At Startle, we live and breathe music. We’re on top of new releases, and we like to think we’re pretty on the pulse of what’s going on in the industry. 

2025 has kicked off with some pretty interesting music industry headlines. Let’s deep dive into them. 

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Price of resale tickets to be capped under plans to tackle touts

The UK government is proposing measures to cap the resale price of event tickets, aiming to combat ticket touts and ensure fair access for consumers. The plan suggests limiting resale prices to a maximum of 30% above the original ticket value.

Understanding ticket touting

Ticket touting involves purchasing event tickets with the intent to resell them at inflated prices, often exploiting high demand and limited availability. This practice can prevent genuine fans from attending events due to extremely high costs. We’ve seen many cases of this over the last ten years, and we’re sure anyone reading this will have experienced it.

According to analysis by the Competition and Market Authority (CMA), tickets sold on the resale market are typically marked up by more than 50%.

Proposed measures

The government's proposal includes:

• Price cap: Limiting resale prices to 30% above the original ticket price to prevent excessive markups.
• Enforcement: Implementing stricter regulations and penalties for those who violate the cap.

Implications for consumers and the industry

If enacted, these measures could:

• Enhance fairness: Ensure more equitable access to event tickets for all consumers.
• Reduce exploitation: Deter individuals and organisations from engaging in profiteering through ticket resales.
• Promote transparency: Encourage legitimate secondary markets to operate within the legal framework, providing consumers with clear information about ticket pricing.

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Music fans in the UK spent more on recorded music in 2024 than ever before

The music industry has experienced a significant resurgence, with sales reaching a 20-year high of £2.4 billion, driven by the popularity of streaming services and vinyl records. That overtakes the previous high of £2.2bn, achieved at the peak of CD sales in 2001.

Streaming services

Streaming platforms have revolutionised music consumption, offering vast libraries accessible from anywhere. This convenience has attracted millions of subscribers, contributing substantially to the industry's revenue growth. The Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) have said subscriptions to services like Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music accounted for almost 85% of the money spent on music last year.

The comeback of vinyl

Vinyl records have made a notable return, appealing to both nostalgic listeners and new audiences seeking tangible music formats. The market for vinyl records grew by 10.5%, with 6.7 million discs sold last year, generating £196m. This revival has played a significant role in boosting overall music sales. 

Impact of major artists

Albums from artists like Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Coldplay have been instrumental in this sales surge, demonstrating the influence of popular musicians on industry trends.