Liverpool is set to become the focal point of the music industry as the Sound City+ Conference returns on Friday 2 May, 2025. With a packed schedule of discussions, workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities, this year’s conference solidifies Sound City’s role in championing and supporting emerging creative and industry talent.
Industry Leaders Set to Gather in Liverpool
The conference will host top music industry executives from the UK and Europe, including:
- Dr Jo Twist OBE – Chief Executive, BPI
- Isabel Garvey – Chief Operating Officer, Warner Music UK
- Vanessa Bosåen – President, Virgin Music UK
- Gee Davy – Chief Executive, AIM
- Joe Frankland – Chief Executive, PRS Foundation
- Ammo Talwar MBE – Chief Executive, Punch Records
- Stephanie Haughton-Campbell – Chief Operating Officer, UK Music
- Karen Emanuel – Chief Executive, Key Production Group
- James Gaster – Managing Director, Mahogany Music
- Fiona McAuley – Senior Director of Digital Marketing UK & EU, BMG
- Ruth Barlow – Director of Live Licensing, Beggars Group
- Sumit Bothra – Founder, SB3 Management
BPI Brings ‘In Tune With Tomorrow’ to Liverpool
In a major development, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) will bring its acclaimed ‘In Tune With Tomorrow’ Summit to Liverpool for the first time, forming a core strand of the Sound City+ Conference. The summit will present a full day of discussions on how the music industry can support and champion human-led creativity.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of BPI, will deliver a keynote address, outlining how the industry can foster an environment where education, artistry, and investment in music thrive.
Other key events within the In Tune With Tomorrow Summit include:
- A fireside chat with Isabel Garvey (Warner Music UK) on defining success in today’s music industry
- A discussion led by Vanessa Bosåen (Virgin Music UK) on shaping the industry’s future
- Panel discussions on artist journeys, grassroots development, marketing, PR, and the live industry
- Insights from industry experts like Geoff Meall (Wasserman), Jo Hart (Hart Media), and Sarah Brown (Proper Distribution)
BBC Introducing Panel with Dave Monks
BBC Introducing in Merseyside’s Dave Monks will host a panel titled ‘The Power of BBC Introducing’, exploring how emerging artists can leverage the platform to grow their careers – from local radio play to national recognition and potential festival bookings.
Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Liverpool Sound City. The conference and festival programming are a perfect fit for BBC Introducing, and we look forward to showcasing new talent.”
Expanding the Conversation with Industry Experts
Alongside BPI and BBC Introducing, Sound City+ has confirmed a wave of additional speakers, including:
- Sumit Bothra (SB3 Management)
- Gee Davy (AIM)
- Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group)
- Jenn Morgan (Push Entertainment)
- Damien Platt (Palms Management)
- Alison Lamb (Project Allies)
- Hannah Beasley-Garrigan (Repercussion Management)
- Andy Cooper (Draw & Code)
TuneCore House Returns to Sound City
Digital distributor and artist development platform TuneCore will again host TuneCore House, offering talks, workshops, and performances.
Sarah Wilson, Head of UK and Ireland for TuneCore, said: “Sound City is unrivaled in the UK for championing emerging artists and industry leaders. We’re excited to continue this partnership and provide artists with opportunities to grow and connect.”
PPL and PRS for Music: Supporting Artist Development
PPL and PRS for Music will return to Sound City+, offering an artist-focused session exploring career development and revenue streams. The session will educate artists on how licensing revenue is collected and flows back to support the creative community.
A Must-Attend Event for the Music Industry
With over 30 influential speakers confirmed, Sound City+ will be a crucial gathering for artists, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, covering topics such as:
- Artist development and industry diversity
- Navigating global music markets
- The superfan opportunity
- Sustainability in the live sector
Becky Ayres, Managing Director of Sound City, said: “With BPI joining us for Sound City+, we’re reinforcing Liverpool’s role at the heart of the UK music industry. This year’s conference will be a major opportunity for industry professionals to connect and collaborate, setting the stage for an incredible festival weekend.”
Sound City Festival: The Ultimate Music Showcase
Following the conference, the Sound City Festival will take over Liverpool’s live music venues from Saturday, May 3rd, to Sunday, May 4th, featuring headline performances from The Royston Club and Dylan John Thomas, alongside rising stars like STONE, Nieve Ella, Rianne Downey, and Overpass.
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Sound City continues to be the UK’s lead festival for Keychange, the global movement promoting gender equality in the music industry. The festival will host a gender-balanced lineup and a series of panels and initiatives supporting this mission.
UK Music’s Outstanding MAP Graduate Awards
Sound City will also host UK Music’s Outstanding MAP Graduate Awards (OMGs) on Thursday, May 1st, celebrating the best emerging talent from the Music Academic Partnership network.
The Future of Music Begins at Sound City+
With a stellar lineup of speakers, panels, and performances, Sound City+ 2025 promises to be an essential event for anyone involved in the music industry. As the definitive industry gathering in the North West, the conference will play a vital role in shaping the future of music while providing invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.
For more information and to secure tickets, visit Sound City’s official website.
