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A new report by the Music Producers Guild has found that recording engineers and producers have now lost over 70% of their income, with many having stopped work altogether. The average loss of earnings in March was £3300, rising to £4300 in April. More than half say they will default on rent or mortgage payments in 3 months or less, and many are unable to cover the cost of their studio premises. “If this continues for another month or two I’ll no longer be able to keep my studio.” Engineer/Producer, London 

“To have enough weekly money to buy food, heating and petrol for my husband who works as a care worker and who may well be looking after the sick to get to work. We are a family of 4 and £94 Universal Credit after five weeks would leave us hungry in the extreme.” Songwriter-producer, Scotland. 

The MPG are urgently calling on the government to come up with an equivalent support package for the self-employed. “Our members can’t go for months without income. Some engineers have had no work since the beginning of March, and many are still paying full rent on their studios. If they lose their studios and equipment they will never get back into the industry, and the UK will lose huge swathes of talent. The government must act to safeguard our livelihoods” 

This comes amidst news that some of the UK’s top recording studios have shut their doors completely over the next few weeks, including the iconic Abbey Road and Air Studios in London, and Parr Street Studios in Liverpool. 

The MPG last week sent a letter on behalf of studios to the culture secretary asking for business rates relief for recording studios, as their businesses had been severely impacted by the pandemic.  

Maggie Rodford,Managing Director of Air-Edel Recording Studios, said: “The UK’s music talent are recognised as world-wide leaders across all genres and media.   The composers, musicians and engineers that write and record the music contribute significantly to both the local and export economy.   However, without RECORDING STUDIOS none of these recordings could happen.   By the nature of our work recording studios have had to close their doors at the moment but we all have the fixed costs of rent, rates, etc.  We are desperately in need of assistance to see us through these difficult months.” 

Alison Burton, Director of AIR Studios said: “It is not currently possible for us to operate safely and responsibly during the Covid-19 crisis as it involves recording large groups of musicians and orchestras. This is not sustainable, and if we and other recording studios go out of business, hundreds of musicians, engineers and composers will have nowhere to record. We urgently need the government to intervene to save our industry.” 

Jasmin Lee, Managing Director of Dean Street Studios said: “Studios seem to be bottom of the food chain in the music industry, always being beaten down on rates. For those of us who are independent, it’s always hand to mouth on the finances. Many of us have put our life savings into starting our studios and keeping our doors open. “ 

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Case Studies 

Ben Hillier, Producer, Nadine Shah, Depeche Mode, Blur , Gang of Four

I was expecting to spend most of the year playing live to promote the upcoming Nadine Shah album. All up-coming gigs have been cancelled, all bookings in my studios have been cancelled or are likely to be cancelled. All my work is collaborative and mostly can’t continue under current restrictions. I can theoretically continue to mix without artists in attendance but, even if I could suddenly magic some mix sessions up, the recording sessions for those projects will have been disrupted. I can keep my head above water for the foreseeable but the engineers and assistants that rely on my projects don’t have much to fall back on. We’re trying to generate any work we can to keep people busy, and maybe even paid but without some form of industry or government help things are looking grim 

Freelance producer

As a single working mum in the music industry, with elderly at risk parents living with me, we have had to isolate with immediate effect for 12 weeks. My work for the forthcoming 6 months has been axed. Suddenly it’s a minefield to work out how to find and sustain an income, how to apply to receive any financial support, care for parents who are usually receiving weekly hospital medication, a child now unable to attend school, and to remain in isolation for 12 weeks.... and keep clients who are not in isolation and are able to function relatively normally, happy, is almost too much to bear. 

Andy Brook, studio owner & producer. Has worked with Status Quo, Towers of London, Uriah Heep, Travis

I did my final attended session last week before closing the studio doors for the foreseeable future. The drummer came in through the side door, did his bit and left. Not once did we meet face to face, shake hands or even occupy the same room - these are very strange days. 

Originally I was meant to be on a UK tour from early Mar until mid April while the studio still made a passive income from dry-hire as well as choir and band rehearsals. I’d made sure that all mix revisions, edits, stem bounces and client requests for remote work were fulfilled before I left so I didn’t have to worry about it on the road.    We got 4 dates in to the tour before it was postponed as the landscape kept continuously changing amid the fears over COVID19. I began booking clients in as soon as I’d had confirmation we were heading home.    I managed to fill my diary with studio sessions for the lost tour dates but then one by one all those bookings called to cancel or postpone. It was a double whammy in lost income and I’d already completed all my outstanding remote work so there was literally nothing to do. 

I’m currently using this down time to upskill and do essential maintenance, archiving etc but until such time as there is a clear directive I can’t see when the doors will be open again. Even then, given the economic impact on musicians and recording artists, there’s the question of how long it will be before clients come flooding back. I remain optimistic though - there will certainly be a lot of potential records being written right now while the nation is in lockdown 

James Johnston, engineer and studio owner, London

I run Cowshed Studios which is a small independent studio for the last 3 years, It has been open since 1975 and I have serious worries about not being able to survive after the next 3 -4 months without any clients able to come in or hire the studio.   I have had to cancel all my sessions since the 16th march and through April. I may be able to do some mixing and remote drum tracking, but as my clients are all in the same boat unable to work they probably can't afford to pay for my services, even at cut price rates, I will try and I am determined not to give up on  such a historic well loved and unique studio 

Kirsty Hawkshaw, Freelance Producer

I live from month to month and never really know what royalties may be coming in.  I have a part time job for extra income which I have now also lost.  I had an advance for a gig booking in Malaga in December and now the promoter wants his money back because Malaga is off limits and I can’t afford to pay it back. I have no income now till April MCPS/PRS comes in and don’t know what that will be either. 

