‘This is Music 2023’ report shows further UK music growth
At BIMM Music Institute, we stay focused on helping you develop your skills and build your network so that you can graduate industry-ready and become part of the vibrant and growing music scene. We’re excited to share that UK Music’s latest report shows that the UK music industry is more robust than ever – meaning that there’s no better time to be a part of it.
UK Music’s annual economic report, This Is Music 2023, outlines the enormous £6.7 billion contribution the UK music industry made to the economy in 2022. Entering its tenth year, this edition shines a light on the industry’s impact on the economy, export stats, and employment figures. It’s worth noting how far the industry has come since the report’s inception in 2013 and how it has bounced back since the global pandemic.
The report, which has become a trusted source for understanding the UK Music scene, reveals UK music export revenue in 2022 was £4 billion – a figure aided by growth in recording and music publishing, as well as the return of international touring. Not only that, the report shows that there are a huge 210,000 people currently employed in the music industry.
UK Music interim chief executive Tom Kiehl said:
“The UK music industry and its exports have grown beyond doubt to hit new heights, which is fantastic news regarding our sector’s contribution to jobs and the economy.”
This is Music 2023 headline stats
The report also references the impact and importance that AI could have on the wider industry. Cliff Fluet, who currently works as Head of Media & Entertainment at law firm Lewis Silkin, has worked with and advised music AI platforms for a decade. In the report, he explains, “If we are to learn anything from the arrival of digital music, we mustn’t try to deflect or deny the impact of AI; we need to understand the benefits and tackle the downsides.”
He highlights the importance of companies like DAACI, which are leading the way in AI music research and development, offering powerful tools for composers to create original, dynamic sounds, providing huge opportunities for use in film, TV, games, and beyond. Cliff claims, “The benefits are clear; the opportunity to deliver music to new consumers, to power discovery, champion new genres globally and empower artists to create more and have more time to be more creative are only some of the upsides.”
Find out more about DAACI and our recent partnership with them.
David Rowe, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Music at BIMM Music Institute, says:
“A thriving UK Music industry stimulates creativity, innovation and disruption. In response, BIMM provides an exclusive AI module alongside a regularly updated business and technology curriculum. This prepares our students for success in a fast-paced and constantly changing business.”
Mel Thornton, who is Associate Dean of Creative Futures and directs BIMM University’s careers and employability strategy, added:
“Supporting collaborative work between music and other art forms plays an important role, not just in people’s lives but in the economy too, and the findings of this report include some exciting figures to support this. With 210,000 people now employed in music, we need to all consider new ways to present future talent to the industry.
At BIMM Music Institute, we work closely with major players in music to deliver dedicated programmes of work experience, artist development partnerships and career events at each of our seven campuses. We’re fortunate to have a unique community of creative students studying music, screen, film and performing arts degrees, and we encourage collaborative projects and the development of broad skills and experience. We invite all industries looking to source new talent for their business to contact us to discuss ways we can work together and continue supporting the talent pipeline to the music industry.”
We are pleased to share these music-related reports, stats and impressive growth figures. We look forward to doing the same in 2024, and we hope to have witnessed the same upward trajectory as we have done this year.
