respondents agreed with the view that podcasts help to promote acts compared to 67% who agree podcasts drive revenues. Whilst they are seen as an opportunity, there are some concerns they may also eat into music listening.
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards, said: "The last couple of years have seen the music community’s interest in podcasts truly awaken. Podcasts are seen as a new and more personal way for artists and labels to connect with fans – enabling them to get into the artist’s mind and forge a deeper relationship with the music they love. It is evident that podcasts particularly resonate with millennials, while the boom is also being driven by a growing number of music artists, including George Ezra, Jessie Ware, Robert Plant and David Gilmour, who are embracing the concept and making it their own in highly imaginative ways.”
This latest edition in the regular series of BPI Insight Sessions on June 13thexplored the dynamics and trends shaping the popularity of podcasts, and what this may mean for music consumption – now and in the future. The event, hosted byReed Smith and curated for the BPI by Music Ally, was chaired by Music Ally Reports Editor and author Eamonn Forde.
Along with the presentation of the report and the survey findings, the Insight Session also saw valued contributions from Columbia Records UK's Alex Eden-Smith (Head of Marketing) and Edd Blower (Senior Digital Marketing Manager) in conversation with the BPI’s Casandra Strauss discussing the success of the George Ezra & Friends podcast; and from Tom Mullen, VP, Marketing Catalog and Podcasting, Atlantic Records. These were followed by a panel discussion featuring Miranda Sawyer – the celebrated writer and broadcaster; Chris Baughen, Managing Editor, Global Player App; Peggy Sutton, Managing Partner, Somethin’ Else; and John Doran, Editor and Co-Founder, The Quietus.
Previous BPI Insight Sessions, a number of which have been held jointly with ERA, have explored In-Car Tech and Entertainment, Blockchain, VR, AI & Music,Generation Z, Smart Speakers, the album in the post-streaming age, and most recently the New Music Influencers.
NEWS & PRESS
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Signs Randall King to Global Deal
Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the signing of West Texas native Randall King, celebrated by Holler as “the genre's neo-traditional figurehead,” to a global publishing agreement. King has emerged as one of today’s most promising new voices in country music, amassing over...more
Nominations announced for the Ivors with Amazon Music 2024
Sampha and Yussef Dayes lead the way with two nominations each Composer Daniel Pemberton also receives two nominations across the screen categories RAYE, CMAT, Yussef Dayes, Lankum and Sampha in the running for Best Album Jungle, The Japanese House, Jazzy and Kenya Grace...more
The Great Escape announces full conference line-up and schedule
NEW SPEAKERS INCLUDE WIRE'S COLIN NEWMAN, IZZY BEE PHILLIPS (BLACK HONEY) AND APPLE MUSIC HOST DOTTY Today The Great Escape has announced the full line-up and schedule for its UK-leading music industry conference, returning to Brighton from Wednesday 15th to Saturday...more
FAC boost their community with 20 new Artist Ambassadors
FAC boost their community with 20 new Artist Ambassadors including Duran Duran, Nia Archives, Girli, Elkka, English Teacher, Guvna B, OneDa and Alt-J's Gus Unger-Hamilton The new cohort means more than 140 artists have agreed to act as Ambassadors for the...more
Fairground Attraction partners with Absolute for first album in 35 years
The band’s 1988 hit Perfect was a chart topper in the UK and around the globe. Eighties neo-skiffle band Fairground Attraction have partnered with Absolute Label Services after reuniting for the first time in 35 years. Absolute will power the marketing, promotion,...more
BPI to host ‘In Tune With Tomorrow’
Monday 22nd April 2024, Waterloo Leake Street Future-facing conference on how the recorded music industry can support talent and enable creativity for a more sustainable future * * * * * * * YolanDa Brown OBE DL in conversation with BRIT School’s Stuart Worden...more
AIM and the BPI appoint Creative Zero’s Roxy Erickson to lead next phase of Music Climate Pact
Funding provided through partnership between AIM and creative industries climate charity, Murmur Erickson to work closely with Pact’s stakeholders to deliver outcomes to benefit the entire music industry AIM (The Association of Independent Music) and the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) have appointed...more
Leading European PR agencies unite to form PR:E
