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Who we are

The FAC is a  voice for featured artists in the changing music industry

1. What are the big goals that the FAC works for?

  • Fairness – We’re committed to seeing artists receive a fair deal
  • Transparency -  Artists deserve to know what’s happening with their work
  • Equality – Artists should be treated like equal partners in all the business deals they participate in

2. What does the FAC actually do?

  • Represents the interests of Featured Artists within the national and European political arenas when relevant issues such as copyright law, music licensing etc are being debated
  • Guides artists through the complexity of the technology landscape and the modern music industry
  • Matches artists with  companies that can provide valuable services
  • Provides help and advice on new technologies
  • Negotiates with companies to secure favourable terms for all FAC artists
  • Connects  artists to other artists
  • Organizes events where artists  can share their experience
  • Creates opportunities for artists to meet and support each other locally
  • Helps artists find a balance between  creativity and business

3.      How is the FAC structured and funded?

  • The FAC is a not-for profit organisation formed in March 2009
  • It has currently one full-time staff member and a number of advisors
  • It’s funded by contributions from its members

4.      What does it cost to join?

  • The Full membership fee is 5% of an artist’s  UK PPL performer earnings – this means that what you contribute varies according to how much your music is played in public

5.      Why the 5%?

  • Simplicity – making your contribution is easy. PPL will simply deduct the 5% from your earnings and that’s it
  • It’s fair – artists whose work is earning more, contribute more
  • There is an option for artists to cap the amount of PPL they can pay to the FAC in a year should they wish to do so.

    • 6. What if I am not a member of the PPL?

    • The FAC has recently introduced a new “Basic Member” tier, which is a flat fee of £25 per year, designed for student bands, upcoming acts and other featured artists who are not currently PPL members.

    7.      How do I join?

    8.      What if I want to talk it all over?

    • If you are not sure, please join us at one of our events, write to us or speak to your manager.

    9.      What else does FAC do?

    The FAC works closely with the MMF and the MU on:

    • legislative and policy issues,
    • internal industry negotiations
    • developing commercial services that can help artists and fund the work of the FAC

    10.      What is a Featured Artist?

    • Featured Artists are the performers that are generally considered to form a band (i.e. the individuals that make up Radiohead) or that are understood to be a singer/solo performer (i.e. Billy Bragg or Annie Lennox).

    The FAC’s Board of Directors are:

    Billy Bragg
    Kate Nash
    Master Shortie
    Ed O’Brien (Radiohead)
    Dave Rowntree (Blur)
    Howard Jones
    Mark Kelly (Marillion)
    Hal Ritson (The Young Punx)
    Sandie Shaw
    Annie Lennox
    Nick Mason (Pink Floyd)
    Lucy Pullin (The Fire Escapes)
    Ross Millard (The Futureheads)
    Fran Healy (Travis)
    Rumer
    Chris Difford (Squeeze)
    Crispin Hunt (The Longpigs)

    Sandie Shaw, FAC Executive Chair: “We aim to re-invigorate the entire music industry by putting the interests of artists and creators at the centre where they belong.” Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), FAC co-Chair: “What the FAC does is both unique and important. It’s equally as valuable to old and wrinkly rock drummers, current young super stars, and start-up bands hoping to have a career in music. In the immortal words of Bernie Ecclestone, ‘if we don’t have a voice at the table, we may be on the menu…” Billy Bragg, FAC board member: “The aim of the FAC is to help more artists make a living doing what they love on their own terms. I hope you will join us in our poineering effort.”