An artist mid-performance. Photo: Shutterstock
The information provided by the survey will help industry better understand the scale of the fallout from Pledge's collapse and help ensure artists and businesses are given the support they require.
The MU will be hosting the survey, which will close at 12:00 pm on Tuesday 25 June, and should be completed by individuals and businesses alike.
If you have been affected, please complete the survey here.
Artists and fans left out of pocket
The organisations which the MU has united with in this bid are UK Music, Music Managers Forum, the Association of Independent Music, Help Musicians UK, PRS Foundation and International Showcase Fund partners, including British Underground, PRS Members’ Fund, the Music Producers Guild, The Ivor’s Academy, Featured Artists Coalition, Music Support, and the BPI.
Together we have launched the following joint statement:
"As organisations who want to see the music industry thrive, we are deeply disappointed that PledgeMusic has announced its bankruptcy leaving artists and fans out of pocket and with little communication or advice on how to deal with campaign disruption.
“The failure of PledgeMusic to appropriately ring-fence artist and fan money has the potential to damage artists’ careers and their relationships with fans and fellow creators if they can’t deliver on stalled campaigns.
“Individually, each of our organisations have been working hard to support our members during this difficult time. However, in order to consider collective action we have launched an industry-wide survey to assess the impact of the PledgeMusic closure.”
Safeguarding to ensure this can’t happen again
MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl added:
“It’s beyond disappointing about PledgeMusic’s demise. Crowdfunding, when it works, is such a great way for artists to engage directly with fans and access funds to record or tour.
“Firstly, our concern is with those musicians and fans who’ve lost money and we’d encourage all affected musicians to contribute to the industry survey.
“On a longer term basis, I hope this incident doesn’t undermine trust in the crowdfunding model. We will be working to ensure there are safeguards in place to ensure this can’t happen again.”
Further actions
Alongside the survey, industry umbrella body UK Music, of which the MU is a part, is seeking an investigation from the Competition and Markets Authority in relation to PledgeMusic and is raising the case with Ministers and MPs to identify steps to ensure this perilous situation is not repeated in the future.
The MU has been working with individual members who have had funds withheld on a case-to-case basis. Members who have been affected but have not yet been in touch are advised to get in contact with their Regional Office.
The Association of Independent Music has published general guidance for those affected by the closure of PledgeMusic which you can read on their website.
If you are in financial crisis and in need of immediate support (including debt support), please contact Help Musicians UK.
Help Musicians UK also run a helpline offering mental health support, find out more on the Music Minds Matter website.
Music Support is a registered UK charity providing help and support for individuals in any area of the UK music industry affected by mental health issues, addiction or emotional and behavioural health disorders. Freephone helpline: 0800 030 6789 (24hr) or visit their website.