- an innovative network providing consultancy for popular culture clients & brands PR:E is a brand new network of award-winning PR agencies from Belgium (ABCommunication), France (Cartel), Germany (Kruger Media), Italy (Goigest), the Nordics (PR Nordic), Spain (Blanchón), and the UK...more
Bella Figura Music acquires Rak Publishing
Agreement Includes Classic Songs by Hot Chocolate, Suzi Quatro, Steve Harley, Kim Wilde, Joan Jett & more Bella Figura Music, the independent music publisher and record label founded by Alexi Cory-Smith and Neelesh Prabhu in 2022, has announced the acquisition of...more
WEC to hold follow-up session on its Misogyny in music report
Evidence session Misogyny in music inquiry Wednesday, 24 April 2.20pm Venue: Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster Watch live: Visit parliamentlive.tv The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will hold a follow-up session on its landmark Misogyny in music report with senior representatives from the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) and the Office...more
Revolution in the Music Industry: The Rise of Self-Taught Musicians
New research from Skoove, a top piano learning app, and the research experts at Crafins Studio reveals that a staggering 71% of the top 100 artists on Spotify in the UK are self-taught, challenging traditional paradigms of music education. Only...more
The kids are alright: Gen Z embracing the analogue music experience, vinyl packaging company reveals
Survey conducted by Key Production reveals over half (59 per cent) of 18-24 year olds are listening to physical music - more than any other age group CD purchases also recorded highest amongst youngest age range and Gen Z more willing...more
Warner Music South East Europe launches new EDM label, Balkan Electro
Warner Music South East Europe (WM SEE) has launched Balkan Electro, a new EDM focused label, which will give local talent across the Balkans and Ukraine a platform to get their music out to the world. Balkan Electro was formed in...more
Merlin & Audiomack Announce Strategic Partnership to Amplify Independent Music
Merlin, the independent’s digital music licensing partner, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Audiomack, the artist-first music streaming platform that empowers artists to reach and engage with fans worldwide. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing...more
Downtown’s Neighbouring Rights division announces raft of cross-company signings, including Academy Award-nominated artist, ANOHNI
Downtown Neighbouring Rights partner with Downtown Music Publishing administration client, Position Music Partners with FUGA client, TH3RD BRAIN Records Downtown Neighbouring Rights (DNR) has announced a wealth of new signings and cross-company partnerships across the division, including international deals with acclaimed singer-songwriter,...more
The BRIT Awards 2024 with Mastercard celebrates success of strategic partnership with Meta, with significant growth reported across priority social channels
1.1 billion views of artist performances achieved across Instagram Reels and over 12.2 million views on YouTube in the 30 days after the show Red Carpet Livestream views up 177% to 1.2 million Followers across all BRITs social channels hits 5 million The...more
TikTok Launches The Ultimate Taylor Swift In-App Experience To Celebrate New Album and #SwiftTok
The new in-app experience connects Swifties with exclusive and first-of-its-kind features TikTok is excited to announce THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT in-app experience inviting fans to celebrate THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT through interactive features. With multiple first of its kind features, fans can dive into...more
Government ‘falling short’ over action to help protect women in the music industry from harassment and discrimination, WEC warns
The Government has rejected recommendations to help protect women in the music industry from harassment and discrimination despite unequivocal backing from the creative industries watchdog CIISA and a myriad of female voices speaking out across the sector. In its response to...more
The Music Producers Guild announce Inspiration Award Winner
The Music Producers Guild, in association with Dolby & Mix with Masters are delighted to announce Grammy Award winning, mastering engineer Emily Lazar as winner of the 2024 MPG Inspiration Award. This prestigious award, sponsored by Audio Note, is given to a professional who, in the opinion of the MPG...more
Government fails to address misogyny in the music industry
In 2023 the MU submitted written evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee Inquiry into Misogyny in Music and participated in an oral evidence session to represent the views of our women members in the hope of tackling some of...more
beatBread partners with Kobalt and amra to expand artists' global earning potential
