PRS' Outreach team and The MU head to Blackburn

Free-to-attend event sees music industry experts share personal experiences and advice on how to release and make money from music

Leading music organisations PRS for Music and the Musicians’ Union have partnered for a special free event taking place on Monday 13 May, from 7pm, offering local music creators in Blackburn the chance to learn more about the music industry and how to take the next step in their careers.

Now, more than ever before, musicians and artists are taking a DIY approach to creating, releasing and exploiting their music. Some are self-releasing with hope of securing a future record deal, but others see it as a long-term strategy for their careers. Either way, it’s vital to understand the fundamentals about the way the music industry works and how music can generate revenue.

Over the course of the evening, PRS for Music’s Education and Outreach team and the Musicians’ Union will offer a joint workshop at Electric Church Club, Northgate, covering everything attendees should know about copyright, how record labels and music publishers work, and how they can make money from their music. The evening will also offer the opportunity to network afterwards, giving attendees the chance to build new relationships, meet potential collaborators, and ask panellists further questions.

As a membership society, PRS for Music represents 140,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK and beyond, championing their rights and ensuring that they are paid whenever their music is streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed or played in public. The Musicians’ Union is a trade body for musicians, representing 30,000 members and offering advice in all areas of the music business.

We are excited to be teaming up with the Musicians’ Union for a series of events that we hope will be inspiring and empowering. These events are designed for attendees at all points in their careers – whether they have just written their first song or released their fiftieth. As a membership organisation, PRS for Music doesn’t just collect royalties. We’re also here for creators to turn to for advice and education on the music business.

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

About The Musicians' Union

The Musicians’ Union represents over thirty thousand musicians working in all sectors of the music business and has campaigned on behalf of its members since the organisation was established in 1893. As well as negotiating on behalf of its members with all the major employers in the industry, the MU offers a range of services for self-employed professional and student musicians of all ages. The benefits of membership include £10m public liability cover, £2,000 worth of equipment insurance, contract advice, partnership agreements, careers advice and legal assistance.