PRS for Music opens dialogue with Bermuda businesses and musicians

Visit with Bermuda businesses identifies wide appreciation for music

PRS for Music, the organisation that represents over 100,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, is listening to a wider group of businesses and musicians after a recent trip to Bermuda.

By law, businesses such as radio broadcasters, hotels, bars and clubs must first obtain permission from the owner of every piece of music that they intend to play. This means potentially having to contact thousands of songwriters, composers and music publishers worldwide to obtain their agreement. PRS for Music was established to simplify this process and provide businesses with a licence that allows them to legitimately use music.

Copyright law exists to protect the work of songwriters whose music is enjoyed the world over. PRS for Music is part of a network of affiliate organisations that work across 150 territories globally to ensure its members receive the royalties they are rightfully due. 

International Licensing Managers Jackie Church and Ryan Homes spent a week in Hamilton, Bermuda from 25th – 29th November to meet with government officials, hoteliers, restaurateurs, broadcasters, concert promoters and representatives from The Bermuda Music Users' Group. They also met the Chewstick Foundation and the Musicians Federation to explain the benefits of PRS for Music membership to Bermudian songwriters.

We know that music is an important part of Bermudian culture and is core to many businesses like broadcasting, events and hospitality. We believe it’s only fair that songwriters are respected and can share in the benefits their music brings to such businesses.

It’s been a valuable experience to spend time with businesses and musicians to clear up any misconceptions and ensure clarity about the importance of music licensing in Bermuda. We were also delighted to meet Bermudian songwriters – both established and new. Some of these already receive royalties from the global music community through PRS for Music and we look forward to more Bermudian songwriters joining us. We are continuing a dialogue with representatives in Bermuda to ensure we properly understand concerns and work to address them.

If Bermudian businesses have any concerns or issues they would like to discuss they can get in touch on 1-877-457-0079 (toll free) or email bermuda@prsformusic.com.

About PRS for Music

Here for music since 1914, PRS for Music is a world-leading music collective management organisation representing the rights of more than 175,000 talented songwriters, composers and music publishers. Redefining the global standard for music royalties, PRS for Music ensures songwriters and composers are paid whenever their musical compositions and songs are streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed and played in public. 

For 110 years it has grown and protected the rights of the music creator community, paying out royalties with more accuracy, transparency and speed. In 2023, PRS for Music paid out £943.6m in royalties and collected a record £1.08 billion in revenues. prsformusic.com