I had my first national radio play not so long ago, and again last week (finally!
) and it dawned on me that I should be getting paid for it. Granted, it's only something like £2.90 per minute (max) for BBC regional/welsh radio stations, but it's still something. So I signed up to PRS, and I suggest that all of you who have music out there be doing the same, especially if you're unsigned and sending demo's all over the place, because no-one else is going to get that cash for ya! Say you send a track to, let's say, Huw Stephens at Radio 1 or whatever, he likes it, plays it, you tell all your friends and you feel well chuffed. BBC isn't going to send you a cheque (it's £16 per minute for Radio 1 I believe), it's down to you to sign up to PRS and make sure they get that playlist with your track on it. After all, it's rightfully yours!
Thing is, what happens with internet radio shows and streaming websites? What happens if another DJ plays your track at a club that is PRS registered? All these and more are revenue streams and if you're not chasing it up you're chucking your moolah away!
It doesn't take long to sign up and it only costs a tenner, and if you're serious about getting out there and becoming a paid musician then sign up mofo's!
There's a lot of talk at the moment too about how regional musics are losing out big time, because all the collections agencies are London based and therefore sucking a lot of cash from the regions. There's rumours that there could soon be a dedicated Welsh PRS, and more regional PRS's to follow. What's your opinions on this?
I personally would welcome one, as I would also welcome a state funded regional record label that could compete with major labels - major labels who take most of their cash to London and NY, therefore depriving local areas from re-investing in their culture. Because, let's face it, the majority of cash from music goes straight to London based firms.
Granted, Indy labels do sterling work, but the majority of them could never compete with the likes of the "big four".
Thoughts?
