06/06/2019: Music trade organisations and charities have united in a bid to support UK artists and businesses impacted by the collapse of PledgeMusic.
Launching an impact assessment survey, the organisations hope to understand all those financially affected. The survey, hosted by the Musicians' Union (MU), can be accessed here and can be completed by individuals and businesses. The survey closes at 12pm on Tuesday 25th June.
The survey is promoted jointly by UK Music, Music Managers Forum, Musicians' Union, the Association of Independent Music, Help Musicians UK, PRS Foundation and International Showcase Fund partners, including British Underground, PRS Members’ Fund, the Music Producers Guild, The Ivor’s Academy, Featured Artists Coalition, Music Support, and the BPI.
Information provided by the survey will help industry better understand the scale of the fallout from PledgeMusic's collapse and help ensure artists and businesses are given the support they require.
The organisations have published the following joint statement:
“As organisations who want to see the music industry thrive, we are deeply disappointed that PledgeMusic has announced its bankruptcy leaving artists and fans out of pocket and with little communication or advice on how to deal with campaign disruption.
“The failure of PledgeMusic to appropriately ring-fence artist and fan money has the potential to damage artists’ careers and their relationships with fans and fellow creators if they can’t deliver on stalled campaigns.
“Individually, each of our organisations have been working hard to support our members during this difficult time. However, in order to consider collective action we have launched an industry-wide survey to assess the impact of the PledgeMusic closure.”
The survey is backed by UK band Jesus Jones, who used PledgeMusic to fund release of their album Voyages, and have subsequently helped spearhead the artist community’s reaction to the platform’s collapse.
Jesus Jones said:
“As a band who've been affected by the collapse of PledgeMusic, it's really gratifying to see a strong industry-wide response taking place.
“As artists, as fans, as people who've come to realise the potential strength of crowdfunding, it's vital that we all stand together, and rebuild confidence – and also seek to ensure that Pledge are held accountable for betraying such a vital bond of trust.”
UK Music called on Small Business and Consumer Minister Kelly Tolhurst to refer PledgeMusic to watchdogs at the Competition and Markets Authority. You can read the letter here.
CEO of UK Music Michael Dugher said:
“Crowdfunding platforms like PledgeMusic play a crucial role in nurturing the talent pipeline which a vital part of the music industry’s eco-system.
“UK Music has raised this issue with the Government and with MPs. We are determined to keep up the pressure so we can try to avoid a repeat of this appalling situation that has such a serious impact on so many musicians, artists and creators.”
Nicky Carder from the Music Managers Forum said:
“Since the announcement of the PledgeMusic bankruptcy, we have had numerous calls from members whose artists have been impacted.
“We urge all UK artists affected to fill out the survey, so the industry can work collectively to assess what next steps can be taken.”
Fill out the survery here.
Accessing further support:
If you belong to any of the membership organisations listed above, you can get in touch with them directly for additional help and advice. You do not need to be a member of any of the listed organisations to contribute to the survey.
The Association of Independent Music has published general guidance for those affected by the closure of PledgeMusic here.
If you are in financial crisis and in need of immediate support (including debt support), please contact Help Musicians UK: www.helpmusicians.org.uk
Help Musicians UK also run a helpline offering mental health support: www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
Music Support is a registered UK charity providing help and support for individuals in any area of the UK music industry affected by mental health issues, addiction or emotional and behavioural health disorders. Freephone helpline: 0800 030 6789 (24hr) / www.musicsupport.org
Read more here
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