UK MUSIC: a new chapter for the UK’s commercial music industry

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ACADEMY ELECTIONS 2008

Academy Membership - "Members Area"

INDUSTRY ANNOUNCEMENT

UKMusic, a new umbrella organisation representing the collective interest of the UK's commercial music industry, is created. September 26th 2008 – Today marks the birth of UKMusic – a new umbrella organisation representing the collective interest of the UK’s commercial music industry, from artists, musicians, songwriters and composers, to major and independent record labels, managers, music publishers and collecting societies.

The new organisation will be headed by Feargal Sharkey (CEO) and Andy Heath (Chairman), formerly of British Music Rights (BMR).

Consequently, BMR will cease to exist. All BMR staff will now work for UKMusic.

The move follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] by representatives of the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters (BAC&S), BPI (British Recorded Music Industry) Limited, the MCPS-PRS Alliance (The Alliance), the Music Managers Forum (MMF), the Music Publishers Association Limited (MPA), the Musicians Union (MU) and Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL).

UKMusic will not impact on the existing activities of member organisations. All members will continue to represent their individual constituents.

UKMusic will act as the industry unit for:

• public policy and lobbying

• external awareness and public opinion

• research and analysis

• industry-relevant education and skills

Commented Feargal Sharkey: “From the talent and creativity of songwriters, composers, artists and musicians to the vital role played by publishers, management, record labels and collecting societies, all of us within the UK’s commercial music sector are bound by strong, interconnected relationships. Through UKMusic, we now have a collective vehicle to reflect and express this common ground.”

Added Andy Heath: “This is a hugely positive announcement. With such a broad and dynamic membership, UKMusic will meet 21st century challenges and expectations, and promote our fantastic industry with a clear and coherent voice.”

A full detailed launch programme will be announced in late October.