Paul Joyce

Proposed for appointment by: Accorder Music Publishing Limited, Bucks Music Group Limited, Richard Clarke, Paul Farrer, David Lowe, Glyn Owen, Anthony Philips, Julian Ronnie, SM Publishing (UK) Limited, Adrian Sutton

Biography

I grew up in Nottingham (UK) and, following a science degree, opted for a professional music career. Soft Cell’s Dave Ball produced my synth-pop band, Sense, and tours with Depeche Mode and Kim Wilde followed. In 1990 I began writing music for television and film. Over the next 20 years I composed for many successful productions such as The Worst Witch, Clay, Noddy, Fimbles and The Snow Queen.

In 2000 I received an Ivor Novello award for my theme to the animated series Bob the Builder. More recent work includes Celestial (featuring Michael Sheen and Chris Watson) and orchestral arrangements for progressive rock band, YES. In 2021 I was commissioned by the British Medical Association to compose a choral work to commemorate those health care workers who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023 my soundtrack to the award-winning short film Land Mine, was released, followed by the album, Mirror to the Sky by YES. I am a contributor to the Composers Summit Prague.

Manifesto

PRS for Music is so much more than a collection agency for performance and mechanical royalties. It is a bastion of composers’ rights – a bulwark against an ever-demanding production sector. For instance, the ‘new normal’ for production companies is to expect 50% of performance royalties in addition to 100% of mechanicals. Some production companies are even requesting that composers redirect their writer’s share of performance royalties to them. Income from the streaming of writers’ works should also be proportionate, and a fair measure of their value. There is a very real possibility that the unchecked erosion of rights, and therefore income, will continue. 

If elected as a PRS Council Member, I feel that my role would be to bring my 40 years’ experience as a professional composer and musician to all conversations regarding composers’ rights, and to resolutely support the concept of copyright in line with PRS’ vision. I would also be a supporter of a pluralistic and inclusive PRS, and would advocate the expansion of the PRS Members’ Fund to help composers in times of adversity and need.

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.