Watch BPI’s 2021 Music and Tech Springboard series

Launched last year, the programme seeks to demystify the industry for individuals interested in music industry innovation, including tech companies and startups that may require guidance on how to get started.

This year’s edition launched with four episodes, which we have embedded below. The videos focus on major labels, the classical sector, working with independent and self-releasing artists, and funding. Each video features industry experts who share knowledge and offer practical advice on how to navigate the industry. 

Additionally, the project is offering music-related tech startups that are less than five years old or have fewer than 20 employees free BPI membership and a six-month free subscription to Music Ally. Both UK and overseas applications will be accepted.

Eligible applicants can apply for BPI membership and a Music Ally subscription here and here. Questions can be emailed to springboard@bpi.co.uk. 

Episode 1 – The Labels Return

Universal Music UK senior vice-president of audience development and digital strategy Glenn Cooper, Warner Music Group chief innovation officer Scott Cohen and Sony Music Entertainment senior manager of global digital business development Victoria Cruz open the second series of the Music & Tech Springboard Programme and give their perspective on the changes they’ve witnessed in the past 18 months and the impact those changes are having on their business. They also look at future tech and the transformative impact it is likely to make, while responding to questions submitted by startups from the BPI and Music Ally communities following the first series of videos, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to this programme.

Episode 2 – Focus on Classical

LSO Live head Becky Lees, Signum Records founder and managing director Steve Long and Universal Music Decca co-managing director Tom Lewis take a close look at the classical sector and its unique challenges and opportunities. Different but complementary perspectives are shared from iconic major label imprint Decca, pioneering indie label Signum and the innovating LSO Live, the record label arm of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Episode 3 – Working with Indies and Self-Releasing Artists

In this episode, One Media IP chief operating officer Alice Dyson, Motive Unknown founder and managing director Darren Hemmings and self-releasing and live-streaming artist Emma McGann focus on the vibrant independent and grassroots scene.

Episode 4 – Funding

Supernode global partner and senior vice-president of operations and community Gina King, angel investor Göran Andersson, Ascension Ventures senior associate Nico Albanese and Innovate UK, UKRI head of AI and data economy programmes Tom Fiddian highlight the opportunities in the funding space. This episode comes off the back of direct feedback from the BPI community, who asked for further information on funding following the first video series of the Music & Tech Springboard Programme.

Watch the first Music & Tech Springboard series here.