Atlantic's Briony Turner & Ed Howard on Charli XCX, BL3SS and the 'new generation of British talent' – Music Week

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In the run-up to the Music Week Awards (May 8), label presidents are speaking about the success of UK talent in 2025.
As reported in Music Week, there are signs of optimism in Q1 with artists including Lola Young, Sam Fender, Central Cee, Myles Smith and more challenging the dominance of US talent in the past year.
Perhaps the biggest single domestic success story of the past year has been Atlantic’s long-term artist Charli XCX. As well as the global impact of the Brat album (the biggest album by a British act in the UK last year) and wins at both the Grammys and BRITs, the UK artist’s catalogue is now seeing a revival. 
Taken from lockdown album How I’m Feeling Now, the track Party 4 U has entered the singles chart Top 40 and could crack the Top 30 this week.
Here, Atlantic co-presidents Briony Turner and Ed Howard share insights on Brat, Kisses and global opportunities for British artists…
Charli XCX’s album continues to make a major impact in the Q1 albums rankings. What has been key to the success of that project particularly in terms of the label’s long-term partnership?
Ed Howard: “Charli is a completely original artist and we’ve always been proud to support her vision. The Brat campaign has enjoyed huge longevity with the Grammys and BRITs focusing the spotlight again on this incredible album. Brat was the ultimate example of music turning into a movement, as fans connected with Charli across the world.”
Charli XCX had an incredible BRITS moment with five awards – how significant was that for the ongoing Brat campaign in the UK and beyond? 
Ed Howard: “Charli’s multiple BRITs wins were recognition that she was the most influential UK artist over the last 12 months, as well as a reflection of the seminal record she made. It was a milestone moment in Charli’s career and emphasised just how huge the continuing impact of brat is.”

The Kisses single is also a big hit in the Q1 rankings – how have you helped this dance track grow into such a huge hit? With a second charting single in 2025 what are the ambitions for this breakthrough UK act?
Briony Turner: “Kisses was one of the standout dance tracks of last year and as your figures show it’s still connecting with fans in a big way. BL3SS is a phenomenally talented act and we’ve got some really exciting music in the works for this year.” 
More generally, at a time when US artists are making their mark on UK charts, how can UK artists compete with them both at home and internationally? 
Briony Turner: “There’s been a lot of conversations in the industry about the rate at which UK acts are breaking through. But at the BRITs recently it was clear that a new generation of British talent is connecting. We’re super excited for artists such as Fred Again.. and Maisie Peters who continue to level up with every release. It all comes down to backing original talent. Artists who have something to say and can connect.“ 
Subscribers can read our full report on the progress of UK talent in 2025.
PHOTO: John Marshall/JM Enternational
 
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