Ray Pagden (Motus Music)
Proposed for appointment by: Christopher Bemand, Philip Binding, Boost Music Publishing Limited, Cavendish Music Company Limited, Inspired Production Music Limited, Jw Media Music Limited, Mediatracks Music Limited, Reliable Source Music Limited, Universal Music Publishing Limited, Michael Wilkie
Biography
Ray’s journey from humble beginnings in Stevenage, where he ran an IT support business to becoming a pioneering leader in music publishing is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and problem-solving.
As CEO of Motus Music, Ray brings a hands-on, independent publisher’s perspective, working across copyright creation, registration, sync, and licensing. His experience across the entire music value chain provides a holistic, real-world understanding of industry challenges. Beyond Motus Music, Ray is a key figure in global music rights advocacy.
As a Director at IPMG at ICMP, he is actively leading work on solutions to global online rights issues, bringing together rights owners and platforms to find practical solutions.
Ray also chairs the PMSF at the Music Publishers Association, where he unites major and independent publishers to form industry-wide solutions in areas such as marketing, communications, and licensing.
His work with PSF and the Metadata Expert Group (MEG) focuses on modernising data standards between publishers and PROs, as well as introducing new metadata solutions to improve the accuracy of reported usages.
A passionate advocate for diversity in leadership and expertise, Ray is a Champion for the MPA’s BeYou Employee Network and is committed to ensuring PRS benefits from a broader range of skills and perspectives.
With a tech background, Ray understands how strong technical knowledge is critical to help shape future industry challenges and ensuring PRS is equipped for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Ray’s neurodiversity (ADHD) brings a unique perspective to problem-solving, allowing for innovative approaches to industry-wide complexities. His passion lies in modernising the music industry, protecting the value of music, and ensuring fair compensation for all creators and rights holders.
Ray is running for the PRS Members’ Council to drive progress, transparency, and innovation, ensuring PRS remains one of the world leading PROs.
Current and recent directorships: International Production Music Group (IPMG), Motus Music International Limited, and Motus Music Limited
Manifesto
As a dedicated advocate for music creators and publishers, I am standing to drive real change, transparency, and progress within PRS for Music. My experience in technology, publishing, rights management, and industry governance positions me to deliver tangible benefits for all members - from independent songwriters to major rights holders.
A Vision for a Stronger PRS
Technology & Copyright Protection
PRS must stay ahead of technological shifts while safeguarding human-created music from the impact of AI. With a background in tech, I will push for modernisations while ensuring ensure future changes are rigorously tested, well-planned and run in parallel with older systems to prevent delays in distributions and registrations should issues arise.
Fair Value for Music
Streaming, sync, and emerging platforms have reshaped the industry, yet music remains undervalued. I will advocate for stronger licensing agreements and fairer royalty distributions, ensuring that PRS members receive the full value of their works.
Efficiency, Transparency & Accountability
As an independent publisher, I know first-hand the challenges of royalty collection, registration, and distribution. I will work to streamline processes, improve usage reporting requirements, and hold PRS accountable to its members.
Broad Representation & Diversity in Expertise
A strong PRS Members’ Council needs a bold mix of leadership, combining different skill sets to ensure a well-rounded approach to industry challenges. Diversity in expertise is just as important as diversity in representation. My background spans both music and technology, bringing a fresh, practical, and data-driven perspective to complement the existing legal and business expertise within PRS.
PRS benefits most when a range of expertise comes together to tackle the evolving challenges of our industry. With your support, I will bring fresh energy, technical knowledge, and a commitment to transparency.
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.
