SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

 
In 2023, PRS for Music paid out a record £943.6 million of royalties for songwriters, composers and music publishers. Total royalty distributions increased by £107.4 million (12.8%), on the previous year and are up over £266 million since 2021.
 
In a landmark year, PRS for Music became a billon pound society, collecting a massive £1.08 billion in revenues, a more than a 12% (£120.9 million) increase on 2022.
 
Over the last decade, PRS for Music has more than doubled its collections, with revenues up £571.4 million (111%) since 2014. An achievement only surpassed by the increase in royalties paid out, 121% (£518 million), over the same period.
 
For the second consecutive year, the society reported a cost-to-income ratio well below 10%. In 2023, PRS for Music's cost-to-income ratio fell to a new low of just 9.2%, down from 9.3% the previous year. This important measure of a society's efficiency shows PRS for Music's targeted investments in people, technologies and services, are delivering significant returns on investment for members.
 
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO, PRS for Music: "Our remarkable performance in 2023 is a testament to the team's hard work behind the scenes of the music industry. We're not just surpassing financial milestones at the lowest cost-to-income ratio amongst our peers; we're orchestrating a significant shift in the music business. My vision to ascend to a billion-pound society in royalties paid out isn't just a goal—it reflects our commitment to music creators worldwide.
 
With our focus on innovation and strategic partnerships, including the recent pioneering Project Nexus, we're shaping the future of our business and redefining how rights are managed globally. For 110 years we have existed to ensure that every music creator receives fair compensation for their artistry, wherever and whenever their music is played."
 
In 2023, PRS for Music represented the rights of 41 million compositions and songs from around the world, an increase of 12.6% (4.5 million) compared to 2022.
 
The PRS membership also grew by 10,000 in the last 12 months, more than in any previous year. The society welcomed a significant number of new members from the continents of Africa and Asia, including: 2Baba, Akhil Sachdeva, Crayon, Gyakie, Himmat Sandhu, Ruger, Sanjith Hegde and Young Jonn.
 
By migrating its distribution systems to the Oracle Cloud, the first society to do so, the society was able to pay over 6,000 songwriters and composers their very first royalty payments in 2023.   
 
Royalties:
 
Online
 
Collected   £366.5m     up 8.5% (£28.7m)   from £334m in 2022  
Paid Out    £360.3m     up 23.2% (£67.9m) from £292.4m in 2022
  • Royalties from music used online (music streaming, video-on-demand and video games) saw the highest year-on-year percentage growth (23.2% or £67.9 million) and highest distribution at £360.3 million.
  • Escapism by RAYE ft. 070 Shake, Calm Down by Rema, and Boy's a Liar by PinkPantheress, were just some of the most streamed tracks of the year featuring PRS writers.
  • New seasons of acclaimed dramas The Bear, The Crown, Succession and Top Boy were released last year, all of which featured music by PRS composers and songwriters.
  • OSCAR-winning Barbie was one of the most streamed pay-to-watch movies at home in the UK, featuring chart-topping Dance the Night by Dua Lipa, while Saltburn caused chart disruption with its now (in)famous sync of Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder on the Dancefloor.
 
International
 
Collected   £339.3m  up 25.9% (£69.9m)    from £272.4m in 2022
Paid Out    £283.4m   up 19.35% (£45.8m)  from £237.6m in 2022
  • Music by PRS writers played and performed overseas generated an additional £69.9 million last year, and distributions from the use of members' works used overseas grew by 19.35% (£45.8 million) to £283.4 million last year.
  • Europe remained the most important market for members' music, with collections exceeding £181 million, up £34 million (23%). Total royalties from North America, increased by 25% (£21.1 million) to over £105 million in 2023, predominately driven by increased online and radio income. 
  • World tours from PRS members last year, including Harry Styles, Sam Smith and Shania Twain, contributed to an overall 93% increase in international live income.
  • International royalties collected through the Major Live Concert Service (MLCS) increased from £6.2 million to over £19 million, an uplift of 210% in 2023. 
 
