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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.

 

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Acquires Supraphon in Czech Republic

Acquisition of Czech Republic’s largest independent record label expands Sony Music’s presence in Central Europe   Sony Music Entertainment (SME) announced today the acquisition of Supraphon, one of the Czech Republic’s most dynamic and influential music labels. This acquisition represents a significant expansion...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

RoEx Integrates with Ableton Live to Revolutionise Music Production Workflows

Ableton Live Set Export Feature Empowers Creators with Seamless AI-Assisted Mixing and Customisation   RoEx, the groundbreaking music tech startup innovating multitrack mixing with AI, has announced a new link with digital audio workstation Ableton Live: Ableton Live Set Export. Designed for...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

Alexis Strum signs with Absolute Label Services

Alexis Strum has signed with Absolute Label Services for the release of her third album. The pop singer-songwriter from London who recently returned to music after a 15-year hiatus was previously signed to Warner Records and Universal Records as a recording...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

MOBO and Newcastle City Council Announce The Fringe

An Epic Five-Day Celebration of Black Music and Culture Leading Up to the 2025 MOBO Awards Thursday 13th - Monday 17th February   A series of events to celebrate the MOBO Awards coming to the city for the first time Ahead of the 2025...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

Impala launches new programme of activities under EU grant scheme for strategic cultural networks

 The start of 2025 marks a new phase for IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, as it rolls out a programme of work co-funded by the EU for the next four years.Through this funding, IMPALA, which has over 6,000...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

Sync Music Platform SourceAudio Celebrates Record Year In 2024

Reached milestone 59 million track downloads, 33 million tracks fully licensed for sync, 570,000 professional users, and more   SourceAudio, the music industry’s most widely adopted sync platform, is celebrating their most successful year in 2024, reaching new highs in downloads, searches,...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

LIVE announces launch of the Live Trust

‘Transformative’ New Funding Initiative for Grassroots Music Sector UnveiledLIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment), which represents 15 live music industry organisations, has announced the launch of the Live Trust, a transformative new funding initiative that will offer much needed...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

Luther Vandross Documentary: Never Too Much

UK & IRISH CINEMA RELEASE THURSDAY 30TH JANUARY - EVENT RELEASE – (IF) ONLY FOR ONE NIGHT WATCH THE TRAILER HERE   Luther Vandross documentary feature Luther: Never Too Much at UK & Irish cinemas on Thursday 30th January – only for one...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

Growing indie publisher signs Tom Havelock

Independent publisher, Minds on Fire, have announced the signing of Tom Havelock (aka Tom Cane) to an exclusive writer deal. Tom Havelock has been a successful songwriter since 2012, penning singles for Sub Focus, Eric Prydz, Anna of the North, Robin...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE responds to the AI Opportunities Action Plan

    "While there is much to welcome in the ambitions of the AI Action Plan to improve public services and ways of working, this publication does nothing to explain why upending our gold standard copyright system is required to achieve these...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

Creative Rights in AI Coalition warns against mirroring EU approach and rejects suggestion of 'uncertainty' in UK law

  Reacting to the publication of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Creative Rights in AI Coalition has said: “Following the Prime Minister’s broad commitment to take forward the Plan’s recommendations, we call on the government to provide assurances that all options...more

15 Jan 2025 | Press release

The Independent Announces Exclusive News Partnership with Camp Bestival 2025

The Independent is delighted to announce its exclusive news partnership with family-focused Camp Bestival for 2025. The collaboration will bring readers a blend of coverage, news, engaging content and exclusives.  This year, Basement Jaxx will headline Saturday night at the festival,...more

14 Jan 2025 | Press release

Korda Marshall awarded top honour by University of West London

Mushroom Music is proud to announce Mushroom Music’s Managing Director, International Korda Marshall has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music by the University of West London for his immense achievements and services to music.  He now joins other past honourees...more

14 Jan 2025 | Press release

Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens celebrate Independent Venue Week as BBC Radio 6 Music explore the State of Independent Venues

Today (Monday 13th January) on his BBC Radio 6 Music show, Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session (Mondays 4-7pm), Steve announced 6 Music’s State of Independent Venues - a five day deep-dive into the UK’s independent, live music industry. Broadcast from Monday 27th...more

14 Jan 2025 | Press release

Simon Hade and Olly Barnes unveil new venture Nextbeat with spin-out of hit music game Beatstar

Space Ape Games and Voisey Co-Founders Team Up With Games Industry Giant Supercell for ‘Gamechanging’ new Music Venture Simon Hade and Olly Barnes, best known individually as highly innovative and successful music and gaming entrepreneurs, have unveiled their new venture NEXTBEAT,...more

14 Jan 2025 | Press release

BRITs Week 25

Iconic Artists, Legendary Venues, and Unforgettable Nights: Cat Burns, Kasabian, Clean Bandit, Rachel Chinouriri, Soft Play, Nova Twins, Joy Crookes, Tom Walker, Rag'n'Bone Man, Frank Turner & Blossoms play exclusive shows in aid of War Child across February and March Limited number...more

14 Jan 2025 | Press release

Armada Music Publishing Renews Deals with Acclaimed Dance DJs NERVO and Reinier Zonneveld; Extends Sub-Publishing Agreements

  News comes as the publisher continues to prioritize creative A&R investment, expand its burgeoning roster and fuel the success of dance artists globally Armada Music Publishing, the dedicated publishing division of Armada Music Group, has announced extended deals with renowned dance...more

13 Jan 2025 | Press release

Amazon Music Returns to Manchester for UK City Sessions with Franz Ferdinand

Live from Aviva Studios, the landmark new home of Factory International, in Manchester from 9pm on Saturday 18th January Tune in to watch live on the Amazon Music UK channel on Twitch and Prime Video HERE Amazon Music announces the latest UK City...more

