The Great Escape has unveiled the first keynote and featured speakers for its industry-leading conference, set to take place in Brighton from 14-17 May. From practical workshops to keynote addresses and insights from the some of the most influential voices and businesses in the industry, The Great Escape will once again set the new music agenda for the European music sector this year.
In 2025, the program will focus on key topics for modern industry professionals, such as fair compensation, AI, sustainability, UK counterculture, the cost of touring, and how independent artists can create a sustainable career in music.
Leading the keynote conversations is acclaimed musician, actor, and writer Jordan Stephens. Fresh from a sold-out show with Rizzle Kicks on Friday, Stephens will take to the stage on Saturday, 17th May, for an exclusive discussion with award-winning presenter, BBC Introducing DJ, and tastemaker Abbie McCarthy. As the first-ever recipient of the ‘Grassroots Hero’ award from Saturday’s conference collaborators Youth Music, Stephens will delve into his boundary-breaking career, offering insights into his artistic journey and the evolving music landscape.
Jordan Stephens said: “I’m buzzing to be part of The Great Escape’s Conference this year. Music has always been my foundation, but my career has taken me down so many unexpected paths – from acting to writing to mental health advocacy. Sitting down with Abbie to unpack that journey and celebrate the grassroots movements that are keeping this industry alive is going to be something special.”
Another very special conversation is set to take place this year between legendary broadcaster, footballer, DJ and music aficionado Pat Nevin and his long-time friend, Cocteau Twins member and Bella Union founder Simon Raymonde. Hosted by DJ, broadcaster and music journalist Georgie Rogers, Pat will share his passion for music and fandom, while Simon will discuss his storied career and new book ‘In One Ear: Cocteau Twins, Ivor Raymonde and Me’, described by Elton John as “a wonderful book of pop music history”.
Kicking off Thursday’s conference, leading music analyst and MIDiA Research founder Mark Mulligan will explore the latest trends in streaming, creator economies, and market insights, including industry forecasts and market shares.
Meanwhile, Songkick’s Head of Product Jordan Gemli will share insights on music discovery and fan engagement on the platform, SoundCloud’s Industry Relations Manager Hope Hale presents ‘SoundCloud School,’ a deep dive into how artists can maximize their presence on the platform and PPL will present their PPL Licensing Masterclass, exploring the intricacies of rights and royalties.
Delving into topics such as sync, the live market, mental health and artist marketing, further essential workshops come from: Audio Network, Pollstar, The Spanish Wave, Brainchild Creative Studio, Ticketmaster New Music, Climate Live, AudioActive, Music Support.
Other featured speakers include: BBC Radio 1 presenter Jodie Bryant; Sarah Joy, a London-based agent representing bands such as Squid, Blondshell and Yard Act (ATC Live); Elspeth Merry, Founder of PR agency Artists’ Way; the CEO of the NTIA, Michael Kill; Youth Music’s NextGen Community Producer Talia Andrea; and the leaders of all the member organisations of the Council of Music Makers, representing a cross section of the music industry – Gee Davy (CEO, Association of Independent Music), Naomi Pohl (General Secretary, Musicians’ Union), Roberto Neri (CEO, The Ivors Academy), David Martin (CEO, Featured Artists Coalition), Annabella Coldrick (CEO, Music Managers Forum), and Cameron Craig (Executive Director, Music Producers Guild).
Finally, The Great Escape is delighted to confirm the return of the Steve Strange Award, celebrating rising industry talent in memory of the late, great music agent Steve Strange, with the recipient of the prestigious award receiving a cash prize of £5,000. In 2024, the prize went to Faroese experimental rap-punk band Aggrasoppar. The 2025 winner will be revealed on Monday 19 May following the event in Brighton.
