FUGA

We're pleased to share that our colleague Janelle Mitchell has been selected for the PRS Foundation's POWER UP Year 6 cohort. POWER UP is a pioneering initiative that supports talented UK-based Black music creators and industry professionals, working to address structural barriers and accelerate progress towards a more equitable and representative music industry. Congratulations Janelle!

How do artists build long-term careers after the traditional label model? In the new episode of The Music Industry Lives Here, we sat down with singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt and her longtime manager Vicky Dowdall. Together, they're also partners in Apple Tree Records, bringing perspectives from both the creative and business sides of the industry. From navigating major labels to building an independent career and launching their own label, they reflect on what sustainable artist development looks like today and why experience, trust, and creative ownership matter more than ever. A few key takeaways: • Independence is about the right partners and creative freedom. • Long-term careers rely on trust between artist and manager. • Experience matters, sharing it helps others grow. • Success depends on timing, persistence, and consistency. 👇 Full conversation on YouTube (link in comments)

Some music markets seem to have an outsized impact on global culture. Sweden is one of them. From globally successful artists and songwriters to influential labels, producers, and music companies, Sweden has built a music ecosystem that continues to shape the industry far beyond its borders. In this op-ed, Ania Kasperek, Digital Accounts Strategy, EMEA / Marketing Strategy Director, Nordics at FUGA, explores the structures, mindset, and community that have helped make Sweden one of music's most successful export markets. The piece looks at: • why international thinking is embedded in Sweden's music industry • how music education, public support, and export initiatives contribute to long-term success • the role independent labels and artist teams play in developing global careers • how collaboration across the Nordic music ecosystem creates international opportunities • what other markets can learn from Sweden's approach to artist development and music export Link to the full piece below in the comments.

Behind every artist with a lasting fanbase is something bigger than content. It’s a world people want to belong to. Maria Ronda, Social Media & Community Strategy Manager at FUGA, explores why the artists who build long term communities approach marketing differently. Instead of only chasing streams or short term attention, they create identities, aesthetics, and spaces that fans actively participate in. The piece looks at: • why world building creates deeper fan loyalty than traditional promotion • how artist involvement, creative direction, and consistency work together to build community • how artists like Rosalía turned visual identity into a shared fan language • why fans become more invested when they feel part of something bigger than the music itself • how interactive experiences, like Dinosaur Pile-Up’s RPG campaign, can drive engagement and strengthen connection As attention spans shrink and algorithms change constantly, world building offers artists a more sustainable way to grow audiences that stay invested over time. Link to the full piece in the comments.

From Chicago house basements to ever-shifting TikTok trends, electronic music has always been in a state of reinvention. Hana Braverman, Marketing Manager for Dance & Electronic at FUGA, explores how dance culture continues to evolve, and why constant reinvention is what keeps the genre alive. The oped explores: • the blurred lines between underground and mainstream dance culture • the rise of hyper-nostalgia and early 2010s sounds • why authenticity in electronic music often comes from change rather than preservation Link to the full piece in the comments below.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, FUGA’s Connie Chow contributes a two-part installment to Association For Electronic Music x Downtown’s monthly editorial series, where she will be exploring the evolving role of women in electronic music. Part one looks at how a new generation of women artists, producers, and DJs are moving from supporting roles to center stage. Read now: https://lnkd.in/exwRpFkw

The journey so far: A new chapter begins at Downtown. Read Justin Kalifowitz’s Founder’s Letter on the Downtown Journal: https://lnkd.in/e2k94-gZ

It’s official. Virgin Music Group and Downtown Music have joined forces, united in our commitment to the global independent community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e_b2wKUX

The nominations for the 2026 Music Week Awards have landed, with Downtown Music Publishing named in the shortlist for Independent Publisher Of The Year and FUGA nominated for Best Label/Artist Services Company. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEFgJUHP

Jasmin Wimbledon, Head of Physical Distribution at FUGA, makes the case for vinyl in a streaming-first world. Drawing on data, fan behavior, and real-world releases, she explores why physical formats continue to thrive as meaningful points of connection between artists and audiences. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e5xmcY8U