Music Biz 2019

Over the past decade we were supposed to see the demise of physical formats. While the U.S. saw the market fall by nearly 50% in 2017, CDs and records remain key components of music consumption in other territories. Is the US experience the beginning of an end to physical product globally or is the landscape more complex?  


Why is U.S. music consumption choice so different to that of the UK, Germany, Japan and other markets? Why does market share for physical formats vary so much across territories? What are the factors that drive these differences? What lessons can be learned from successful markets to improve share of revenue for physical product? Is choice of format led by the market or driven by the consumer? What changes would benefit the physical music business at a local and national level? Can streaming improve record and CD sales?


The panel will look at the physical market across borders and formats. Panelists will debate the issues facing the business, focusing on production facilities, distribution networks, the pressure on retail space and support, or lack of it, from the media, music industry and business communities.