Nigel Gilroy

Biography

Proposed for appointment by: BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited, Bucks Music Group Limited, Concord Music Publishing LLC, Kassner Associated Publishers Limited, Philip Pope, Reservoir Media Management (UK) Limited, S2k Music Limited, Sony Music Publishing (UK) Limited, Universal Music Publishing Limited, Warner Chappell Music Limited

Nigel has served on the Members’ Council since his election in 2022 and as General Counsel at Wise Music Group since 2011. He has actively participated in the wider industry advising PRS, MPA/MCPS, IMPEL and ICMP through his membership of various committees, groups and panels. Since his election to the Members’ Council, Nigel has sat on the PRS for Music Distribution Committee and currently sits in PRS for Music Licensing, and PRS’ Audit and Risk Committees and a number of PRS’ working groups, in particular the AI Working Group.  

He started his career in music as an engineer/producer working mainly out of the Workhouse and Eelpie Studios with luminaries including Pete Townshend, Kirsty MacColl/Steve Lillywhite, Eric Clapton, Aswad, Sinead O’Connor, Trevor Horn/ZTT, Pink Floyd, the Waterboys (inc. Whole of the Moon) and Stock, Aitken and Waterman. He went on to produce a number of charting indie/Britpop artists notably including 2 number 1’s for Flowered Up.  

Nigel also set up and ran his own 24-track analogue studio in South London and was a DJ (EDM) at numerous clubs and venues including the Marquee and the Fridge. He was also a partner/promoter at the Dogstar (until its sale in 2001) and Mass, both in Brixton.  

Nigel retrained as a lawyer in the 1990’s, working at Davenport Lyons for 14 years, as both a litigator and commercial lawyer, acting for various artists, songwriters and corporate clients including the Estate of Nick Drake, Deep Purple, Adele and on a number of reported High Court and Court of Appeal cases notably including Bobby Valentino in his successful claim for a share of the Bluebells song Young at Heart. The case remains the leading authority on contributory copyright and was reconfirmed as such by the Court of Appeal in the Whiter Shade of Pale case in which Nigel also acted for lyricist Keith Reid.  

Current and recent directorships: Edition Peters Artist Management Limited, Marquis Music Co. Limited, Mistletoe Melodies Limited, Network of Music Partners (NMP), Novello and Company Limited, Peters Digital Assets Limited, Peters Edition Limited, Tido (UK) Limited, and Verulam Music Co Limited

Members’ Council attendance since last appointment: 11 out of 12 meetings.

Manifesto

I am honoured to serve on the Members’ Council and would welcome the opportunity to continue representing and protecting the rights of songwriters, composers, and publishers in an ever-changing industry. I remain committed to ensuring that PRS remains a strong, transparent, and forward-thinking organisation that truly serves its members.

The music industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with AI, streaming, and global licensing reshaping how music is created, distributed, and monetised. While these changes present exciting opportunities, they also pose significant challenges to the rights and earnings of creators.

My priority has been, and will continue to focus on protecting the value and integrity of our members works and adapting to new technological realities without compromising the value of music or the importance of human authorship.

If re-elected, I will focus on:

• Stronger Copyright Protections: Defending our members against unauthorised AI-generated works, music scraping, and unfair licensing practices.
• Improved Royalty Distribution: Enhancing data accuracy, ensuring more transparency, and advocating for higher payouts across digital platforms.
• Supporting Emerging Talent: Strengthening opportunities for new and independent artists to succeed in a competitive market.
• Advocacy and Industry Leadership: Working closely with policymakers and industry bodies to shape regulations that safeguard music creators’ rights.

PRS for Music is more than just a licensing body, it is a community of composers, songwriters and publishers who deserve a fair and sustainable future. With your support, I will continue to fight for transparency, fairness, and growth for all members. Thank you for your trust and your vote.

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.