13 Jan 2025 | Press release

War Child presents Secret 7" as it returns for 2025

700 UNIQUE VINYL SLEEVES. 7 TRACKS. COUNTLESS LIVES CHANGED.TRACKS REVEALED + SUBMISSIONS NOW OPENWWW.SECRET-7.CO.UK Secret 7", the much-loved charity initiative combining music and art, is making a highly anticipated return in 2025, proudly presented by War Child for the second consecutive year. After...more

13 Jan 2025 | Press release

Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund commits $1 million to Los Angeles Relief efforts

  The Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund is today announcing an initial $1 million commitment to the Los Angeles area fire relief and rebuilding efforts. The Fund will donate to vital organizations supporting the LA community,...more

13 Jan 2025 | Press release

Global music star Ed Sheeran makes surprise visit to NI in support of Belfast music charities

  World-renowned musician and singer songwriter Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit to Northern Ireland last week on Friday 10 January 2025 as part of the UK wide launch of his new charity, The Ed Sheeran Foundation. The Foundation, which aims to...more

12 Jan 2025 | Press release

Joss Stone and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics have partnered with SongBits

Joss Stone and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics have partnered with SongBits to announce Groundbreaking Collaboration allowing fans to own part of Stone's acclaimed 2021 single Never Forget My Love, which was co-written with and produced by Stewart Drops 16.00 GMT/11.00 EST January 31st 2025 From...more

12 Jan 2025 | Press release

Latest O2 and YouGov data: Nearly three quarters of concertgoers want to see rules against the resale of tickets for profit

  Consumer support for regulation of ticket resales in the UK jumped to 72% by the end of 2024 O2, a longtime supporter of the FanFair Alliance: “One thing that can truly stop touts in their tracks is legislation. We’re calling for...more

10 Jan 2025 | Press release

Uncovered: Winners announced for the 2024 Best Art Vinyl prize for record cover artwork of the year

This evening, Art Vinyl reveals the winner of the 20th Best Art Vinyl Award, the definitive annual art prize for the best record cover design of the year. The expert judging panel awarded first place to Toronto-based multimedia artist, Rajni Perera...more

10 Jan 2025 | Press release

Plan to tackle greedy ticket touts and give power back to fans

  Consultation will look at new measures to prevent consumers being fleeced by ticket touts as part of government’s Plan for Change Announcement puts music, theatre, comedy and sports fans back at the heart of live events and delivers plan for change...more

10 Jan 2025 | Press release

Attitude is Everything Founder, Suzanne Bull MBE, to step down in March 2025

  After 25 years of groundbreaking work on behalf of disabled people in music, Suzanne will pursue new adventures in arts, culture and Breast Cancer Advocacy Managing Director, Celia Makin-Bell, is also leaving the award-winning music charity to take up a new...more

10 Jan 2025 | Press release

TikTok and Alan Walker launch an exclusive partnership to celebrate the launch of Walkerworld 2.0

The partnership includes a new, exclusive in-app experience and a first-of-its-kind LIVE stream Today, TikTok is excited to announce the launch of a major new artist partnership with Norwegian superstar DJ and producer Alan Walker, to celebrate the launch of his...more

10 Jan 2025 | Press release

Responses to the government consultation on ticket touting

Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive, Music Managers Forum “The MMF both directly and through the FanFair Alliance has been campaigning to tackle the issue of industrial scale ticket touting and put tickets back in the hands of the fans for many years. ...more

10 Jan 2025 | Press release

Wise Music Group expands classical holdings as it acquires Doblinger Musikverlag

  Wise Music Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Doblinger Musikverlag, the distinguished Austrian music publisher renowned for its classical catalogue and rich legacy in European music. This strategic acquisition strengthens Wise Music’s global portfolio of classical and contemporary...more

09 Jan 2025 | Press release

MusExpo 2025

 AMAZON MGM STUDIOS, APM MUSIC, BUDDE MUSIC, CONCORD, DISNEY MUSIC GROUP, EA GAMES, GRAMMY’S, KOBALT, MALSONS MEDIA (INDIA), NETFLIX, PARAMOUNT, POSITION MUSIC, PULSE MUSIC GROUP, TIMES MUSIC (INDIA), UNIVERSAL PICTURES, VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP, WARNER MUSIC GROUP & MORE JOIN THE...more

15 Jan 2025

  • BPI: AI proposals risk 'destroying the UK's status as a creative superpower' (see News)

  • Australia: Just six homegrown singles and three albums made the 2024 Top 100 (see International)

14 Jan 2025

  • Chartmetric’s Year in Music: Music data milestone highlights for 2024 (see Reports)

13 Jan 2025

  • UK festivals face 'really tough' year due to fewer headline acts and rising costs (see Features)

10 Jan 2025

  • Music industry hails proposals to crack down on ticket touting (see News)

09 Jan 2025

  • Milestone or Millstone? Was 2024 really a good year for UK recorded music? (see Comment)

  • Dice CEO Phil Hutcheon on fighting dynamic pricing in the ticketing industry (see Features)

08 Jan 2025

  • Interviews with Liz Pelly ahead of her book about Spotify and its operations (see Features)

  • ERA claim 2024 "a banner year for music" (see Reports)

07 Jan 2025

  • AI is stealing from Britain's creative industries (see Opinion)

06 Jan 2025

  • BPI 2024 figures reveal another milestone year for UK recorded music (see News)

20 Dec 2024

  • The "ugly truth" about Spotify is finally revealed (see News)

19 Dec 2024

  • WMG CEO Robert Kyncl addresses staff: ‘The industry is at a pivot point’ (see News)