M Magazine publishes special digital edition in celebration of Black History Month
PRS for Music has published a beautifully curated digital edition of M Magazine, as part of its celebration of Black History Month, which took place throughout October. Read the magazine in full.
Carefully created in collaboration with four Guest Editors, award-winning songwriter Michelle Escoffery, punk feminist artist Stephanie Phillips, music archivist Jessie Bernard, and industry expert Ben Wynter, the 60-page magazine honours Black songwriters, Black music and Black culture. The collection of specially produced features explores themes ranging from representation and creativity, to opportunity and equity.
Michelle Escoffery paid tribute to Black women in music for her editorial takeover. Her interview with Skin, who rose to prominence as the lead singer of Skunk Anansie, features on the cover of this unique edition of M Magazine.
The first Black British woman to headline Glastonbury, Skin is the definition of the word trailblazer and has been shattering stereotypes since the early nineties. In the exclusive interview, Skin discusses her love of the London borough she grew up in, how her songwriting has developed and how authenticity is the key to success.
Stephanie Phillips explores why the next generation of indie and punk bands seem far more content to create music outside of what is expected from Black British musicians. Jesse Bernard’s commissions focussed on delving deeper into UK hip-hop, the history of soul music in Britain and how Dizzee Rascal’s Boy In Da Corner ushered in a new era of underground Black music. Ben Wynter’s editorial takeover shone a light on unsung heroes from across the music industry including Keith Harris OBE, Jackie Davidson MBE and Michael ‘Mickey D’ Davis.
PRS for Music represents the rights of over 150,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK and around the world. Published by PRS for Music, M Magazine is created to inspire and empower songwriters, musicians and industry leaders alike.
It's been a privilege to have been able to bring together such a rich, thought-provoking and important body of work alongside so many talented contributors. Our work to amplify Black voices in M will continue long past these 31 days.
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
