British music mission books its passage to India

A Government-backed trade mission by the British music industry will visit India from 26^th to 30^th August later this year to enable UK music companies to network and explore business opportunities in the world’s seventh largest economy.

The Department for International Trade (DIT), in partnership with AIM (Association of Independent Music), the BPI (British Phonographic Industry), and the MPA (Music Publishers Association) are organising this British music mission to India, which will take place in Mumbai. For a second year the trip will coincide with Mumbai’s All About Music festival. 

The music industry is expanding rapidly in India.  In 2018 alone recorded music trade revenues rose by 24.5 per cent to stand at $156.1 million – making India the world’s 15^th largest music market according to IFPI’s Global Music Report 2019.  But there is clearly potential for the Subcontinent to become commercially much more significant to British artists and music businesses as a growing export market in the years ahead.

The annual mission, now in its fifth year, will act as a catalyst for collaboration, exploration and expansion of the British music industry in India. It will include a programme of education, networking, B2B meetings, conferences, showcases, music company site visits and other music related activities.

Artists, managers, promoters, record labels, music publishers, digital distribution companies, festival bookers/directors/organisers and promoters, covering all genres of music are being invited to participate. The mission organisers will be tailoring aspects of the program to suit all delegates.

DIT’s “GREAT” campaign was launched in 2011 to “get the world thinking and feeling differently about Britain, repositioning us as a vibrant, inspiring and innovative nation to visit and do business with”.  This is a “Music is GREAT” India Music Mission with industry partners AIM, the BPI, and MPA. 

Some of the activities planned with The Deputy High Commission in Mumbai include site visits to music companies and music retailers as well as several opportunities for B2B meetings and networking with opinion leaders and industry professionals. It will include all delegates attending All About Music in Mumbai.

Mission registration is just £120.00 per delegate – the application form can be download here. The deadline is 26^th July 2019.  Interested parties should note that funding may be available through DIT. Details here.

Jude McArdle, Membership Manager, AIM said:  “As the world’s seventh largest economy, India represents a massive untapped opportunity for some businesses looking to reach the next level and expand their offering on a global scale. The Indian music industry is already enjoying significant levels of growth, which are only set to increase in the coming years – making it the perfect time to establish a foothold in the territory. The Mumbai trade mission is now in its fifth year, and has been an excellent conduit for business-building and networking in previous outings. It’s important for our members to stay connected, keep visiting and leverage what they learn.”

Chris Tams, BPI Director of Independent Membership and International said: “The Indian music market is beginning to take off in a big way – with music trade revenues up by a quarter last year alone.  The combination of highly digitally-engaged consumers, the global appeal of British artists, and our two countries’ shared cultural heritage marks the Subcontinent out as a major commercial opportunity, and this joint mission will do all that it can to help realise its full potential.”

Paul Clements, MPA CEO said: “Working in partnership with the BPI, AIM and DIT, this trade mission to India offers MPA members a perfect opportunity to gain invaluable insights into this exciting and developing music market. This mission will offer direct access to the Indian music industry, stimulating panels and networking opportunities. As Music Publishers are now increasingly operating on a multi-territory basis we are thrilled to welcome this new trade mission to our already impressive roster of international engagements.”