Royalty Collection — Who Collects What
Understanding who collects your money is the first step to making sure you're not leaving anything on the table.
PRS for Music — Your Performing Rights
PRS for Music collects royalties when your music is performed publicly — broadcast on TV and radio, streamed online, played in venues, or performed live. If you're reading this, you're probably already a member.
- Getting Started as a Writer — essential guide to registering works and getting paid
- Registering Your Works — unregistered works earn zero royalties
- Royalty Payment Dates — the quarterly distribution schedule
- Report Live Performances — submit setlists from your gigs to get paid
- M Magazine — PRS members' magazine with business guides and industry features
For help reading your PRS statements, see our guide to understanding PRS royalty statements.
MCPS — Your Mechanical Rights
MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) collects royalties when your music is reproduced — CDs, vinyl, downloads, and certain streaming uses. It operates under the PRS for Music umbrella.
- PRS and MCPS Explained — what each collects and how they work together
- How Copyright Works — UK copyright law under the 1988 Act
We've written a detailed breakdown of PRS vs MCPS and what the difference means for you.
PPL — Your Performer Royalties
PPL is often confused with PRS, but they do different things. PPL collects royalties for performers and recording owners when recorded music is played in public or broadcast. If you perform on your own recordings, you should be a member of both PRS and PPL.
- Getting Started with PPL Royalties — how to join and what you can collect
- The Rights PPL Manages — clear breakdown of what they collect and what they don't
- How PPL Royalties Are Calculated — understanding your PPL payments
Advocacy and Representation
These organisations fight for songwriters' rights, set industry standards, and give you a collective voice.
The Ivors Academy
The Ivors Academy (formerly BASCA) is one of Europe's largest professional associations for music writers. They run the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, campaign for fair pay (including the #FixStreaming campaign), and provide networking and mentoring opportunities.
- The Ivors Awards — the most respected songwriting awards in the UK
- Fair Score Campaign — fighting for fair pay for screen composers
- Membership — the Discovery tier is free and gives you campaign updates and curated content
Musicians' Union
The Musicians' Union is the UK trade union for musicians, representing over 30,000 members. They provide contract advice, legal support, instrument insurance, and £10m public liability cover.
- Songwriting & Composing Advice — guidance on PRS/MCPS registration, royalty collection, and song share agreements
- Recording & Broadcasting Advice — studio work, copyright protection, and unpaid fee recovery
- Join the MU — membership options and pricing
UK Music
UK Music is the umbrella trade body for the entire UK music industry. They produce essential industry research and lobby government on policy affecting musicians.
- This Is Music 2025 — flagship report showing the UK music industry hit a record £8bn
- The Get Paid Guide — free video tutorials on IPI/CAE/ISWC/ISRC codes, registration, metadata, and share splits. Essential viewing.
- All Research Reports — industry data, AI impact studies, and more
Funding and Grants
There is real money available for UK songwriters and composers. Most of it goes unclaimed because people don't know it exists.
PRS Foundation
PRS Foundation is the UK's leading independent funder of new music. They are separate from PRS for Music itself.
- The Open Fund — up to £5,000 for creating, performing, and promoting new music in any genre
- The Hitmaker Fund — £5,000-£10,000 specifically for songwriters and producers in popular music
- Women Make Music — funding for women, trans, and non-binary music creators
- Application Deadlines — current open funding rounds
Help Musicians
Help Musicians is an independent charity supporting musicians at every stage of their career.
- Fast Track Award — up to £500 grants for seizing career opportunities
- Free Business Skills Workshops — online workshops on publishing, sync, contracts, and release planning
- Co-Pilot Mentoring — get paired with an experienced industry mentor
Sound and Music
Sound and Music is the national agency for new music in England, supported by Arts Council England.
- Essentials Fund — £250-£450 grants for tools, software, recording, courses, and mentoring
- In Motion — artist development programme for music creators ready to advance
- Opportunities Board — current commissions and open calls
Wellbeing and Mental Health
The music industry can be tough on mental health. These services are specifically designed for musicians.
Music Minds Matter
Run by Help Musicians, Music Minds Matter provides a 24/7 confidential helpline on 0808 802 8008 with BACP-accredited counsellors. PRS members receive complimentary counselling sessions. There are also peer support groups and online sessions available.
Education and Career Development
Music Publishers Association
The MPA represents UK music publishers. Their resources are useful for any songwriter wanting to understand how publishing works.
- Publishing FAQs — comprehensive Q&A covering what publishing is, how it works, and why it matters
- Music Publishing Careers — career pathways in publishing
- Publishing 101 Course — MPA's "Publishing Effect" course covering all aspects
Songwriting Magazine
Songwriting Magazine is the UK's dedicated publication for songwriters, offering craft tips, industry guides, and artist interviews.
- Tips & Guides — craft and business articles
- Writing Songs That Sync — practical advice on writing for film and TV
- Competitions — songwriting competitions and opportunities
Guild of International Songwriters & Composers
The Guild has supported songwriters since 1986 with practical services including consultancy, copyright registration, and song assessments.
- Songwriting Consultancy — one-to-one guidance on contracts, royalties, and publishers
- Free Copyright Service — copyright registration for members
- Music Publishing Guide — understanding publishers and publishing deals
Global Royalty Data
CISAC
CISAC is the global network of 228 authors' societies across 111 countries. PRS for Music is a CISAC member. Their reports show the worldwide picture of royalty collections.
- Global Collections Report 2025 — worldwide collections hit €14 billion in 2024, with digital revenues passing €5 billion for the first time
- All Reports & Research — data and studies on the global creative economy
- Free Education Resources — including MOOC courses on copyright and collective management