PRS for Music launch educational panels across the country as part of Independent Venue Week

Indie venues in Brighton, Cardiff, Sheffield and Sunderland partner with PRS for Music to host free educational events, open to all

In celebration of the important role that independent venues play in the success of songwriters, composers and performers, PRS for Music will host a series of educational panels across the country to help encourage and inform the next generation of artists.

Taking place as part of Independent Venue Week (IVW), 23-27 January, and open to all, the free talks will offer those aspiring to work in the music industry the chance to hear from major industry influencers as well as local artists and experts from PRS for Music, PPL and BASCA.

Four proudly independent venues with a history of supporting new artists at grassroots level will host the panels: Komedia in Brighton; The Big Top in Cardiff; Sheffield’s The Harley; and the Independent in Sunderland.

Professionals with hands-on experience from across the music business will explain the importance of protecting your music rights, as well as imparting valuable knowledge about the various ways that creating and performing music can generate an income.

Paul Clements, Commercial Director, PRS for Music: “We’re delighted to be hosting these panels in the very venues that play such a vital role in the development and growth of so many artists. From a first live gig, to a secret performance from a music legend, these independent venues are the creative spaces that help the UK music industry to flourish.”

Aram Stuart, Event Manager at the Independent, Sunderland: “It’s great that PRS for Music, PPL and Independent Venue Week, have teamed up to champion music venues and we’re delighted to host this panel. Venues like us always try to support artists so it’s great that we can offer an educational opportunity as well as hosting gigs during the week.”

Tom Brain, Programming Coordinator at Komedia, Brighton, said: “We care deeply about fostering the creative energy of local artists and we’re delighted to see PRS for Music, BASCA and Independent Venue Week support this, and the grassroots live sector.”

Kate Hewett, Promotor at The Harley, Sheffield: “We’re really pleased to host this panel on the music industry. Sheffield has such a magnificent music scene, so it’s great to see Independent Venue Week, PRS for Music and PPL partner up to host an event here and really support the local talent.”

Lloyd Griffiths, Events and Venue Manager, at The Big Top, Cardiff: “We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Independent Venue Week and PRS for Music and thank them for continuing to support live music and venues. We look forward to hosting their panel with BASCA and hope our local artists get a lot out of it.”

Panellist and singer-songwriter Martin Longstaff (The Lake Poets) said: “Education for artists like me has become more and more important in such a rapidly changing industry, so I’m proud to be taking part in this panel with PRS for Music and PPL who already do so much for music creators. Small music venues play such a vital role in the success of many artists, so the Independent, which is loved by so many, is the perfect place to hold this talk during Independent Venue Week.

For more info click HERE