Imagination Imminent

Musician and innovator Imogen Heap is placing the future in musicians’ hands

- Bruce Dennill

In terms of moving beyond the old music industry model, most companies have added streaming, digital distribution and so on, but they are not yet handling those channels well. You’ve always been ahead of the curve, but what were interesting ideas a few years ago are now potential industry changers. How has this changed your way of working?

Imogen Heap Well, my model is still a theoretical model. First, what we’re doing is going around the world doing workshops, laying the groundwork as we try to create a sustainable, flourishing music ecosystem. It’s all about trying to present our data – as artists – in a way that is sellable, using what we’re calling the ‘Creative Passport’.

Our general usage data is already being used, including where we shop and eat and all the rest. Now, we can make money using the same system. This will allow us to make money even on our down days. The Internet of Things and blockchain allows for a holistic system here. There are business models that can utilise that data.

In the area of music, there has been a bit of innovation in technology – the streaming systems, for instance – but not in terms of earning and the rewards we’re due. We shouldn’t have to wait two years to get paid for our music being used; it should be instantaneous, as people play your song, be it on the radio, on stage, or in the digital space. And we need to get our heads around the value of new technology. It doesn’t take jobs away; it creates new ones.