FFWD

GROUP

Connect. Engage. Inspire.

Chris Carey presenting at FFWD LDN 25 music conference, at 21 Soho, London.

The future of the music industry starts here.

FFWD Group is the umbrella for the work of music industry economist Chris Carey.

FastForward (FFWD) is best known for the conference series we created to connect, engage, and inspire the next generation of music leaders.

Having run the conference for 10 years, Chris has launched FFWDx as a vehicle to partner with like minded, purpose driven organisations to expand the number of events and increase the impact of the FFWD events.

Who we’ve worked with

Latest Events

Merck Mercuriadis and Nile Rodgers share a laugh on stage during their keynote at FFWD LDN music conference.

We launched FFWD back in 2015. Since then we have hosted over 300 speakers across 11 events, including London, Amsterdam and Sydney, with delegates from over 20 countries.

FFWD is a future facing music business conference aimed at connecting the people driving positive change in the music industry.

FFWD LDN 2026

FFWDx is a new venture from the team behind long running future facing music business conference FastForward.

FFWDxLEEDS is delivered in partnership with Come Play With Me and West Yorkshire Music Network.

This event has been created to stimulate new discussions on current issues, pain points, and potential solutions in order to build a healthier, more robust and empowered local music industry.

FFWDxLeeds Recap

FFWDxGRASSROOTS is a new creator focussed one day event taking place on 5th June in central London.

The event will take place in London Bridge at Cambridge Audio’s Melomania and is exclusively for artists, writers and producers.

Its created in partnership with Richer Unsigned and - in a first for FFWD - it will feature performances in the evening.

FFWDxGrassroots Recap

About Chris Carey

Chris is an entrepreneur, strategist and thought leader, and the founder of FastForward.

Chris Carey has a range of consulting services he offers, ranging from Big Data analysis, survey design and delivery, economic impact assessments and strategic data consultancy. Past clients include Sony Music, Spotify, The O2 Arena, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, and Hignosis Music.

In addition to his data specialism, honed in roles as Senior Economist at PRS for Music, Global Insight Director for EMI and Universal Music , and as Chief Economist for UK live music trade body LIVE, Chris offers one on one coaching for CEOs and entrepreneurs. He is a mentor for Abbey Road Red and also works as a non-executive director for Creventa.

Chris Carey, Founder at FFWD