Music Ally Publishing Summit 2026

This week’s Music Ally Publishing Summit featured David Gray, MD of Universal Music Publishing Group UK, and songwriter Karen Poole.

Karen Poole’s career

Poole wrote for Kylie Minogue, Will Young, Sugababes, Becky Hill, Lily Allen, Janet Jackson, and co-wrote PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s ‘Stateside’.

Poole’s motto

Poole says: 'I’m just trying to diversify constantly. My motto is just: stay in the river, keep swimming. Don’t get out.'

“I’m just trying to diversify constantly. My motto is just: stay in the river, keep swimming. Don’t get out, because it’s just so important to stay with it and try to diversify as much as you can”

Poole’s age and energy

Poole, over 50, says she pushes forward in sessions to prove why she’s there and has energy for creative work.

Gray’s praise for Poole

Gray notes Poole has as much energy and creative interest as anyone starting, which is a win for publishers.

“most people at this stage start winding down or giving up, but Karen has as much energy and creative interest as anybody who’s just starting”

Ex-artists as songwriters

Gray says ex-artists bring unique perspectives and lyrical skills that new writers lack.

“it’s not a hard and fast rule, but i think ex-artists make great songwriters because you bring something to the table that somebody who’s never been an artist doesn’t”

Songwriting chemistry

Gray emphasizes complementary skillsets and personalities over volume in songwriting sessions.

“it’s chemistry, and also not duplicating or triplicating what people do”

AI in songwriting

Poole uses AI to change her voice to male for songs but says AI will never stop her writing songs.

“i know it’s not going to be released, but i just want to hear how i sound as a guy”

Human songwriting wins

Gray and Poole agree human connection and creativity outweigh AI for hit songs.

“when you have a hit that is created by human beings, nothing beats that”