In the new edition of Music Week, we report on the Q1 figures and some signs of UK talent bouncing back in 2025.
The picture remains mixed with the singles chart still dominated by US stars – though Lola Young (No.1 overall in Q1) and Chrystal (No.5 in Q1) made their mark in the quarterly Top 10. Myles Smith has two tracks in the overall Top 40.
The albums chart is altogether a healthier picture for UK talent, including Sam Fender scoring the fastest-selling album of the year so far. In the overall Q1 Top 10, he was joined by Ed Sheeran, Central Cee, Elton John and the Anglo-American veterans Fleetwood Mac. Charli XCX’s Brat was just outside the Top 10.
It follows a challenging 2024 for UK talent at home and abroad. British talent was largely absent from the IFPI global rankings and Spotify Wrapped for last year.
But in the run-up to the Music Week Awards (May 8), we’re focusing on the positive achievements of British artists so far in 2025 with insights from an array of top label presidents.
Here, Polydor co-president Ben Mortimer talks stunning sales for Sam Fender and the label’s strengths in the dance genre…
Sam Fender has the second biggest album of Q1 and a major hit with People Watching. What has been key to his success in terms of Polydor’s long-term A&R support alongside an impactful campaign?
“The success is in many ways simple: Sam is an extraordinary talent who’s created a landmark album. It’s great to see him getting the recognition he so rightly deserves. The record-breaking sales figures speak for themselves, and it’s so satisfying to see the critical acclaim alongside it. We, alongside the brilliant team at OD Management, have been committed to supporting Sam on his journey since we signed him, nurturing his growth as a true artist – something we are very proud of at Polydor.
“Selling a staggering 100,000 records in one week and the fastest selling album in 2025 is an incredible achievement. Crucially though, we had to be patient – making sure to give Sam the space and support to make the record. It’s a bold, powerful and personal album, and he needed that space to fully realise it.”
Sam is an extraordinary talent who’s created a landmark album
Ben Mortimer
Sam Fender performed at and won a BRIT – how significant was that moment in the wake of his album’s result? How can you maintain the momentum from here?
“It’s no less than he deserves. He’s put everything into this album, and he’s seeing the rewards. He’s in unstoppable form at the moment. Not only is he smashing records and winning awards but he’s selling out stadiums and arenas. His profile is growing in the US, across Europe and Australia, where he’s edging towards real breakthrough moments. There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes, coupled with a real ambition to expand beyond the UK.
“Sam is determined to not have as long a gap between albums as he did between Seventeen Going Under and People Watching. Though I can’t say much more, there’s going to be treats for fans of Sam in 2025. They won’t need to wait long.”
Chrystal’s The Days has been a global hit and it’s in the Top 5 overall in Q1. What does this say about where a smash can come from nowadays – and how labels react to those moments?
“I love The Days, as it feels so British. It’s a song about lazy summer days in the park. Delivered in a Mancunian accent. With a tough garage remix from DJ Notion. Not necessarily the ingredients for a global hit. Which is why its huge success is particularly satisfying. You just don’t know where things are going to come from!
“I’m not sure any other label could have pulled it off. Chaos – Polydor’s dance imprint – is right at the forefront of dance music right now. The acts they are identifying, and their process of relentlessly pushing the music, is really unique. This combined with a brilliant international strategy from Nickie Owen and her team, was a potent combination.
“On a sidenote, Chaos is less than three years old, but has had a stream of hits already. The global success Chaos is having is something I’m very proud of.”
Subscribers can read our full report on the progress of UK talent in 2025.
PHOTO: John Marshall – JM Enternational
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