Gavin Harrison
Proposed for appointment by: Simon Anderson, Claire Batchelor, Paul Farrer, Philip Guyler, Nicholas Harvey, Crispin Hunt, Richard Lacy, Kester Loy, Thomas Peters, Christopher Warner
Biography
I am a composer and sound designer for desktop and phone games, as well as a production music writer for several publishers including Audio Network, DeWolfe and No Sheet Music. I welcome variety in my work and have composed for interactive children’s books and worked with the National Theatre of Scotland.
My games credit list is numerous, including the chart-topping Score! Hero, award-nominated Pathway, and top-rated PC Building Simulator, which reached a staggering 4 million downloads in just a few days after free release. I enjoy composing for games because the creative input is high, and you work ‘close to the action’ of development. Games are incredibly accessible to the masses, regardless of age, and I can quickly see how my input complements the gameplay.
In terms of music commissions, my personal highlights include seeing full orchestras perform my compositions at top recording studios, hearing my writing played on many TV and radio programs, and being chosen for major advertising campaigns for the likes of EE, Mercedes, Sky and BT.
Alongside this, I enjoy working with and representing composers, helping their thoughts and ideas be heard. I often speak at conferences and festivals, connecting with and being inspired by like-minded people, and have been on panels at both Buma Music in Motion and ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event). I currently sit on the PRS for Music Licensing Committee Advisory Group, and I’m a member of both the Media Council and Membership Committee at The Ivors.
Day to day, I work from my home studio, overlooking the peaceful Suffolk countryside, using my collection of vintage synthesizers whenever I can…something I’m equally passionate about!
Current and recent directorships: None
Manifesto
As composers, we need our rights to be protected as media and technology evolve. I will work to strengthen the PRS’ response to these ever-changing challenges; one example being that of AI, an area where we must firmly look after our interests. At conferences and committee meetings, as well as on forums and social media, I am exposed to the needs and difficulties facing media writers, and I am compelled to stand for change.
One sector I wish to be the driving force behind is the PRS’ pursuit of greater licensing opportunities and royalties from a promising area of growth – gaming. A potential that would benefit us all. In my 15 years of experience as a games composer, gaming has seen rapid growth; yet the systems to collect performance royalties are still being established. Music is integral to the gaming industry, and my unique position enables me to give these writers a voice.
Emerging writers, especially for media, are more vulnerable to unfair buyouts – I’ve been there. I started out with work-for-hire commissions before becoming a PRS member, so I know the mistakes that can be made. Motivated by my experience in working groups, I wish to be a flag-bearer for PRS, making its values visible to up-and-coming musicians, as well as educating new members about their rights.
I wish to stand for a place on the PRS Members’ Council to guide us through these challenges, to make rights clear to all, to ensure performances are licensed wherever they are used in the future, and to guarantee royalties are correctly distributed and paid in a timely fashion.
Please support me with your vote; I stand to represent the interests of us all, as we are much stronger standing together as one.
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.
