Make some noise in your business
so they can keep making noise in theirs In a global pandemic, here’s how we can support the artists who deserve to be paid just as any other service provider WORDS KERRY SMITH
M
usic artists of all genres have been keeping us company during lockdown. They’ve provided a comforting background to our home gym sessions, new hobbies we’ve taken up, and some of us have even discovered playlists for working to (the benefits of which are unparalleled by the way, but we’ll cover that later). You may never have heard of the artist who provided the synth for the new track you’re obsessed with (and in danger of overplaying until you’re sick of it), or the backing singer who supports your favourite band on every album, but they get a cut every time those songs are played. And for some of them, it’s their only stream of income. We need to show those artists our support now more than ever, just as we do with most businesses and individuals facing crisis due to Covid-19. One way we can do this is with TheMusicLicence. Did you know there is only one company in the whole of the UK that deals with music licencing – and it’s based right here in Leicester? PPL PRS Ltd was formed as a joint venture by music rights societies PPL and PRS for Music, and made Leicester their home in 2017. These are the guys who make sure those grassroots artists are supported. Trying to spread a more positive message about TheMusicLicence, Managing Director at PPL PRS Andrea Gray, said: “Music licencing has historically been viewed in a fairly negative light. It has been seen as yet another tax, but we aren’t taxing people. We’re making sure those artists and musicians you’ve maybe never heard of get the reward they deserve. “Most people think of Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran when it comes to royalties from music licencing, but for me what’s more important is those session musicians and backing singers that have played on a track. “It’s not just for the global superstars of the world, it’s for the people you’ll never hear of who use their skills and talents in music, and that might be from a studio or from 30 | NICHE
their bedroom. Either way, they deserve recognition.” The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has affected the music industry just as it has many others. The arts have struggled to support their players and this spans from actors to producers and those that work behind the scenes, such as PPL PRS. The company furloughed 65% of its staff during this time and is currently devising a plan to quickly credit companies back who have not been operating and playing music within their business due to the Covid-19 situation. Andrea said: “We must ensure we are supporting those businesses who haven’t been continuing to play music in their offices or stores. Everyone has been in the same boat during this pandemic and there’s a real opportunity for businesses to do the right thing. People will remember those that looked after them.” In support of the music industry for those who have discovered the joy of listening to music while working from home, you might want to pitch the idea to your boss. If you’ve been shopping in a place that plays music, it’s likely you might have been influenced in your purchases. Playing music for customers and clients can set the tone of voice of a business and put people in a good mood – which makes for good sales! It also influences the mood and productivity of people
It’s not just for the global superstars of the world, it’s for the people you’ll never hear of who use their skills and talents in music
