skip to main content

Session Fund

After the fiftieth year following the publication of a sound recording, session musicians (musicians who transferred their rights to the producer of the sound recording for a single payment) are entitled to an equal share of 20% of gross revenues from physical and online sales of the recording.

Last updated: 07 January 2021

The legislation states that a musician cannot waive the right to this income.

What if I haven’t received any Session Fund Payments?

If you are a session musician who performed on recordings published between 50 and 70 years ago but have not received any payments from the Session Fund, you should contact PPL to ensure you are linked to the relevant recording(s).

If PPL has not received a contribution to the fund from the producer in relation to the relevant recording(s), the legislation provides that the musician may request in writing any relevant information in their possession.

The producer must respond with the requested information within 90 days, and a musician may apply to the County Court (or the Sheriff in Scotland) if the producer does not comply within the timescale.

If you encounter difficulties with records labels then please alert the MU as soon as possible so we can assist you.