The Great Escape confirms first keynote & speakers

UK music business conference The Great Escape (TGE) has unveiled the first keynote and featured speakers for its 2025 edition.

Scheduled for Brighton from 14-17 May, the programme will focus on industry topics such as fair compensation, AI, sustainability, UK counterculture, the cost of touring, and how independent artists can create a sustainable career in music.

Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens is the first keynote conversation to be announced. The musician, actor and writer will discuss his career and the evolving music industry landscape in an interview with BBC Introducing DJ Abbie McCarthy on Saturday 17 May.

“I’m buzzing to be part of The Great Escape’s conference this year,” says Stephens. “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 onstage conversation will feature broadcaster, footballer and DJ 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, Nevin will share his passion for music and fandom, while Raymonde will talk through his career and new book In One Ear: Cocteau Twins, Ivor Raymonde and Me.

“TGE has also confirmed the return of the Steve Strange Award, in memory of the legendary agent, with the recipient receiving a £5,000 cash prize”

Elsewhere, leading music analyst and MIDiA Research founder Mark Mulligan will explore the latest trends in streaming, creator economies and market insights, while Songkick’s head of product Jordan Gemli will share insights on music discovery and fan engagement on the platform.

In addition, SoundCloud’s industry relations manager Hope Hale will host SoundCloud School, a deep dive into how artists can maximise their presence on the platform and PPL will present its PPL Licensing Masterclass, exploring the intricacies of rights and royalties.

Further workshops will come from Audio Network, Pollstar, The Spanish Wave, Brainchild Creative Studio, Ticketmaster New Music, Climate Live and AudioActive, Music Support, with other featured speakers to include BBC Radio 1 presenter Jodie Bryant; ATC Live agent Sarah Joy; Elspeth Merry, founder of PR agency Artists’ Way; NTIA CEO Michael Kill and Youth Music’s NextGen community producer Talia Andrea.

Also confirmed are the leaders of all the member organisations of the Council of Music Makers: Gee Davy (Association of Independent Music), Naomi Pohl (Musicians’ Union), Roberto Neri (The Ivors Academy), David Martin (Featured Artists Coalition), Annabella Coldrick (CEO, Music Managers Forum), and Cameron Craig (Music Producers Guild).

TGE has also confirmed the return of the Steve Strange Award, in memory of the legendary agent, with the recipient receiving a £5,000 cash prize. In 2024, the prize went to Faroese experimental rap-punk band Aggrasoppar, with this year’s winner to be revealed following the event on 19 May.

Delegate passes are available now, priced £282.

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