Anita Blay

Proposed for appointment by: Iyiola Babalola (Future Cut), Paul Barry, Fiona Bevan, Michelle Escoffery, Karen Harding, Crispin Hunt, Darren Lewis, Ansah Maxwell Owusu, Philip Pope, Hannah Robinson

Biography

Anita Blay is a singer songwriter artist and producer who began her first foray into music under the moniker Cocknbullkid. She secured performances on Jools Holland and Glastonbury all before finally being signed to Island Records.

In 2011, she released her debut album Adulthood to much critical acclaim. Touring with the likes of Janelle Monae, Metronomy, Marina and the Diamonds and Duran Duran. 2013 saw her turn her hand at becoming a writer for other artists. Her CV boasts cuts for Little Mix, OneRepublic, Tieks and High Contrast amongst others. Her most successful syncs have been featured on the hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. She also wrote and performed the theme tune for cult comedy series BBC 3’s Some Girls. She has also enjoyed success as part of the dance duo Antony & Cleopatra, who's single The Future was certified platinum.

In the background, Anita has always shown passion for outreach projects. She has been heavily involved with the music charity Restore The Music and speaks regularly at Westminster University advising prospective musicians on the inner workings of the industry.

Current and recent directorships: None

Manifesto

Having had the unique experience of being both an artist and topline writer, I feel extremely passionate about songwriting and its craft. Most importantly, I am passionate about its sustainability for creators. Songwriters are the architects of songs - but are often renumerated unfairly. The shifting digital landscape is a great win for technological progress but it's a double-edged sword. Starting with unequitable streaming revenues, lack of transparency from labels/streaming services and market share dominance.

As a jobbing songwriter, you can spend every day of the week going from studio to studio and fronting all your costs. All in the hope that ‘this one’ becomes the song that changes your life. I think for most of us, we just want to be able to live off our work sustainably, to do what we love. I believe there are some small but integral tweaks that can be made to make life more liveable for the ‘middle class’ of songwriters (of which most of us make up).

I would love the chance to affect change by interrogating the current licensing, publishing, streaming and copyright policies. I am passionate about also lending my experience to up and coming writers and help mentor and advocate for them in any way my experience in the industry makes possible.

IMPORTANT: Publication of this statement, or any subsequent communication of it, does not constitute endorsement or the promotion of the candidate by the Society, or any member of its management or staff.

The statement has been written by the candidate and has not been altered in any way. The views and/or opinions expressed are the candidate’s own.