PPL has made a record-high quarterly payment of £98 million to more than 121,000 performers and recording rightsholders, in its second distribution of the year.
The figure represents a rise of 37% year-on-year from the £71.3 million paid out in June 2022, with income growing across all areas of UK licensing after revenues were affected in the previous two years by the pandemic. The payment represents the largest amount ever paid out in a single distribution by PPL. It is comprised of collections from the licensing and use of recorded music both in the UK and internationally.
Furthermore, the distribution also marks the largest number of performers and recording rightsholders to receive a payment in June, either as a direct member of PPL or via another collective management organisation (CMO) with which PPL has an agreement.
These quarterly all-time highs have been achieved in the wake of record annual results for the company in 2022, when it delivered the highest level of revenue in its 89-year history.
Included within the distribution total is revenue from the licensing of music videos via PPL’s sister company, VPL, when they are played in public. Just over £2.5 million was paid out to recording rightsholders.
While pop songs and artists remain the biggest earners, classical music is holding its own across the country, with revenues growing year-on-year. Over £5 million of the overall UK money distributed by PPL for 2022 went to classical performers and recording rightsholders – an increase of over 50% since 2017. This includes £3.2 million paid to around 28,000 members in this payment.
In a move to continue growing relationships within the classical genre, PPL recently appointed specialist George Prince to a role focused on the genre.
Ayanna Witter-Johnson, a PPL member and the 2023 Silver Clef Classical Award-winning British singer, songwriter, pianist, and cellist, said: “Making a living from music is a dream for many musicians, and it’s something that I’m proud to say has become a reality for me. It hasn’t been easy - getting here has required a long-term commitment, an investment of time and money, and many sacrifices. That’s why it’s reassuring to know that thanks to the efforts of the team at PPL, our hard work as musicians will be rewarded.”
Christine Geissmar, PPL’s chief operating officer, said: “This record June distribution demonstrates the high demand for the music we are proud to represent. Our success is built on a network of strong relationships with the people who work so hard to create and market British music. The global financial rewards and cultural standing achieved by this country’s music industry reflects that effort. We are proud to be supporting performers and recording rightsholders all over the world by ensuring they are fairly paid for their output.
“These outstanding results are also testament to the quality of our team, which uses its expertise and deep understanding of innovative technology to help us to identify and pay rightsholders and performers for their work.”