This introductory episode of the new series of PCAM podcasts explores the origins of the organisation, what it has achieved in regulating the Applied Music industry, what it offers its members, and the challenges it faces in dealing with an ever-changing and evolving professional, industrial and technological landscape.

The contributors are PCAM Chair, Paul Reynolds (Senior VP, Massive Music) and PCAM director, composer and producer, Chris Smith (The Barbershop Music Co).

The host and moderator is composer and sound designer, Bankey Ojo.

Resource references include:

PCAM - https://www.pcam.co.uk/
The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) - https://ipa.co.uk
The European Composer & Songwriter Alliance (ECSA) - https://composeralliance.org
PRS For Music - https://www.prsformusic.com
Forever Audio - https://foreveraudio.com/

There & Then to Here & Now - What is PCAM Today

This PCAM podcast episode features a discussion with three industry experts - Rachel Menzies (BMG), Greg Owens (GAS Music), and Sam Heath (Sounds Like These) - who share advice for aspiring media composers trying to break into the industry. Topics covered include building relationships, creating a strong portfolio, understanding contracts, pricing work appropriately, dealing with criticism, and continuing to develop your craft.

Host - Paul Reynolds (MassiveMusic)  

Resources mentioned that can provide further guidance include; 

PCAM - https://www.pcam.co.uk/
PRS for Music - https://www.prsformusic.com/
Ivors Academy - https://ivorsacademy.com/
Forever Audio - https://foreveraudio.com/

Can you hear me knocking - How to Get into the Industry

This episode of the new series of PCAM podcasts explores the subject of music royalties and publishing, how income is derived and how to manage your copyrights, in a conversation between legal and publishing expert, George Hyde (Music Affairs) and PCAM Chair, Paul Reynolds (Senior VP, Massive Music).

This episode is hosted and moderated by PCAM director, composer and producer, Chris Smith (The Barbershop Music Co).

Resource References include:

PRS For Music:  https://www.prsformusic.com/
PCAM: https://www.pcam.co.uk/
Musicians Union: htpps://www.musiciansunion.org.uk
The Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS): https://www.prsformusic.com/
Broadcast Music Inc (BMI): https://www.bmi.com/
American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP): htpps://www.ascap.com
Forever Audio: https://foreveraudio.com/

Show Me the Money Part 1 - Publishing & Royalties

In this episode of the PCAM Podcasts we explore the briefing process for both short form and long form projects, how briefing has changed over the years, how to get the most out of the briefing process and the benefits of forming collaborative creative relationships with clients.

Taking part in the conversation are PCAM Chair, Paul Reynolds (Senior VP, Massive Music), Sam Heath (Exec Creative Producer, Sounds Like These) and Bankey Ojo, composer and sound designer.

The host and moderator is PCAM director, composer and producer, Chris Smith (The Barbershop Music Co).

Reference resources:
PCAM - https://pcam.co.uk
Forever Audio - https://foreveraudio.com

One Bite of the Cherry - Responding to a Brief

In this PCAM podcast we discuss the important subject of how to construct, negotiate and justify a music budget, how to interrogate a fixed budget to ensure it is sufficient to do the job and the framework that PCAM provides to enable a detailed budget to be properly calculated and presented to client.

Taking part in this conversation are freelance composer & sound designer, Bankey Ojo, Sam Heat (Exec Creative Producer at Sounds Like These) and PCAM director, composer & producer, Chris Smith (MD, The Barbershop Music Co).

This episode is hosted and moderated by Gerg Owens (Creative Director at Gas Music).

Resource References include:

The Musicians Union - https://musiciansunion.org.uk
PCAM - https://pcam.co.uk
PRS Member Services - https://prsformusic.com
Forever Audio - https://foreveraudio.com
SCOREcast - Facebook/SCOREcast: London

Show Me The Money Pt 2 - Budgeting

perils and pitfalls to avoid, tips for managing client expectations, the role of the musicologist and the potential impact of AI.

Participating in the conversation are composer and producer Simon Elms (Eclectic Sounds), PCAM director, composer and producer Chris Smith (The Barbershop Music Co) and Greg Owens (Creative Director, Gas Music).

This episode is hosted and moderated by PCAM Chair, Paul Reynolds (Senior VP, Massive Music).

Resource References include:

PRS For Music:  htpps://www.prsformusic.com
PCAM: htpps://www.pcam.co.uk

The Minefield That Is … Soundalikes

This podcast takes a look at why PCAM was first formed, what it exists to do and the role it plays in the industry today.

PCAM Podcast 1 - What Is PCAM?

Why should you always ask for a demo fee?
What’s the effect on the industry if you continue to not ask for them? How do you convince a client you need one? PCAM Committee members discuss all these questions and more!

PCAM Podcast 2 - Demo Fees

How can you recognise a good/bad brief?

How often do clients really know what they want, and does the final product always match the brief? How can you best speak to clients about music? In this podcast PCAM Committee members investigate the art of briefing in the industry today.

PCAM Podcast 3 - Responding To A Brief

What are the best ways to make sure you get your money in good time?

Chasing payments can be the bane of a composer’s administrative duties, so we look into the most effective ways of making sure you track down the money you’re owed, ranging from gentle measures to more extreme action.

PCAM Podcast 5 - Chasing Late Payments

This week we delve into the misconception that infringement of copyright is usually a black-and-white affair. We discuss what a musicologist does and when you need to use one. Also, what constitutes a sound-alike? And how can you navigate a situation away from a sound-alike towards something more original?

PCAM Podcast 6 - Sound-Alikes

On this week's podcast we ask, how has technology changed over the last few decades? What gear do you need to get started? What software do PCAM Committee members tend to use? What do people think advertising music sounds like? We also discuss the best way to achieve unique sounds and the advantages of live instruments over sample libraries.

PCAM Podcast 7 - Gear & Technology

How do you cut through the noise of so many people and succeed? This week members of the PCAM Committee talk about how people can begin their path into industry and some of the pitfalls they may encounter at the start of their career.

PCAM Podcast 8 - How To Get Into The Industry

This week, PCAM Committee member Tony Satchell takes you through the so-called “Pink Form”.

Available from the PCAM website, the Pink Form is an industry-approved contract that gives you the assurance that the agreement you and your client are entering into adheres to expected industry practices and doesn’t involve any nasty surprises!

PCAM Podcast 9 - Contracts

What is a royalty and how is it generated?

What’s the difference between a sampled channel and a non-sampled one? Why do you need a clock number and how can this help to chase down your royalties? What could the future hold for royalties and managing micro payments automatically? What about royalties in other territories apart from the UK? We look into a rather complicated topic which forms an important income stream for composers.

New tracks tagged #PCAM