PPL, the UK’s music licensing company for recorded music, distributed over GBP £103.7 million to more than 133,000 performers and recording rightsholders in the second quarter of 2024.
That equates to approximately USD $131.5 million at the average exchange rate during the quarter.
The figure marks a 6% year-on-year increase and is and the first time PPL has surpassed the £100 million mark in a single distribution, the 90-year old organization said Friday (June 28).
The distribution included 1,200 members who received their first-ever payment from PPL. The organization reported increased revenue from public performance licensing, particularly in DJ sets and discos, and improved global data exchange that led to higher payouts from international collections.
In the first quarter, PPL paid out £17.4 million ($21.5 million) in international neighboring rights to over 26,000 performers and recording rightsholders in the UK and around the world.
PPL says its network of over 110 international agreements has resulted in a 13% increase in international monies distributed year-on-year. Performers will also receive their first payout from Guatemala in this distribution. Notably, 33% of these international funds stem from pre-2022 collections, made possible by advancements in global music data management led by the Virtual Repertoire Database (VRDB).
“The work that PPL does helps me greatly by making sure that I am maximizing my music rights collections in airplay and public performances around the world, which has allowed me to further invest in my live shows and deliver the best possible events I can for my fans.”
Joel Corry, DJ & Producer
PPL attributed the growth in Q2 to a combination of factors including the implementation of a new public performance tariff in 2023 and ongoing improvements in the way recording metadata is shared globally.
Launched in January 2023, the new public performance tariff called the Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) tariff, is negotiated in partnership with industry bodies with a phased roll-out. The SFE tariff licenses recorded music use in pubs, bars, and nightclubs. Money distributed from the SFE tariff rose by 20% compared to the previous year, PPL said.
PPL’s latest report revealed that dance music continues to be a major revenue driver, with artists like Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, Jax Jones, Ella Henderson, MNEK and Becky Hill consistently appearing in PPL’s most-played charts.
“As we head into the summer festival season, I need to be completely focused on making the best music and experience for my fans,” said artist Joel Corry, a frequent visitor to the charts who worked with David Guetta and Raye on the track Bed.
“We continue to invest in data, technology and partnerships that derive value for our members and partners globally, helping ensure performers and recording rights holders are compensated when their music is broadcast or used in public places.”
Chris Barton, PPL
“The work that PPL does helps me greatly by making sure that I am maximizing my music rights collections in airplay and public performances around the world, which has allowed me to further invest in my live shows and deliver the best possible events I can for my fans. Big thanks to PPL for all the continued advocacy and hard work, bring on summer 2024!”
“It is encouraging to reach this milestone and deliver over £100 million to our members in this June distribution,” PPL CFO Chris Barton said.
“As we celebrate our 90th year, our commitment to our members and our strategic focus on innovation and collaboration has not waned. We continue to invest in data, technology and partnerships that derive value for our members and partners globally, helping ensure performers and recording rights holders are compensated when their music is broadcast or used in public places.”
Music Business Worldwide
