Anu Pillai
Proposed for appointment by: Owen Cutts, Jim Duguid, Crispin Hunt, Theo Hutchcraft, Kobalt Music Publishing Limited, Emily Phillips, Hannah Robinson, Gaynor Sadler, David Sneddon, Matt Weedon
Biography
Anu Pillai is a multi-platinum songwriter, composer & producer.
His broad background as a multi-instrumentalist, writer & DJ, is reflected in the diversity of his accomplishments. From co-writing /producing Lost on You and Something Borrowed for Lewis Capaldi, to composing Sony Radio Award winning complete identity packages for the BBC Asian Network radio, as well as Dj’ing at underground institutions like Fabric, Cocoon & Space.
Starting out with his own project, Freeform Five, Anu released his debut album on Atlantic Records, a DJ mix album on Four Music as well as several acclaimed singles and official remixes for artists such as N.E.R.D., Brian Wilson, X-Press 2 and David Byrne, Jamie Lidell, Elton John and The Killers. Recent collaborations have included singles with Róisín Murphy & Ali Love.
Anu has also always been involved in the music to picture / sync world since working as a composer at Logorhythm Music in the late ‘90’s. He has soundtracked adverts in every imaginable style for some of the world’s largest brands, including Apple, Nike, Nokia, Seat, Eurostar, PlayStation, Mercedes, Verizon, Vodafone, and Xbox.
Currently based in West London, Anu continues to collaborate with both emerging and established artists, with upcoming releases due from Abraham Alexander, Natalie Imbruglia, Marlon Hoffstadt, Honey Dijon, Kawala, and Emily James. Additionally, he plays a key role in shaping the industry as a director on the executive board of the Music Producers Guild, where he advocates for the rights of writer-producers.
Current and recent directorships: The Music Producers Guild (UK) Limited and Perspex Recordings Limited
Manifesto
We are at a pivotal moment of change in the music industry. As creators, composers and songwriters, we face a growing list of challenges. From the rise of AI to the lack of transparency and equitable pay structures in both video and audio streaming platforms, our professional landscape is evolving rapidly.
With experience spanning multiple areas of the music industry, I am well positioned to represent your views and advocate for our rights — both within PRS and the wider industry, including lobbying government. As an executive director of the Music Producers Guild, I am already working to push forward key issues affecting writer-producers. If elected, I will continue to champion these shared priorities with even greater impact
Now, more than ever, we need full engagement to strengthen our collective voice. Too often, other industries profit from our creativity while failing to remunerate us fairly. We must ensure that new technologies create opportunities rather than threats, acting early to prevent unfair precedents.
Having worked as a touring artist, songwriter, DJ/remixer, and media composer, I bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing different sectors of our industry. I will foster meaningful dialogue between sometimes competing interests to find solutions that benefit all music creators.
PRS has made important strides in modernising its structure and data access, but many barriers remain. Navigating these systems remains challenging, particularly when it comes to foreign income, royalty rates, unclaimed performances, and transparency in distributions. Strengthening our international partnerships and ensuring reciprocity with other PRO's is critical. We must continue to improve data collection and accuracy across cue sheets and digital recognition technology, so that creators are properly credited and compensated quickly.
If elected, I will be honoured to advocate for all members—fighting for fairness and the recognition that music creators deserve.
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.
