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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.

 

28 Apr 2025 | Press release

Impala welcomes European Commission's scrutiny of acquisition of Downtown by Universal Music Group

IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, welcomes the European Commission’s decision to investigate the proposed merger between Universal Music Group (UMG) and Downtown Music Holdings, home to companies such as Fuga, CD Baby, Songtrust, Curve, AdRev, as well...more

28 Apr 2025 | Press release

Moby and Little Walnut Productions Relaunch mobygratis: Free Music Access for All Creators

Platform now offers 500 new unreleased tracks, multitrack audio, and upgraded tools to empower independent creatives On Thursday, April 24, 2025, internationally renowned musician and activist Moby announced the relaunch of mobygratis at NeueHouse Hollywood. Powered by Little Walnut Productions, mobygratis...more

28 Apr 2025 | Press release

Music venue SWX Bristol relaunches as Electric Bristol

Electric Group, the UK's fastest growing music venue operator behind iconic spaces like Electric Brixton and NX Newcastle, announces the rebranding of SWX Bristol to Electric Bristol.  This exciting new chapter cements the venue's status as a key player in the UK's live touring music scene...more

25 Apr 2025 | Press release

Armada Music Publishing Inks New Deals with Bloom Twins, SHELLS and Trance Wax

The publisher has also extended its deal with Da Beatfreakz following the massive success of their 26x platinum hit ‘Prada’ last year Armada Music Publishing, the dedicated publishing division of Armada Music Group, has announced a slate of new deals with...more

25 Apr 2025 | Press release

Young Music Boss Announces 2025 YMBAwards Nominees, Celebrating the Power Behind the Hits

The Young Music Boss Awards (YMBAwards) is delighted to reveal the nominees for its 2025 edition, recognising the vital architects behind the music industry’s biggest success stories. Taking place on Thursday, 12th June 2025 in London, this year’s ceremony will...more

25 Apr 2025 | Press release

Spitfire Audio collaborates with The Last of Us composer Gustavo Santaolalla to create new virtual instrument 'Ronroco'

THE SOULFUL SIGNATURE SOUND OF HIS ICONIC RONROCO, HEARD IN OSCAR AND GRAMMY WINNING SCORES, IS DEEPLY SAMPLED IN EXPERTLY PROGRAMMED NEW PLUGIN   Composer Gustvo Santaolalla’s journey has been extraordinary. His mastery of this underappreciated Andean instrument has been applied to...more

25 Apr 2025 | Press release

M83's Anthony Gonzalez announces new label Other Suns

ANTHONY GONZALEZ announces details of his Other Suns record label and its forthcoming releases. M83’s A Necessary Escape; the soundtrack to anticipated film Dakar Chronicles (French title) / Dakar: Race Against the Desert (International title), out 27th June. He will also...more

25 Apr 2025 | Press release

Indies on a roll as Record Store Day UK reaches historic high

All-time record of 278 Shops Participate 18% uplift in sales to all-time-high Over 70 additional events including performances                                                                                                          "    Preliminary results from Record Store Day – held on April 12 – confirm that it was the largest and most successful yet in...more

25 Apr 2025 | Press release

MPG Awards 2025 - Winners

The Music Producers Guild, in association with Dolby and Mix With The Masters, has revealed the winners of their 2025 MPG Awards at a sold-out celebration at The Troxy in East London. The night honoured the producers, engineers and studios who are shaping the future of recorded...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Universal Music UK announces new leadership in its Communications & Policy team

  Universal Music UK (UMUK) today announces the appointment of two new leaders in its communications and policy team, who will have responsibility for leading initiatives across all parts of the Universal Music UK business. Rachel Tregenza, who has been with Universal...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

New survey reveals UK fans want greater transparency over AI generated music

  Four in every five music listeners believe that human creativity is essential to music, and that music must not be ingested by AI systems unless authorised, new survey reveals  More than 1,750 music listeners across the UK were surveyed as part...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Nominations announced for The Ivors with Amazon Music 2025

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24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Limitless Live announce winners of the Limitless Black Influence Awards 2025

LIMITLESS LIVE ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH BLOOD DONOR CHARITY ACLT & AFTV MEDIA   The Limitless Black Influence Awards are proud to announce this year’s winners, celebrating the outstanding contributions of Black influencers and change-makers across ten dynamic industries. These awards shine...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

University of Westminster Music Degree course celebrates 30 years & makes history

BBC hit comedy drama BOARDERS Original Soundtrack album announcedReleased 2 MayFirst single ‘Gold’ by Joy & Jee Melodies will drop 24AprilDownload single here, Listen to full album here & Album DSP link here   Announcing BOARDERS Original Soundtrack - a unique collection of Black music from the next generation of composers graduating...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Better Noise Music announce four new key signings

BETTER NOISE MUSIC ANNOUNCE FOUR NEW KEY SIGNINGS YELLOWCARD, SABATON, THE RASMUS, IN THIS MOMENT AS PART OF WIDER EXPANSION MOVE FOLLOWING CATALOG SALE BETTER NOISE MUSIC, fresh from celebrating its fifth year as #1 Billboard and Media Base Active Rock Radio label, is further...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Diplo signs global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music

The Multi-GRAMMY Award-Winning Global Force Continues to Redefine the Modern Music Landscape Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a worldwide administration deal with the highly acclaimed, award-winning DJ, record producer, and label executive, Diplo. The thirteen-time GRAMMY nominee and three-time winner...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Bucks signs Man Power to worldwide deal

Bucks Music Group has signed DJ and music producer Man Power to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal.  With a genre spanning discography that takes in a who’s who of both the biggest and the most esoteric record labels working in house,...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

