Sarah Liversedge Platz (Bucks Music Group)

Proposed for appointment by: Jin Jin, Nainita Desai, Michelle Escoffery, Peermusic (UK) Limited, Phrased Differently Music Limited, Sheridan Tongue, Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited, Universal Music Publishing Limited, Sacha Skarbek

Biography

Sarah has a First-Class Composition degree from Bath Spa University. Following graduation, she embarked upon a media career at BBC as Floor Manager for UK Television before side-stepping into a TV Researcher role in Entertainment. She then moved over to the commercial arm of the BBC as Programme Liaison Executive to then be appointed as Deputy Head of Music Publishing and then promoted to Head of Music. In this role she played a major part in developing and expanding what became one of the leading media music publishing companies in the UK. In 2004, Sarah founded her own independent music publishing company BDi Music which celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year - a thriving multimillion-pound music publishing business garnering many accolades including a Grammy and three Ivor Novellos Awards. She is Co-Director & Director A&R at Bucks Music Group, Co-Director of The Movement London (a co-venture publishing company with multi-platinum producer Jake Gosling) and sits on the Board of Directors for The Music Publishers Association, Ireland.

In 2013 she was nominated for a Music Producer’s Guild Award in the Unsung Hero category and she also received an ASCAP Award in recognition as exclusive publisher of Ed Sheeran’s hit song Lego House. In 2014 she was included on the Roll Of Honour at the Women in Music Awards - she is also the proud co-publisher of 2016 Grammy award winning Song Of The Year, Thinking Out Loud. Sarah has received global representation recognition at the ASCAP Awards as publisher of Thinking Out Loud. In 2017 Sarah was presented a Gold Badge Award from the Ivors Academy and in 2022 she received an honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University. Sarah is a passionate and experienced music publisher who develops the careers of unbeatable, innovative and creative Artists, Producers, Songwriters and Composers. Current and recent directorships: Bucks Music Group Limited, BDi Music Limited, The Movement London Limited and Music Publisher’s Association, Ireland.

Manifesto

Born: Bristol | Second-Generation Irish Immigrant

Describe Myself In Three Words: Passionate, Musical, Innovative

What Did I Want To Be Growing Up: Music Publisher (bizarre but true!)

Music is the core of who I am. I studied Composition at University, with subsidiary performance in orchestral percussion, viola and piano. I am a Doctor of Music and I am a proactive and dedicated music publisher. My working day ranges from the intricacies of running our various publishing companies to tirelessly nurturing and developing our client’s creative careers.

I’m seeking election to the PRS Member’s Council because I believe I will bring a wide range of experience to PRS: a sharp business acumen; people management skills; 25 years of music publishing knowledge and experience with an inherent instinct to protect the music copyrights of our creators and rightsholders; and holds an in depth understanding and empathy for the livelihoods of Songwriters and Composers. It is very important to me that more women and ethnic minorities are encouraged and nurtured to work in music publishing and that the independent music publishing sector continues to have representation on the Council.

The digital age continues to endlessly morph, resulting in the devaluation of music rights. I want to help to find ways to answer the challenges arising from the development of Artificial Intelligence. If elected, I want to be part of a strong and united Council helping to steer and support the decision making of the collective. The proliferation of data is a major problem for all PRO’s. PRO’s should work together for the benefit of their members. I believe a strong independent sector is vital for the health of the entire music industry.

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.