MMF’s new report tackles producer and songwriter management

The report follows the MMF’s 2019 publication Managing Expectations report. It aims to foster a better understanding of the part of music management, as well as to prompt all labels and publishers to join the government’s Prompt Payment Code. The study is based on research and interviews with managers of key songwriters and producers, including Problem Child’s Chris Grey, Decibelle Management’s Hannah Joseph, Karma Artists’ Jordan Jay and Milk & Honey’s Harry S Knyt, among many more.

Managing Expectations: Producer and Songwriter Manager Edition offers four key recommendations: For the MMF to further support the diversification of skills development for songwriter and producer management and increase advocacy for their contribution; for industry partners especially labels and music publishers to sign up to the Government’s Prompt Payment Code aimed at supporting the sustainability of small businesses and freelancers; for wider support of streaming market reforms, including an overhaul of ‘black box and unallocated’ distributions and to dismantle cumbersome so-called royalty chains that diminish songwriter and producer payments; to work with members of the Council of Music Makers to promote greater business sustainability, especially around issues of wealth management, financial planning and pensions.

“After publishing our landmark Managing Expectations report in 2019, the MMF felt the work of specialist writer and producer managers was deserving of some specific and additional focus,” MMF CEO Annabella Coldrick said. “These individuals are absolutely crucial to the smooth running of the streaming economy, and yet there’s a real lack of understanding about what they actually do. We hope this report helps demystify their role, and also raise important recommendations to better sustain and support their businesses. At the very least, we'd love every UK label and publisher to sign up to the Government's Prompt Payment Code and ensure they’re paid on time.”

Karma Artists Music Group director Jordan Jay said: “The MMF's Managing Expectations report raises some incredibly important recommendations that we as a company welcome wholeheartedly. For many writer/producer managers, it’s incredibly frustrating how often payments for our clients are delayed for a considerable time, and how simple accounting procedures are frequently not present. There’s also a lack of transparency or clear information within royalty statements.

“Ultimately without songwriters and producers, there is simply no music business. I really hope that the great work the MMF are doing is taken notice of and reform can happen so we are able to give creatives the sustainable career they deserve, as well as showing developing songwriters and producers that it is possible to make a living for themselves in the music business."

The MMF plans to discuss the report further via a free online event scheduled for 17 January 2022. More details will be released in the new year.

Read the full report here.