IMS Business Report - Electronic music industry grew 6% year-on-year in 2024, reaching $12.9 billion global valuation

IMS Ibiza, the annual thought-leadership summit at the intersection of electronic music, culture, technology, and business, today unveils the IMS Business Report 2025. Presented live early today at IMS Ibiza, the report returns for its eleventh edition, authored for the third...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Winners of American Songwriter's 2024 Song Contest

The Grand Prize Winner, as well as the First and Second Place Category Winners were selected by an esteemed panel of judges which included artists such as Jason Mraz, Katie Gavin, Lauv, MarcLo, Quinn XCII, AJ McLean, Tiera Kennedy and...more

24 Apr 2025 | Press release

Music Venue Trust launch Annual Report with Special Event in Scottish Parliament

Report Reveals Scottish Grassroots Music Venues Subsidised Live Music by £14 million in 2024 Charity calls on MSPs to enforce business rates relief for all grassroots music venues under 1500 capacity   Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Warp Publishing joins IMPEL

Iconic company has a diverse roster including Boards of Canada, Slowdive, Khruangbin, Danny Brown, Speakers Corner Quartet, Autechre and more.   Warp Publishing is a leading independent music publishing company with offices in London and Los Angeles. It grew out of Warp...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Data & Communication Save Fuel Says New AGF Report

A Greener Future has released a report revealing the current status and future trends in the use of power at festivalsThe Low Emission Festivals Report examines current energy management practices at events and identifies opportunities for improvement. The report, which is based on...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

The F-List Youth Industry Network to Empower Young Women and Gender Diverse Individuals in Music

The F-List Youth Industry Network to Empower Young Women and Gender Diverse Individuals in Music – Application Deadline Extended to 8th May 2025 The F-List for Music is proud to announce the launch of the Youth Industry Network, a pioneering...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Nashville & Marv Green Sign Rising Singer-Songwriter Caiden Wallace

  Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with legendary songwriter Marv Green, today announced the signing of breakthrough country singer-songwriter Caiden Wallace to a global publishing agreement. The co-venture will see Marv Green’s Out Yonder Music working alongside SMP to advance...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Eight UK cities join forces for 'Music Fans Voice' survey

Comprehensive Review Gives Music Fans a Voice Within the Live Music Sector for the First TimeResults show support & enthusiasm for live music remains high, but concerns expressed around ticketing policies, event cancellations, venue closures and the rising cost of...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Featured Artists Coalition responds to the first Music Fans' Voice survey

“The relationship between artists and fans provides the beating heart of live music”    The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), the UK trade organisation representing the rights and interests of music artists has responded to findings from the first Music Fans’ Voice survey.  Drawn...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Warner Music Group partners with entrepreneurial powerhouse Anjula Acharia

‘5 Junction’ imprint focused on breaking American artists of South Asian heritage and talent from the Subcontinent in the U.S. Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG) and entrepreneurial powerhouse Anjula Acharia are partnering to launch 5 Junction, a new JV label focused on...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Soledad - platform for new music and journalism in Manchester - announce launch and Indiegogo campaign

SUPPORTING NEW MUSIC, ARTISTS & INDUSTRY IN MANCHESTER CREATING AN ECOSYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT & ORIGINAL MUSIC JOURNALISM CONNECTING MUSIC LOVERS WITH THE NEW MANCHESTER MUSIC REVOLUTION  - Soledad is a platform for new music and music journalism in Manchester  - Filling a void...more

23 Apr 2025 | Press release

Nigel Templeman

I'm utterly devasted by the passing of my dear friend & business partner Nigel Templeman. We met sometime in the early 90's at my favorite Chelsea Italian Ziani's. As he blasted into the restaurant – horrendous Hawaiian shirt and hair...more

22 Apr 2025 | Press release

Merlin and IMPALA Launch Weidenmuller Sustainability Fund to Support Independent Music Sector's Transition

  This Earth Day, Merlin is proud to support the launch of the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund. The fund is a new, multi-year joint initiative between Merlin and IMPALA, designed to accelerate the independent music community’s transition toward a more sustainable future.   The...more

28 Apr 2025

  • Spotify is said to be raising its subscription prices across Europe and Latin America (see Digital)

  • Culture Secretary to review the Music Export Growth Scheme (see News)

25 Apr 2025

  • The music industry wants solutions. But do listeners see problems? (see Comment)

  • The next generation of independent music tastemakers (see Features)

24 Apr 2025

  • BPI survey confirms music consumers believe human creativity is fundamental to music (see Reports)

23 Apr 2025

  • Eight UK cities join forces for 'Music Fans Voice' survey (see Reports)

22 Apr 2025

  • Did the Spotify 1,000 stream rule cost artists $47m?

  • Meet the editors crafting some of Spotify’s top playlists (see Features)

17 Apr 2025

  • Two Guardian music writers spent a week assessing the limits of living with and without Spotify (see Features)

16 Apr 2025

  • Ruth Barlow of AIM and Beggars Group on UMGDowntown and why she believes ‘regulators must act’ (see Comment)

15 Apr 2025

  • Jack Dorsey says it’s time to ‘delete all IP law’ — and Elon Musk agrees — amid continued AI training debate (see News)

14 Apr 2025

  • Viagogo's anti-consumer practices show why only a price cap can stop law-breaking ticket touts (see News)

11 Apr 2025

  • Q1 album chart suggests 2024's issues presenting new British music continue (see Comment)

  • Spotify responds to Kate Nash criticism with £500k payout claim (see News)