The Guild of International Songwriters & Composers
Sovereign House
12 Trewartha Road, Praa Sands, Penzance, Cornwall TR20 9ST England.
Telephone: 01736 762826 - Fax: 01736 763328 - Email: songmag@aol.com
Website:www.songwriters-guild.co.uk

THE GUILD OF INTERNATIONAL
SONGWRITERS & COMPOSERS

The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers traces its origins back to 1938 when it was originally a society of members founded by a number of songwriter musicians in order to assist each other with the development of their songwriting and musicianship. It formerly retained a private membership and had a policy of non-expansion into commercial realms, which it retained until the death of its founder in April 1986. Original membership was only available to a limited number of applicants and entry was by recommendation by an existing member then being seconded by another member.

The Guild of International Songwriters & Composers structure and policies were changed in 1986 to meet the criteria of today’s demanding needs of songwriters, composers, lyricists, musicians, performing songwriters and artistes within the music industry. The Guild of International Songwriters & Composers membership is open to all songwriters, composers, lyricists, poets, musicians, performing songwriters, artistes, producers, managers, music industry personnel, recording studio owners, film and video producers, in fact any person connected with the music industry and wishing to progress within the music industry - from the beginner to the amateur to the semi-professional through to the professional - with all members being treated equally, no matter at what level they are working.

The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers is recognised as an established music industry organisation of respect for many years, and we pride ourselves in being able to help our members in the many aspects of the music industry and pursuit of members’ songwriting and composing ambitions.

The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers being an established, recognised music industry organisation of longeveity and repute, will give you, as a songwriting member, confidence in knowing that your songwriting, composing, musical and performing requirements relating to the services as outlined within this website will be given when you require our support, help, assistance and information on matters relating to the music industry.

PLEASE NOTE: IMPORTANT

The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers is a UK based international songwriting organisation with members in many countries throughout the world. The Guild is NOT associated with any other songwriting organisations, based in the UK or elsewhere, which may try to imitate the Guild by offering information and services to songwriters, composers, lyricists, performing songwriters and music industry personnel, etc. The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers has published Songwriting and Composing Magazine quarterly since 1986 and throughout each year the magazine contains reviews, profiles and information on record companies, music publishers, management companies, artistes, Guild members profiles, song contests, publishing and recording opportunities, contact names and addresses of music publishers, record companies, etc, along with the Topics News and Songsearch section, outlining artistes and companies looking for new songs, instrumental library music, musical works and artistes to work with.

The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers is the ONLY songwriting organisation operating from offices in England in the the UK offering the services on an international basis as outlined within this website. The music industry is full of sharks so, providing you do not part with any money or sign any contracts unless you are entirely satisfied with whom you are dealing, then you cannot be ripped off. As a Guild member you will have access to an established organisation and to all the services the Guild offers.

It is in the interest of all songwriters and composers to be aware of any implications which may exist when dealing with any company or person using an accommodation address and telephone number (where they do not actually exist or operate from), or hiding behind the anonymity of an Internet website where direct contact cannot be made.

The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers exists to give professional services and advice, as outlined in this web site, and any Guild publications, and endeavours to assist and safeguard its members in all aspects of the music industry.

The Guild of International Songwriters & Composers is a UK based international songwriting music industry organisation for songwriters, composers and performers.
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A successful 2011 for songwriters' songwriting royalties

MCPS/PRS (PRSforMusic) royalties increased 45.3% in 2011 to £38.5m

Over £545m of songwriting and publishing royalties were paid to PRSforMusic songwriter, composer and publisher members in 2010. For the first time PRSforMusic's revenue has topped £600 million, which is an amazing achievement. PRSforMusic’s record results have seen: Licensing revenue growth of 8% on 2009. Double digit growth in three of our four licensing areas effective licensing of new online services Growth of 9% in net distributable revenue on 2008.

The PRSforMusic's July 2011 distribution totalled just over £91million. In total the PRSforMusic July 2011 distribution contained more than 2,274 separate usage sources, generating 126million transactions. There were some 35million unique performanmces during the quarter made up of 674,905 distinct works to include Guild members works.

The PRSforMusic October 2011 royalty distribution totalled just over £127 million to its publisher and writer members. In total the October 2011 royalty distribution contains more than 2,400 separate usage sources, generating 109 million transactions. There were some 37 million unique performances during the quarter, made up of more than 8000,000 distinct works.

MCPS/PRS (PRSforMusic) who represents 85,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK saw royalty collections rose 3.2% to £630.8m last year after a surge in revenues from overseas and digital services. As part of this uplift money from services including itunes , Spotify, Amazon and we7 increased 45.3% in 2011 to £38.5m and made up a record 6% of total PRS collections. The licensing of new digital services enabled PRSforMusic to pay additional royalties to their members last year.

Newly-announced figures also reveal there was a big increase in money collected for the use of UK music overseas with this sum rising 10.6% to £187.7m. The lift came on the back of successes by British songwriters such as Adele, Taio Cruz and Coldplay last year as well as improvements in working with overseas collecting societies to collect what was owed.
Royalties from live music were up 8.2% to £225.5m, helped by the likes of the UK festival market and Take That’s Progress Live stadium tour, while money brought in from businesses such as shops, pubs, hotels, restaurants and work places for publicly playing music went up 0.9% to £131.4m. Broadcast income increased 1.2% to £149.0m with the only area of business experiencing a fall being recorded media. Here royalties fell 13.3% on the year to £101.6m with royalties from CDs, DVDs and covermounts all dropping.

The licensed digital market is now delivering a significant income stream for MCPS/PRS (PRSforMusic's) writer, composer and publisher members.

Songwriting and publishing royalties are a substantial source of income.

Link to the Guild as a friend on myspace - visit: myspace.com/guildofsongwriters

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