PRS for Music announce new initiatives in Malta

As part of the PRS for Music’s commitment to providing the best service for its Maltese members the society has announced today the introduction of three new initiatives for 2010

• Appointment of a Malta member representative - Martin Pursey
• Launch of the Small Gigs & Clubs scheme within the country
• An extension of the work of the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund

Martin Pursey has joined as member representative specifically for Maltese writers, composers and music publishers and is based in the country.   Martin who has worked in a range of roles within industry will be working on a part time basis with PRS for Music.  Martin has considerable experience with music royalties and licensing having worked at EMI Music Publishing where he was responsible for negotiating live, publishing and record licensing for a series of internationally known songwriters and composers including Kate Bush, Queen and Blondie. 

In his role as member representative Martin will be working with Maltese members to ensure that their concerns are properly represented and addressed.  He will also work in partnership with the PRS for Music licensing representatives in Malta - Dingli & Co International - complementing the work they have done in licensing more music users and communicating the work of the organisation to the Maltese audience. 

PRS for Music is also pleased to announce the launch of its Small Gigs & Clubs scheme to make performance royalties from pubs and clubs more efficient for Maltese members.  The scheme, which comes into effect from May, replaces the current arrangement where members provided paper notification of live performances to the local agent. 

From May onward if a member has performed at a pub, club, bar, community centre or hotel in the previous year they will only need to submit a core set list online and PRS for Music will pay the songwriters/publishers of the works performed.  The scheme covers touring performers, resident performers and DJs. 

PRS for Music is also reaching out to any specific cases of financial hardship in Malta. The PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund provides financial help to members and former members of PRS for Music helping those who are unable to work because of illness, accidents, disability or those who may find things more difficult as they get older.  Details of the work of the fund can be found on their website prsformusicfund.com or by calling confidentially on 00 44 207 306 4067. 

Malta Music Showcase

PRS for Music is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with the Hard Rock Cafe in this, their tenth year in Malta, to present an evening of great Maltese music.   The Malta Music Showcase takes place on Tuesday 4th May and features No Bling, 6th Simfoni, Chasing Pandora and For Strings Inn.

Further details: 

8.30 – 11.30pm 
Admission is free and open to everyone.
Hard Rock Cafe, Bay Street, Malta