UK-recorded music consumption up nearly 10 per cent in 2024, physical sales see increase for the first time in 20 years

nme.com:

British Phonographic Industry (BPI).Today (December 31), the BPI has shared its music market analysis for the year, which includes positive figures in regards to the consumption of UK-recorded music and physical sales for the first time in two decades.Per the BPI, UK-recorded music saw an increase in sales and streams by 9.7 per cent in the past year to 200.5million albums (or their equivalent), marking a decade of uninterrupted growth.

Part of the success of UK music in 2024 is attributed to an unrivalled rise and support for women in the industry, led by the likes of Charli XCX among others.Yet despite a steady increase in consumption of UK-recorded music, British music is still in danger of being upended not only by intensifying global competition, but by the threat of AI, which could see copyrighted music be altered or used in ways that don’t incentivise artists.BPI Chief Executive Dr.

Jo Twist said in a statement: “The UK’s creative output and human creativity is being placed at risk by proposed changes to British copyright law, which would allow international tech giants to train AI models on artists’ work without payment or permission, and would be the wrong way to realise the exciting potential of AI.

Meanwhile, streaming fraud is also a rising concern.“By meeting the growing global challenge head-on, tackling challenges around AI, copyright and streaming fraud, and encouraging consumers towards viable models, like paid streaming subscriptions, we can help to ensure that the value of British music is protected and that our industry can continue to grow and flourish at home and around the world.“The UK remains a world music power, but this status cannot be taken for granted: we need a supportive policy environment.