Public Performance
 
Collected   £251.7m   up 10% (£22.8m)       from £228.9m in 2022
Paid Out    £188.2m   up 2.0% (£3.7m)        from £184.5m in 2022
  • Royalties paid out from public performance, including live music, were £3.7 million higher in 2023 (2.0%), reflecting continued buoyancy of stadium and arena live events.
  • Arctic Monkeys, Burna Boy, and Busted, were among those who led the charge for live music tours in the UK last year. Noteworthy one-off special UK events such as Eurovision being hosted in Liverpool and Download Festival extending its lineup for its 20th anniversary, contributed to this result.
  • Revenues from the retail sector was £1.8m higher than in 2022, benefitting from increased use of PRS' repertoire in shops and bars.

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

Three Six Zero names Aimee Jessiman Head of Management (UK)

  At Three Six Zero, Jessiman works on global talent such as Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia. In her new role, Jessiman will work closely with Three Six Zero Founder & CEO Mark Gillespie, overseeing all aspects of artist management, serving as a resource...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Artist & Manager Awards return on Thursday 20th November

  The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and the Music Managers Forum (MMF) are delighted to reveal that our annual Artist & Manager Awards ceremony returns to London’s Bloomsbury Big Top on Thursday 20th November 2025.  Early bird tickets and table sales are available...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

TikTok and Anghami make streaming Nancy Ajram's 'Nancy 11' easier than ever with new 'Add to Music App' feature

Whether it’s a viral earworm, a snippet from your For You feed, or a song that hits just right, starting today, TikTok users in the Middle East and North Africa can now instantly save their favourite tracks from TikTok straight to...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

Jeff Satur, F.HERO, Kantong and Saran among artists honoured at star-studded Official Thailand Chart event in Bangkok

The event marked the launch of the Official Thailand Chart, part of the Official Southeast Asia Charts platform celebrating the talent and creativity of the region.   The stars of Thai music gathered at MU:IN Club Bangkok last night as the industry...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

Operation Authentica gains momentum as Brazil court makes first landmark ruling in streaming fraud case

  A Court in São Paulo, Brazil has handed down a landmark ruling against company Seguidores Marketing Digital Ltda for generating fake followers, likes, and streams on platforms including Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This is the first ruling under ‘Operation Authentica’,...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

PRS Members' Fund launches Rest & Rewind – A new Wellbeing Breaks Initiative for music creators

The PRS Members’ Fund is proud to announce the launch of its new Rest & Rewind Wellbeing Breaks Initiative, designed to support PRS members who need time out to rest, reflect and reconnect with their creative selves following periods of illness, stress...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

Indie band The Clientele joins Wise Music Group

Wise Music Group is pleased to announce the worldwide signing of acclaimed British band The Clientele to our publishing roster under The Sparta Florida Music Group catalogue.  Formed in 1991 in London, the English Pop band The Clientele are known for...more

18 Jul 2025 | Press release

Former ELO members open new production suite in memory of bandmate

The memory of Electric Light Orchestra’s (ELO) keyboardist is being honoured with the opening of a new production suite at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC). Richard Tandy, who died at the age of 76 in April 2024, also has a scholarship established in...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Key Production Group strengthens senior leadership team with the appointment of new CFO, Laura Bessell

  Laura Bessell joins Key Production Group as Chief Financial Officer, bringing 25 years of financial experience Appointment supports company’s European expansion amid rising demand for physical music Bessell’s appointment follows Key Production’s transition into an Employee Owned Trust  Key Production Group, Europe’s leading physical...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Armada Music Publishing and Spectrum Music Launch Spectrum Music Publishing; Joris Voorn Exclusively Signed as First Composer

