THE MPG BY THE SEA

The Music Producers Guild (MPG) will be joining our sister organisations as part of the Council of Music Makers, taking over The Great Escape conference schedule on Thursday, May 15th, until 17:00. The MPG will be involved in three different panel discussions, so if you’re planning to attend the festival, keep an eye on the program schedule — and be sure to swing by and say hello!

Address:
Lower Ground Floor (Seafront Foyer entrance)

Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront, Kings Rd, Brighton, BN1 2GS

10:00 MARKET TRENDS IN MUSIC
Mark Mulligan, MD at MIDiA Research, provides insights on the latest trends in the music business, and what that means for music-makers and their business partners.
Speaker: Mark Mulligan music analyst and the founder at MIDiA Research

10:30 AI, STREAMING + THE COST OF TOURING CRISIS: THE MUSIC-MAKER PERSPECTIVE
There have been lots of big debates in the music business this year. How AI interacts with the music industry and music-makers. How streaming services are changing their business models. The cost of touring crisis. Get the perspectives of music-makers, their managers and independent music businesses on these crucial issues.
Speakers: Gee Davy (CEO, Association of Independent Music), Naomi Pohl (General Secretary – Musicians’ Union), Roberto Neri (Chief Executive Officer of The Ivors Academy), David Martin (CEO, Featured Artists Coalition), Annabella Coldrick (CEO of Music Managers Forum), Cameron Craig (Executive Director, Music Producers Guild)

11:45 IN CONVERSATION: ALEX SOBEL MP AND ANNELIESE MIDGLEY
Lots of issues affecting music-makers and independent music businesses have been in the political spotlight in the last year, including streaming, touring and AI.
Two big advocates for the music community within Westminster – Alex Sobel MP and Anneliese Midgley MP – will review the recent debates, and discuss how the music industry can ensure its voice is heard within government and Parliament.

12:30 GETTING THE MOST FROM CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS
We all know that music-making is a collaborative process, but what makes those collaborations really work? How do collaborators – artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and engineers – come together, what happens in the studio and beyond, and where do A&R and management fit into the mix?
Featuring Dimitri Tikovoï, Richie Kennady and Izzy Bee Phillips from Black Honey. Moderated by Emma Towsend (MPG)

13:30 THE POWER OF INDEPENDENCE
With the big corporations busy trying to buy everyone up, how can independent music companies truly prosper in the modern business? What does independence even mean in 2025 – and what are the benefits to music-makers and their managers of working with truly indie labels and publishers?
Moderator: Gee Davy – (AIM)
Speakers: Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group / AIM), Kameil Sattar (Cargo Records)

14:30 AN INTERNATIONAL IDEAS EXCHANGE
Music-makers and independent music companies face many of the same challenges around the world, but different approaches are being taken in different countries to address key issues. What’s working, what isn’t working, and what can we learn from each other?

15:30 BUILDING BRIDGES INTO THE INDUSTRY
How does the current music industry create barriers that stop people from pursuing a career in the music business – whether as music-maker or in the industry – and what initiatives are successfully replacing the barriers with bridges? Featuring the MPG’s Matt Taylor

16:30 THE DREAM TEAM
How can music-makers go about building the dream team around themselves and their music to deliver long-term creative and commercial success? This practical session puts the spotlight on a dream team, with input from an artist, label, manager and more.