Sound Futures: how can the music industry help prison leavers take their next step?

As the music industry strives towards achieving greater transparency and diversity, as well as a more visible commitment to the care of music creators, it’s no surprise that the community has become more involved in addressing difficult social issues.

PRS for Music is no exception, with the organisation hosting its latest outreach event, Sound Futures, at its London hub last week. Developed in partnership with Dr Jacqui Norton and Megg Nicol — who co-write and present The Lyrics, The Music and The Money!, the Arts Council England-funded in-cell prison TV series about the music industry — Sound Futures’ panel discussion and subsequent networking session provided invitees with tips and advice on how to navigate the music industry following their release from prison.

The issues of rehabilitation and post-prison life are arguably more important than ever. According to new statistics shared earlier this month by the Ministry of Justice, England and Wales’ prison population in 2024 totalled around 87,000 — the highest level recorded since 1900. This data follows on from a previous MoJ report in 2025, which found that 31% of prison leavers find employment six months after their release from custody.

This all brings added significance to the positive work being done in the sector by Jacqui and Megg. With over 40 years of experience in the music industry between them, Jacqui — Associate Professor in Arts and Festivals Management at De Montfort University and a music business consultant — and Classical Ivor Novello Award-nominated songwriter Megg have long identified how music can offer many prison leavers the chance of a much-needed fresh start upon their release.

'There are other amazing [music] workshops, but our unique selling point is that no one else talks about the business.’ - Dr Jacqui Norton

 

In a bid to deliver real insight into the industry, particularly in terms of the business side and its employability, the pair produced a recorded version of Jacqui’s 2006-founded music business course The Lyrics, The Music and The Money! Initially recorded on Zoom during the pandemic, the first season was broadcast on WayOut TV, the in-cell television channel, across 62 prisons in the UK with a potential audience reach of 41,000.

‘We are a first,’ Jacqui tells M about the series. ‘Principally, this is a series about the business [of music]. There are other amazing workshops, but our unique selling point is that no one else talks about the business.’

Focusing on such topics as copyright, potential career pathways and royalties, the first season also included input from such industry experts as Stuart Belsham, Writer Relationship Manager at PRS for Music.

‘Coming out of prison isn’t easy, but having something to work towards certainly helps,’ Megg says. ‘By showing someone that their creativity has value, hopefully they will feel valued too and be able to contribute to a community beyond the wall.’

The Lyrics, The Music and The Money! has gone from strength to strength. Funded by Arts Council England, its second season in 2023 was broadcast in 77 prisons (potentially reaching 58,000 prisoners) and a third season has since been commissioned. That next block of episodes will provide an in-depth look into the ecosystem behind today’s live music industry, and the unsung professionals whose skills, creativity and commitment help bring gigs, concerts, tours and festivals to life. There will also be a particular emphasis throughout this new season on exploring the entry level job opportunities that support this industry.

Supporting the series is a workbook which prisoners complete in their own time, with a certificate being issued on its successful completion. Jacqui and Megg have also visited several prisons to stage in-person workshops, where successful sessions can generate an inspiring sense of community for prisoners longing to feel they have something to offer.

‘One person asked us if this was the same kind of workshop we offer outside the wall [prison],’ Megg recalls. ‘When we told the group it was, they were delighted.’

'Coming out of prison isn’t easy, but having something to work towards certainly helps.' - Megg Nicol

 

As well as Arts Council England, the third season of The Lyrics, The Music and The Money! is being supported by PRS for Music. The educational aspect of the series was brought to life last week during Sound Futures — the first event of its kind to be held in England — which featured an expert panel comprising PRS’s Stuart, Graham Jackson (Musicians’ Union), Jon Hutchinson (PPL) and John Logan (PRS Members’ Fund). Many music organisations already work with both offenders and prison leavers, but the key is equipping the latter with the knowledge and confidence of where to go and what to do with music upon their release. For instance, what are the potential income streams for songwriters at grassroots level? Who are PRS for Music and PPL? Where do you turn if the going gets tough?

‘We deliberately didn’t invite record labels or publishing companies to Sound Futures,’ Megg explains. ‘[The event] wasn’t designed to give people the sense they might get signed [just by attending]. It’s about providing pathways to employment and learning about how to engage with the industry.’

It’s an approach that appears to be working. Speaking at Sound Futures, one prison leaver said: ‘I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend this event. I learned so much about the benefits and importance of registering my work and performances with PRS and other organisations. Being able to speak with industry professionals was invaluable and so insightful, plus having the opportunity to network and speak one-to-one with the other guests was great.’

For PRS’s Stuart, such events can be game-changing for attendees in terms of their respective educational and networking impacts.

‘Real change starts when people are given the chance to be heard. At PRS for Music, creating those moments is something we’re deeply passionate about,’ he tells M. ‘Sound Futures puts inclusion and belonging at its core, enabling songwriters and composers to feel seen, supported and inspired. Hosting this event at our offices provided a springboard for connection with industry professionals and helped attendees discover the pathways that can turn ambition into a future in the music industry.’

‘Sound Futures puts inclusion and belonging at its core, enabling songwriters and composers to feel seen, supported and inspired.' - Stuart Belsham, PRS for Music

This ethos tallies with Jacqui and Megg’s joint outlook — their motto is ‘Educate, Mentor, Inspire’ — with the pair pushing for the industry to further engage with the prison leaver community. This includes job recruitment, where, Jacqui notes, more attention should be paid to an individual’s actual skills over their background.

‘It’s about showcasing how you can potentially earn money,’ she continues. ‘There’s lots the industry can do in this regard. We’ve worked with prison leavers who could be utilised as [case studies] for joining the industry.’

The industry is well-placed to offer prison leavers both support and opportunities, Megg adds: ‘If we can integrate people back into the industry and welcome them in, as PRS for Music have done, then that all helps.’

If you'd like to find out more about supporting The Lyrics, The Music and The Money!, you can email Jacqui and Megg, or visit Megg's website.