Several tracks born out of Armada and Spectrum’s creative partnership are included on Voorn’s upcoming album ‘Serotonin,’ out this Friday, July 18   Armada Music Publishing, the dedicated publishing division of Armada Music Group, today announced a strategic partnership with Joris Voorn’s...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Inflation Surprise Sends Ripples Through Business Confidence as Industry Ramps Up Call for Government Action in Autumn Budget to Prevent Fiscal Fallout Says NTIA

  UK inflation has surged to 3.6% in the year to June — a sharp rise from May and well above the Bank of England’s 2% target, outpacing expectations. This inflationary jump is set to tighten household budgets and further pressure businesses already grappling...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

PPL PRS supports LOROS' Stomp Round Leicester art trail with elephant sculpture designed by Kasabian frontman, Serge Pizzorno

Leicester businesses, including music licensing organisation, PPL PRS, have come together to support LOROS’ upcoming Stomp Round Leicester art trail taking place this summer.  The trail, which launched on Monday, 14th July and runs until Sunday, 21st September, is made up...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

TikTok announces the beta launch of TikTok Songwriter Features

Today TikTok is pleased to announce the beta launch of TikTok Songwriter Features, a new set of features and tools which have been designed to highlight and give due credit on TikTok to the amazing work of songwriters and the music...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tom Coulson-Smith Promoted to Vice President, A&R at Concord Music Publishing

  Concord Music Publishing is pleased to announce the promotion of Tom Coulson-Smith to Vice President, A&R. Based in London, Coulson-Smith steps up from his previous role as Senior Director of A&R, which he has held since joining the company in 2020. During his time at...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Warner Music Italy signs deal with Mace

MACE IS ONE OF THE MOST RENOWNED PRODUCERS IN ITALY AND HAS RELEASED ALBUMS THAT HAVE ACHIEVED MULTI-PLATINUM STATUS   Warner Music Italy has signed MACE, a renowned Milanese producer and DJ. MACE, whose real name is Simone Benussi, has helped to...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

The LIVE Trust announces eight new trustees

New Appointees Add Wide Range of Expertise and Experience Across Multiple Roles in Live Music Kirsty McShannon Elected Chair of Trustees LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment), which represents 15 live music industry organisations, has announced eight new trustee appointments...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Touring and Mental Health; The Music Industry Manual - Available as an audiobook on 17 September

The widely praised music industry mental health manual Touring and Mental Health; The Music Industry Manual edited by psychotherapist Tamsin Embleton will be released as an audiobook this September. Following the paperback publication of the book by the leading UK music book imprint Omnibus...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Promotes Pixie Pickering to VP Creative & Writer Services, Co-Head of Sync

Today Sony Music Publishing announced the promotion of Sarah ‘Pixie’ Pickering to Vice President, Creative & Writer Services, Co-Head of Sync, effective immediately. Based out of SMP’s London office, Pickering will continue to report to Sony Music Publishing’s Co-Managing Director UK Tim Major and President & Co-Managing...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Perpetrator Focused Approach is Essential in New Government Package in tackling VAWG Says NTIA

  On 16 July, the Government unveiled a £53 million landmark package to directly target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators as part of its Plan for Change, aiming to halve violence against women within a decade.    The focus is shifting firmly onto perpetrators, with a...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Peermusic sign 8x Platinum, Grammy-nominated writer/producer Amish

  Global independent music publishing company, Peermusic, has signed British writer/producer and recording artist Amish Patel, professionally known as ADP, to a worldwide publishing deal as announced today by Ralph W. Peer, Managing Director, U.K., Australasia and Vice President of peermusic's African and Middle East operations,...more

17 Jul 2025 | Press release

Can I Have Your Intention, Please?