beatBread (www.beatBread.com), the AI-driven funding platform that enables artists, songwriters and independent labels to access growth capital while maintaining choice, ownership and control, has empowered its thousands of clients by offering publishing administration via Kobalt Music Group. In addition, beatBread...more
PizzaExpress Serves Up Record Stores In Celebration Of Record Label’s First Anniversary
The iconic pizzeria brand’s record label - PX Records - will open three record stores across LondonLabel’s latest album An Adventurous Dream (At PizzaExpress Live In London) by Ian Shaw and Tony Kofi is released on April 26th and available to pre-save HERE The tables...more
Simple Minds' Jim Kerr wins prestigious radio award for his BBC documentary on Jim Morrison
Last night at the New York Festivals International Radio Awards in NYC 'Jim Kerr on Jim Morrison' was awarded the Gold Medal for Best Documentary in the Culture & The Arts category. The documentary, written and presented by Jim Kerr and...more
The Blues Project Founder, Simi Agbaje named ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ 2024 by YMB Awards
The much awaited Young Music Boss Awards returns on 25th April 2024 at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, celebrating the best of the music industry’s young executive and entrepreneurial talent. Simi Agbaje has today been awarded ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ –...more
Concord acquires Hipgnosis
RECOMMENDED CASH OFFER FOR HIPGNOSIS SONGS FUND LIMITED ("HIPGNOSIS") BY CONCORD CHORUS LIMITED ("BIDCO") an entity indirectly controlled by Alchemy Copyrights, LLC, trading as Concord ("Concord") to be implemented by means of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part VIII of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008...more
Notting Hill Music sign producer/writer Ian Barter
Notting Hill Music are delighted to announce the signing of producer/writer Ian Barter to a long-term worldwide publishing agreement. Ian produced and co-wrote the upcoming Gabrielle album including the recent Radio 2 A-List single “A Place In Your Heart” as...more
The Great Escape unveils its full festival schedule
PLUS...STAGE HOSTS REVEALED BBC ASIAN NETWORK | DIY | MARSHALL | NICE SWAN RECORDS DOWNLOAD | CLASH | MOSHI MOSHI | PIAS | ATC LIVE | GAY TIMES | FAT CAT | TICKETMASTER NEW MUSIC | WME | BELLA UNION | THE INDEPENDENT | NOTION | SO...more
Nature is now officially an artist
‘SOUNDS RIGHT’ IS A NEW GLOBAL MUSIC INITIATIVE TO RECOGNISE THE VALUE OF NATUREARTISTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE RELEASE NEW TRACKS FEATURING NATURE: DAVID BOWIE x BRIAN ENO | ELLIE GOULDING | AURORA | ANUV JAIN | MØ | BOMBA ESTEREO | LONDON...more
The Record Store & Black Music: A UK History documented in new book and film
The cultural impact of UK independent record stores that specialised in Black music will be documented in a revealing new book and film that are set to be released as part of Black History Month (October 2024). Contributors include Trevor Nelson, David...more
Live Nation and the R&A announce unique partnership to elevate the AIG Women’s Open
Live Nation and The R&A, golf’s global governing body outside of the US and Mexico, have today joined forces to take one of golf’s most entertaining Championships to the next level. The showpiece of The R&A’s commitment to championing the...more
THE HEADLINES
Hipgnosis Song Management fires back at Songs Fund board (see Business)
Blackstone bid for Hipgnosis receives backing from board (see Business)
Taylor Swift’s new album breaks Spotify records (see News)
Independence - what’s up with that BPI press release about 2023 music consumption? (see Comment)
Creator Remuneration Working Group meet for the first time (see News)
Concord's takeover of Hipgnosis (see Analysis)
Concord set to acquire Hipgnosis Songs Fund (see Business)
Is the music industry gaslighting artists? (see Comment)
BPI’s new Yearbook highlights an independent sector growing for a sixth consecutive year (see Reports)
Can’t cross the moat? Walk around it. (see Comment)
The conversation around Fandom needs to change (see Opinion)
Viagogo: Carrying on ticketing, despite the controversy (see News)
Taylor Swift songs return to TikTok (see Digital)
Spotify plans new remixing tools for the TikTok generation (see Digital)
Is Spotify plotting a largescale push into short-form video? (see Digital)
AIM CEO Silvia Montello resigns for personal reasons (see News)
The techification of entertainment (and why it needs to reverse) (see Comment)
AI music startup Udio launches backed by artists and Instagram’s co-founder (see Digital)
Artists are seeing their music removed from DSPs for streaming fraud they didn’t commit (see Features)