How to release your music – and get paid in association with PRS for Music & The Musicians Union

Hello!

The Musicians’ Union and PRS for Music are delighted to invite you to our joint event taking place on 3rd July at The Continental in Preston.

Now more than ever before, musicians and artists are taking a DIY approach to creating, releasing and exploiting their music. Some are self-releasing now with hopes of securing a future record deal, but others see it as a long-term strategy for their careers. Either way, if you are planning to release your own music then it’s vital you understand some fundamentals about the way the music industry works and how your music can generate revenue.

Event details:

7:00pm - Doors Open

7:15pm – 8.15pm: Section 1: Mind Your Own Business

In this section, The Musicians’ Union will explain how record labels and music publishers make their money and how independent artists can do the same. It will also explore all the copyright and legal issues you need to be aware of when recording and releasing your own music.

This session will be invaluable for all musicians, artists, writers and producers, and topics covered will include:

• Copyright Law and protecting your work
• The difference between Master Rights and Publishing Rights
• The business models behind record labels and music publishers (and how that applies to you)
• Artists agreements and performers’ permissions you need to secure before you can release

8:15pm – 8.30pm: Break

8:30pm – 9.30pm: Section 2: Understanding Collection Societies & Getting the Most from your PRS Membership

In this section, PRS for Music will introduce you to the UK’s major collection societies; PRS, MCPS and PPL and explain how musical royalties are generated and collected. It will feature an in-depth look at key areas of the PRS for Music website and explain the essential functions you will need to carry out to get the most out of your PRS membership.

Topics covered in this section will include:

• An overview of UK Collection Societies (PRS, MCPS and PPL)

• PRS for Music Overview

• PRS for Music Website Overview

• How to Register or Amend Works

• How to Search our Works Database

• How to Report Performance Usage

• How to Claim Unpaid Royalties

9:30pm – 10:00pm - Networking

The event will conclude with a Q & A session and networking drinks.

This event is free to attend but numbers are limited so please ensure you book a space if you wish to come along.

If you have any questions or specific access requirements please contact the Musicians’ Union North of England Regional office on 0161 236 1764 or email: manchester@themu.org or email PRS for Music at education@prsformusic.com

We look forward to seeing you there!