Watch British Phonographic Industry's Music and Tech Springboard series

The programme features eight episodes, which we have embedded below. Added to the project is free BPI membership and a six-month free subscription to Music Ally. The project seeks to demystify the industry for individuals interested in music industry innovation, including larger tech companies as well as startups, which may have a great idea but aren't quite sure where to start.

The videos explain how startups are working with labels and the wider industry already, and offers practical advice from experts on how these relationships can be as positive and effective as possible. The episodes feature an array of high-level executives at record labels and distributors such as Universal Music UK, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music UK and PIAS, among others.

With the hope of making the music industry more accessible to talented people who at times feel unable to navigate its complexities, the series focuses on the expertise and personal experiences of the participants, as they share their thoughts on how tech innovators can best approach and work with the music industry. The videos also include plenty of practical advice on the dos and don'ts of these relationships.

Springboard membership offers startups free access to all of BPI's resources including market intelligence, training courses and access to networking events, until the end 2020, and a discounted rate from next year.

To apply, music-related tech startups must be less than five years old or with fewer than 20 employees. Both UK and overseas applications are welcome. More details are available here. Interested individuals can also email springboard@bpi.co.uk for more info.

Additionally, Music Ally is offering a six-month free subscription that includes a daily news bulletin and regular in-depth reports. The same qualification criteria apply. All employees of qualifying startups can sign up here.

"We genuinely hope this initiative goes a long way in further democratising access to information and our industry,” senior special projects manager and the originator of the Music and Tech Springboard programme for the BPI, Casandra Strauss, said. “We are thrilled to be joined in our mission by Music Ally as our partner, as well as the best and brightest names in our field, who have contributed their valuable time and expertise towards pushing the boundaries forward in this space and showing once again that the recorded music industry is at the forefront of innovation.”

The CEO and co-founder of Music Ally, Paul Brindley, said: "So many startups face problems when dealing with the music industry because of a lack of knowledge or lack of experience in knowing how the industry works and how best to deal with the various parts of the business. This programme convened by the BPI provides invaluable insight from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable practitioners. We urge anyone who is seriously looking to engage with the music industry to look at this series of videos, first to pick up some great tips to help them on their journey and to give them the best chance of success."

This resource was put together before the COVID-19 outbreak, and both the BPI and Music Ally acknowledge there may be some areas that startups may feel have not been addressed. The BPI therefore welcomes any questions for contributors that aren't covered in the video series. A FAQ document to accompany the series will be published later in the year.

Questions can be emailed to springboard@bpi.co.uk. 

Episode 1 – Introduction

In this first video, BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor and Music Ally CEO Paul Brindley introduce the series, and offer some initial tips for startups on how best to approach and work with the music industry.

Episode 2 – Labels

Universal Music's Glenn Cooper, Sony Music's Victoria Cruz, PIAS' Adrian Pope and Warner Music's Scott Cohen offer startups advice from their label perspectives.

Episode 3 – Legal Issues and Tips from Music Industry Lawyers

Law firm Reed Smith partners Gregor Pryor and Sophie Goossens talk through some of the legal issues that music startups could face – and how to tackle them.

Episode 4 – Music Licensing

PPL’s chief licensing officer, Jez Bell, and PRS for Music head of online Nick Edwards explain the help available for startups seeking music licensing deals.

Episode 5 – Advisors

Eleven Advisory managing director Cliff Fluet and independent consultant Becky Brook offer lessons learnt from their work connecting startups and music rights holders.

Episode 6 – Accelerators

Abbey Road managing director Isabel Garvey and Marathon Artists chairman Paul-René Albertini explain how music/tech accelerators and incubators work, and what they look for in startups.

Episode 7 – Media

Music Ally’s editor Stuart Dredge talks about how he finds and writes about music tech startups, and offers thoughts on how they can best deal with journalists.

Episode 8 – Successful Startups Share Their Experiences

Startups explain what they’ve learnt from working with the music industry, including Jaak’s Vaughn McKenzie-Landell, MelodyVR’s Jo McNally, Landmrk’s Tom Nield, and ClicknClear’s Chantal Epp.