Many in the music community have been deeply impacted.

Live music has been put on hold and restrictions have been put in place. For our part, record labels worked to ensure artists were provided with the resources and support to create and record their music. In a time of such uncertainty, it has been wonderful to have new music – some planned, some completely unexpected – experienced and enjoyed around the world.

The music industry is accustomed to constant change.

Fortunately, through the years the groundwork that has been laid by record companies to invest in music and license it to an expanding and diverse range of digital services has proved its worth, with digital revenue continuing to drive growth in the industry. The work started by record companies years ago has made possible the positive developments we are experiencing in the recorded music industry today.

We are seeing this growth happen around the world, as record companies continue to expand their geographical footprint and cultural reach to bring music to everyone, wherever they want to listen to it. They have opened new offices, provided employment, and signed new artists, proving the industry to be more globally connected today than at any stage in its evolution.

The sector has continued to innovate and create exciting new ways to bring music to fans, connecting us with our favourite artists and introducing us to new ones. Fans can share in cuttingedge, immersive digital experiences, coming together for truly global events. Record labels are creating further opportunities for music to be part of our entertainment experience with short form video apps, helping to develop the relationship of the artist and fan into one of creator and co-creator. These innovations will continue to add to the rich and diverse ways we can bring music into our lives.

IFPI continues to campaign for a better legal environment for our member record companies to conduct business in around the world. Our work often involves fighting for and defending the rights of those that make music possible. A long-term campaign in China bore fruit last year when the Government established full performance rights. For the first time, revenue for right holders will be generated for the use of recordings in public performances and broadcasts, enabling further re-investment into the music community in the country. I believe it will serve as a key example of how putting the right laws in place can shape a bright future for music.

The music community has also been working to examine its broader contribution to society and its response to social justice movements around the world. These challenges will not be solved overnight, but record companies are committed to doing the work to develop their own environment and to make a meaningful, lasting contribution to the world we want to live in.

These are not easy times, but the music community – with its creativity, innovation and determination – continues to drive forward, to an even greater future. A future where the power of music brings us all closer together.