EMI Records has been named the Number One record label of 2024. This news comes after the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) data revealed that consumption of UK-recorded music increased in the past year. The growing support for women in the music industry has significantly influenced this increase. High-profile releases by female artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter, have resonated globally.
EMI (Electric and Musical Industries) was a renowned British record label founded in 1931. It played a significant role in the global music industry, producing and distributing music across various genres. EMI was home to legendary artists and bands, including The Beatles (signed to EMI’s Parlophone subsidiary), Queen, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie. Today, the EMI name continues to exist under Universal Music Group, representing a legacy label that shaped the modern music landscape
EMI Records have been so soo good to us this year. So grateful for them :’)
— georgia (@georgiabull__) December 4, 2024
For the third consecutive year, EMI secured the top position with a 10.5% market share in combined consumption. This achievement was driven by successful releases from artists like Taylor Swift, whose album ‘The Tortured Poets Department‘ sold 783,820 units.
RCA Records came in second for combined consumption in 2024, holding a 10% market share. RCA was particularly strong in track streams, leading with a 10.8% share. The label’s success was bolstered by domestic breakthrough artist Myles Smith, whose single ‘Stargazing’ sold over a million units, and Beyoncé’s album ‘Cowboy Carter’, which sold 137,499 units.
Polydor Records was third on combined consumption. With a 9.9% market share, Polydor’s success was attributed to artists like Sabrina Carpenter, whose album ‘Short n’ Sweet‘ sold 372,956 units, and her chart-topping singles ‘Espresso’, ‘Please Please Please’, and ‘Taste’. Polydor Records may get recognition for Sabrina Carpenter’s success with ‘Short n’ Sweet‘ due to its role in distribution and international marketing, even though Sabrina is primarily signed to Island Records. Both Polydor Records and Island Records are subsidiaries of Universal Music Group (UMG) and artists signed to one label under UMG can have their work promoted by other UMG labels in specific territories. In Sabrina’s case, Polydor took charge of her European releases, while Island focused on her U.S. promotions.
Forth was Island Records, known for its diverse roster, Island Records saw success with artists such as Noah Kahan, Hozier, and Chappell Roan, contributing to its strong market presence. Parlophone benefited from releases like Coldplay’s ‘Moon Music‘, enhancing its position in the market. Warner Records achieved notable success with Dua Lipa’s third album ‘Radical Optimism‘ and Warner Music’s Atlantic label enjoyed success with Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’.
The increased support for women in the music industry has had a profound effect on recorded music consumption. Their artistic output has driven innovation and boosted the industry’s growth, further emphasizing the importance of diversity and representation in music. These labels have played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s music landscape in 2024, supporting a range of artists and contributing to the industry’s growth.