Producer, London

I run a small studio in north west London , mainly for recording, mixing and production with my own clients. I rent the space. I also work free lance delivering tuition and mentoring for two London music production colleges. My recording work has completely collapsed practically overnight. I have some ongoing mix projects which I may be able to continue with to some extent. I was due to teach 3 short courses in April. The college has now closed its doors. There’s a slim possibility of some delivery on line but even if that goes ahead it will be at a reduced rate. It’s looking very unlikely that I will be able to hold onto my premises and therefore my livelihood.

 

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Co-op Live Recognised as One the World's Leading Sustainable Arenas by A Greener Future

Co-op Live, the UK’s largest live entertainment arena, has been named A Greener Arena 2025, receiving a ‘Highly Commended’ status as part of A Greener Future (AGF) certification – recognising its strong commitment to protecting the planet. The ‘Highly Commended’ certification,...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Government secures label-led measures to boost earnings for UK artists

  Major boost for UK music creators as government drives industry to produce new measures to support legacy artists, songwriters and session musicians Changes estimated by labels to deliver tens of millions of pounds in new investment to support musicians by 2030,...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

SourceAudio Teams Up with ElevenLabs as Preferred Partner for AI Music Licensing

  SourceAudio, the music industry’s most widely adopted sync platform and leader in AI music dataset licensing, today announced its partnership with AI audio research and deployment company ElevenLabs. Through the partnership, SourceAudio will be the preferred music licensing partner for ElevenLabs,...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy secures daily expense payments for songwriters from UK major labels

Until now, paying songwriters to work at label writing sessions was down to individual negotiation with many left to cover travel and subsistence costs.  Acclaimed songwriters including RAYE and Myles Smith have called for per diems – daily expense payments –...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

BPI statement on DCMS announcement on CRWG/economics of music streaming: BPI Principles recommend targeted support for UK legacy artists, songwriters, and session musicians

Sophie Jones, BPI’s Chief Strategy Officer said:  “After five years of detailed scrutiny and analysis, we are pleased to put in place these creator remuneration principles for UK labels in response to specific concerns identified in the UK’s streaming debate.  “Many more artists are...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

UK Gov Creator Remuneration Principles – comment from Association of Independent Music

Gee Davy, Chief Executive of AIM, comments: “We welcome the government's review of music streaming economics and the continued engagement of Ministers and officials in seeking to address industry challenges with stated support for growth and fairness.“The UK's independent music...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group accelerates the development of its AI technology patents with IP asset management, investment and advisory firm Liquidax Capital

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a strategic partnership with IP asset management, investment and advisory firm Liquidax Capital, to accelerate the development of UMG’s music-related AI patents. Since 2020, UMG has been a music industry...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Musicians' Union Reacts to Government and Record Labels Announcement

The Government and record labels, including the three major labels, have today announced a package of principles and commitments, which they say will better remunerate creators in the streaming era.  We are grateful to Minister Chris Bryant who has put significant...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Boutique music publicity company Yes Please now representing music journalist, content curator, DJ and up-and-coming talent Iona Bielby, creator of Stargazer

  Boutique music publicity company Yes Please are thrilled to announce they are now representing Iona Bielby, a rising force in music journalism, content creation, DJing, and presenting. Iona is the creator and visionary behind the YouTube interview series Stargazer. The show features Iona laid...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

Impala welcomes European Commission’s decision to open detailed investigation into UMG\s acquisition of Downtown, urges full scrutiny and blocking of deal

  IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies representing over 6,000 independent music companies and associations, welcomes the European Commission’s decision to open a detailed investigation (phase two) into the proposed merger between Universal Music Group (UMG) and Downtown Music...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

AEG Presents Elevates Jim King to Chief Executive Officer, AEG Presents UK and European Festivals

Steve Homer Takes on New Role as President, UK Touring   AEG Presents, a global leader in live entertainment, today announced that Jim King has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer of AEG Presents UK and European Festivals. In...more

23 Jul 2025 | Press release

CMM statement on Creator Remuneration Working Group outcomes

The government has published a statement on the outcomes of the Creator Remuneration Working Group which has been meeting since April 2024. This is a response to that statement from the Council Of Music Makers, which brings together the Ivors...more

22 Jul 2025 | Press release

Music Industry Trusts Award: 2025 recipient - Ashley Tabor-King CBE

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22 Jul 2025 | Press release

Yoto brings Wicked: The Soundtrack to Platform

The children’s audio platform adds the blockbuster motion picture soundtrack to its music library   Yoto, the award-winning audio platform for children, today announced the release of Wicked: The Soundtrack as the latest addition to its growing catalogue of audio content. Released as a...more

22 Jul 2025 | Press release

Andrew Cushin signs a major publishing deal with Notting Hill Music

The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin has signed a major global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music, one of the UK’s most respected independent music publishers. The deal marks a landmark moment in Andrew Cushin’s rise, which has seen him...more

21 Jul 2025 | Press release

Frontiers Music SRL welcomes rock icon John Corabi to its artist roster

Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the signing of legendary rock vocalist John Corabi to its roster of iconic artists. Known for his powerful voice and rich legacy with bands like Mötley Crüe, The Dead Daisies, Union, and The Scream,...more

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

23 Jul 2025

  • Government secures label-led measures to boost earnings for UK artists (see News)

  • Tributes paid to Ozzy Osbourne (see Features, Showbiz&News)

22 Jul 2025

  • Darcus Beese talks ADHD, signing Sabrina Carpenter and the ‘headf*ck’ of running a major label (see Features)

  • Spotify publishes AI-generated songs from dead artists without permission (see Digital)

21 Jul 2025

  • Why 2025’s charts are so stale (see Comment)

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)