Music & Healthcare Revolution: A Breakfast at UK House (SXSW London)
Start your SXSW London experience with an energising morning of connection, insight and innovation at the heart of UK House.
Join pioneers from the UK's world-leading music and health tech sectors for coffee, breakfast and a fresh perspective on how sound, science and technology are transforming lives. This is a chance to meet companies driving change, rightsholders wanting to explore new revenue models for music, and investors wanting to connect to healthcare outcomes and citizen wellness.
Whether you're an investor, policy maker, founder or creative technologist, this is your front-row seat to the future of music, health and human potential.
The event will feature a breakfast, keynotes, panel discussions, presentations from startups in the music and health space, structured networking sessions with mentoring slots available, and a bespoke designed listening pod.
Confirmed speakers, mentors and presenters include Tom Middleton, Dr Jo Twist, Becky Brook, Andy Davies (Diverge), Gareth Deakin (Sonorous), Dr Claire Renfrew, Dr Melissa Morton (MassiveMusic), Anthony Achille (Abbey Road REDD), Neil McSweeney (University of Sheffield), Dr Efosa Uwubamwen, Lucy Wood (Grenfell Health and Wellbeing), Pete Downton (Miquido), Dr Jenni MacRitchie, Professor Renee Timmers, MediMusic (Gary Jones), LifePath XR, Gigmate, Biiah, Everyone's A Singer, Phiona AI, COGS AI, Tickets for Good, MelodyVR, SPOKE, COGS AI, Holidity and more.
Our main keynote speaker will be Tom Middleton (White Mirror)
Music as Medicine: Unlocking the $6.3 Trillion Health and Wellness Opportunity Through Music, ethical AI, and Local Innovation
Exploring the Frontier of Functional Music and Sound as Therapeutic Interventions for Mental Health, Sleep, Anxiety, Pain, Focus, and Recovery. This keynote delves into the rich ancient history and rapid evolution of music as a powerful tool for health and wellbeing, examining where we are today and where we’re headed. We’ll explore the opportunities and challenges within the $6.3 trillion wellness economy (GWI Global Wellness Economy Monitor report), identifying the leading global players who are paving the way for innovation in functional music and sound. At the same time, we’ll examine the rise of hyper-personalized, AI-assisted music, shaping the future of wellness interventions. How can artists, labels, and publishers stay relevant in this ever-evolving landscape? And how can we better empower and support homegrown talent and emerging startups to ensure a level playing field for new voices in sonic wellness? Together, we’ll discuss the collective duty of care to maintain ethical and social responsibility, protecting consumers from pseudo-science and unsubstantiated claims. What steps can be taken to regulate this emerging sector, ensuring that sound-based interventions remain scientifically validated and impactful?
Bio : Tom Middleton is a multi-award-winning composer, sound and sensory designer, and a pioneer of Sound Therapeutics™ for sleep, relaxation, pain management, and cognitive performance. As co-founder of White Mirror, he crafts health-promoting sensory content and provides end-to-end solutions, from digital therapeutics for apps and spaces to immersive experiences. With a diverse background as a Designer, Orchestral Cellist, Radio Broadcaster, and international DJ, Tom's artistry spans many genres, including his work with Global Communication, Jedi Knights, Cosmos, and GCOM. He honed his electronic production skills under the mentorship of Aphex Twin.
A sleep science expert and neuroscience researcher, Tom's therapeutic soundscapes help millions every day and night through platforms like Calm, Apple Music, Sleep Cycle, Breathonics, and the first functional music album and app, Sleep Better (UMG 2017). He also developed the world’s most relaxing noise for Calm. Known for his collaborations with industry icons, Tom continues to perform live while exploring archeo-acoustics and acoustic ecology. His research includes studying the resonance of the King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid and using sound to raise awareness for endangered species.
His sharp ear for talent helped bring Aphex Twin's first single to the world and introduced artists like Matthew Herbert and Jon Hopkins to wider audiences. Tom sits on the board of the Global Wellness Institute's Music for Health and Wellbeing Initiative and was formerly Co-Chair of the AFEM Health Working Group. He also contributed the chapter on sleep to Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual by Tamsin Embleton