Future focused music conference FastForward returns to London, announces new sponsors and initial speakers

24 September 2024 - Press release

The two-day programme focused on the future of the music industry takes place 4-5th February in London

 

The forward thinking music business conference FastForward has confirmed its return to 21Soho for their 7^th event in London, supported by SoundCloud, Musiio, SUBTV, Beatdapp, with a new ticketing partner Different Breed and coffee from our friends at Blue Turaco. 

Curated by Chris Carey (formerly Chief Economist, for UK live music trade body LIVE and Global Insight Director at Universal) the two day conference will focus on the key dynamics in recorded music while day two will explore live music trends, with the overall aim of generating deeper discussions and identifying tangible actions to develop a healthier and more sustainable music industry. 

The first wave of speakers includes Thando Zulu, founder of Zulu Music and booker at Hackney Church, Alex Ogden, Head of Music at  SUB.TV, and Kimmy Dickson, CEO of innovative AI start up Hyper Tribe, as well as a return for FFWD favourites Hazel Savage, VP Music Intelligence, Soundcloud, and James Fleury, Founder at WYTS.

Dr Guy Morrow, Deputy Head of School of Culture and Communication at Melbourne University and author of the recently published Music Artist Managers: Remuneration and Retention in the Popular Music Business, will be flying in from Victoria to share his perspectives on the current challenges and future of music management.

Aimed at connecting the whole industry, FFWD attendees come from major and indie labels, large and small management companies, booking agents, live promoters, streaming services, publishers, as well as songwriters, producers and artists. Past speakers include Nile Rodgers, Juila Killer (Meta), Merck Mercuriadis (Hipgnosis), Jess Keeley-Carter (Warner Music),  Morgan Hayduk (Beatdapp), Emmy Lovell (SoundCloud), Dot Levine (VEVO), MNEK, Emily Scoggins (Live Nation), Vanessa Picken (Sony Music), Tim Miles (Warner Music) and many more.

FFWD aims to be as inclusive as possible and is proud to be partnering with accessible ticketing company Different Breed this year. Anyone who needs to attend with a personal assistant can reach out for an additional ticket at no extra charge. Similarly we want to support people from all backgrounds and appreciate that financial inclusion is often a hidden barrier. As such have set aside a small number of heavily discounted and free tickets for those who cannot afford to attend, paid for by FFWD and Different Breed.

FastForward founder Chris Carey said: “The purpose of FastForward is to drive positive change in our industry, with one eye firmly on the future. With that in mind, we have devise a carefully curated programme with some of the foremost voices in the industry alongside emerging voices to lead conversations around the key areas the industry needs to focus on over the short to medium term, including economics, environmental sustainability, technology as well attracting and retaining talent throughout the business.  

“We have a strong track record of bringing together huge breadth of experience across the entire music industry that can collectively identify meaningful paths to a more equitable, sustainable and future-proof music industry. If you are looking to level up your understanding of the industry make long lasting connections, this event is for you.”

 

Tickets for FastForward 2025 can be purchased here:

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