Music

UK music is a distinctive international brand with an unmistakable energy. The UK provides a rich environment for performers and audiences, and as a result, is home to world class talent in every genre - from the Beatles, to David Bowie, the Sex Pistols and Oasis, to current stars like Leona Lewis and Coldplay.

The UK is the world’s fourth largest music market, with its music industry estimated to be worth around £3.8 billion annually.

Emphasising the strength of UK talent, 23-year-old British singer Adele made US Billboard history in December 2011 by becoming the first female artist to top the artist, album and singles list. For 2012's Grammy Awards, she also won a clean sweep of all 6 categories in which she was nominated.

The BRIT Awards 2012 takes place at the O2 Arena on 21 February. In March 2012, almost 60 British bands will be heading out to South By South West, the US music festival in Austin Texas, where Mika, the late Amy Winehouse, James Morrison and Lily Allen have all performed.

Facts:

• Adele had the longest running top ranked UK record in the billboard charts for 20 years.
  
• The Beatles is the #1 selling artist of all time.
  
• From Glyndebourne to Glastonbury, the UK hosts the world’s greatest music festivals.
  
• The industry is one of the UK’s biggest and most culturally significant creative sectors. The UK music sector is estimated to be worth around £3.8 billion a year.
  
• The UK provides a rich environment for performers and audiences, and, as a result, is home to world class talent in every genre – from the Beatles, to David Bowie, the Sex Pistols and Oasis, to current stars like Leona Lewis and Coldplay.
  
• The UK is one of only two net exporters of music globally. British artists accounted for 12% of global music sales in 2010.
  
• The UK is the world’s greatest music consumer, buying more albums per head than anywhere else globally.
  
• The UK creative industries directly and indirectly employ 1.5 million people.