By Lee Henshaw Working with record labels, promoters and record shops, I'm conducting a commercial experiment in taste.At Into-it, we are inviting music fans to install our Chrome extension and tell us the music they’re into. In return, we’re transforming The...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Defected signs producer Anthony Gorry & M People's Andrew Lovell for ambient album

House music giant's first wellness album targets $4.4 trillion market with AjoiA project   Defected Label Group has signed producer Anthony Gorry (Gwen Stefani, Moby, Richard Ashcroft) and M People's Andrew "Shovell" Lovell for their debut album The Essence of Being, marking...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Activate - new animated series

On Tuesday 15 July 2025, Joe Wicks MBE (The Body Coach), will release a new online animated series, Activate, designed to get children moving and to make fitness fun.   The new series has been co-created by Joe and BAFTA award-winning Studio AKA (the creators of Hey...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Orfium awarded EU funding to lead first of its kind research into copyright detection in AI-generated music

  Global music and rights tech leader is part of a prestigious pan-European consortium to develop explainable AI tools that identify copyrighted music in generative AI outputs    Orfium, the global technology company shaping the future of music rights management, has been awarded...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Sonopress Launches EcoRecord Production in the United States

First production line successfully commissioned at new Charlotte, North Carolina site Last week marked a bold step into the future of LP record manufacturing and truly historic moment for Sonopress. The leading global manufacturer of storage media and a subsidiary of...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Naoki Osada Launches Nebula17, a Global Creative Venture

Bridging Japanese Talent to the WorldBacked by Top Industry Leaders  Naoki Osada, former CEO of Avex USA, has launched Nebula17, a next-generation creative ecosystem that integrates label, publishing, management, international strategy, and venture capital under one roof. Headquartered in Los Angeles,...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

GigSalad Expands Roster, Pays Out $31.8M to Performers Since 2024

Boosted by strong growth and notable payouts to talent, the leading event talent platform is refreshing its design to help its diverse roster book more and better gigs. GigSalad, the largest online booking destination for event talent, is growing by leaps...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Symphonic Distribution Expands European A&R Client Development Team with 5 New Hires

  Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, has hired a team of A&R Client Development Leads to expand their presence in Europe. They include Thomas Williamson (Director, A&R & Client Development, EU & UK), Sander...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Music Venue Trust Appoints Four New Trustees

Sammy Andrews, Richard Perry, Helen McGee & Adrian Norman Join Board    Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents over 800 UK grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced the addition of four new members to its Board of Trustees. Bringing a...more

16 Jul 2025 | Press release

Orla Lee-Fisher named Head Of Dual Catalog Strategy at Warner Music Group

Experienced leader to champion catalogs represented by WMG across both Recorded Music and Music Publishing Orla Lee-Fisher has been appointed to the new role of Head of Dual Catalog Strategy at Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG), crafting and leading campaigns for the company's...more

18 Jul 2025

  • Has pop music become stagnant? Kind of yes but also no (see Analysis)

  • Why are we still using Spotify? (see Opinion)

17 Jul 2025

  • TikTok launches TikTok Songwriter Features (see Digital)

  • EU Commission reportedly prepares ‘full-scale, four-month investigation’ into UMG’s proposed Downtown purchase (see Business)

16 Jul 2025

  • Lisa Nandy MP addressed the UK Music Summer Party (see News)

  • Building fandom is about the journey, not the destination (see Opinion)

15 Jul 2025

  • Industry calls for streaming sites to tag music created by AI-generated acts (see News)

14 Jul 2025

  • “Content is king” say analysts - so why is Spotify worth more than the entire music rights industry? (see Comment)

11 Jul 2025

  • Where’s the next wave of working-class rock stars? (see Features)

  • Populists vs. tech titans: The battle over AI and the future of music (see Comment)

10 Jul 2025

  • Can TikTok revive classic songs? A statistical analysis (see Analysis)

09 Jul 2025

  • UMG’s Michael Nash: ‘AI can be instrumental to the future of music’ (see Digital)

08 Jul 2025

  • In the post-music streaming era, do artists and labels give too much away? (see Comment)

07 Jul 2025

  • Songwriters ‘missing millions in royalties from more than 100,000 UK gigs’ (see News)

  • Merck Mercuriadis plots comeback with Hipgnosis remix (see Business)