BPI presents immersive audio insight session

The BPI, the representative voice for independent and major record labels across the UK, has held its latest BPI Insight Session: ‘All Around You: Exploring Immersive Audio’ – taking a deep dive into all things immersive audio.

Presented in association with BPI official partner Bowers & Wilkins, the edition took place on Wednesday 30th November from 12.30-4.30pm at Metropolis Studios, London W4.

Focusing on immersive audio, the session explored how changes in product and consumer markets have increased its adoption and widened markets along with the future creative and market opportunities it could represent. Panels from industry experts discussed mixing and mastering tools and what they might mean for bringing catalogues into the present.

There was also a listening experience featuring tracks by Max Cooper, while Simon Connor provided content for audiences to experience at home with headphones in advance of the event.

Panels & Discussions:

What actually is immersive audio?

Mike Hillier (Metropolis) breaks it down clearly, including a potted history, what different brands now exist in the space, and why now could be an interesting time to explore all things immersive.

Understanding the consumer market

Rasika D’Souza, (Futuresource) uses data and insights to tell the story of current immersive consumption in the UK and global marketplace.

Latest updates from Dolby Atmos

Jane Gillard (Dolby Atmos) shares an update from the brand, before presenting a panel of Dolby Atmos Producers.

Q&A - everything you need to know about mixing and mastering in Atmos for labels

Myles Clarke (Dolby Atmos) is joined by a panel of Atmos producers, Mike Hillier, Prash Mistry and Ali Staton, exploring what the mixing and mastering process entails, how much it would cost labels per track, what formats are required, and why they’re engaging in the space.

Artist talk: Halina Rice

Artist Halina Rice will also explore her work in the live immersive space, before joining Andy Kerr (Bowers & Wilkins) for a panel discussion.

Unlocking the creative potential of immersive audio

Andy Kerr (Bowers & Wilkins) is joined by acclaimed musician Bernard Butler (Suede, McAlmont & Butler among others) – recently shortlisted with Jessie Buckley for the Mercury Prize 2023 – and a range of other artists and experts, to explore the ‘other sides’ to immersive audio: are there ethical or financial considerations that might prevent a label investing? What is happening in the live space? Is immersive audio all about marketing, or does it have other potential uses? What are the creative potentials (or limitations) to immersive audio? What do DSPs really think about it? With Bernard Butler, Halina Rice (artist), Michael Neidus (Demon Music Group), Danny Mackta (QoBuz) and Glen Andrew Brown (composer, artist, producer).

Closing discussion

Richard Burki, (Future Phonics Studio) closes the event with a call to action for creatives and rightsholders to see what would happen if they ‘immersive first’. Could this lead to a genuine revolution in listening behaviours and the way we consume music?

The BPI has also just launched Insight Sessions: On Demand, where members can find video highlights, blogs and reports from previous Insight Sessions on the BPI website.

The BPI’s Insight Sessions explore the intersection of music, technology, popular culture and social trends, and the resulting implications for the music industry and its consumers. Previous sessions have focused on subjects as wide ranging as In Car Entertainment, Blockchain, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Generation Z, Smart Speakers, Kids Insights, Music & Wellbeing, 10 x 10: Ten Trends for the Next Ten Years, Shortform Video and most recently, UK Rap.