As of 1 January 2021, the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, causing challenges and confusion for many across the music community. This panel will bring you the latest guidance on Brexit from those working at the centre of the discussions which span everything from travel visas and work permits to haulage and cabotage restrictions and VAT costs.
Moderator : Eleanor Steyn, SIMKINS
Lucie Caswell, GM, Music Publishers Association ,
Paul Fenn - ASGARD,
Naomi Pohl: Musicians Union,
David Martin Featured Artist Coalition
Pannellists BIos
Eleanor Steyn (Simkins): Eleanor is a partner at media and entertainment law firm, Simkins LLP. She has broad expertise across different areas but with a particular focus on the music, media and entertainment and creative sectors. She has advised many household names over the years, including artists, composers, managers and agents, as well as major record companies, publishers and collective management organisations
Naomi Pohl (MU). Deputy General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union. Since joining the MU in 2009, she has represented musicians, songwriters and composers working across TV and film, the recorded music industry, in education, orchestras and theatre. Naomi is involved in high profile campaigns calling for low-cost and admin touring in the EU post-Brexit, improved streaming royalties for performers and she runs the MU's SafeSpace service which offers support to survivors of sexual harassment and abuse in the music industry. The Union is also lobbying hard for improved support for freelance musicians during the Covid-19 crisis and runs its own Coronavirus Hardship Fund which Naomi helped to establish.
David Martin (CEO, FAC). David Martin joined the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) in November 2019. The FAC is the UK trade body representing the rights and interests of a diverse, global membership of music artists at all stages of their careers. David has more than twenty years of experience in the music industry with a particular background in talent booking, relationship development and event brand development. Most recently he was the lead booker and Director at Dimensions Festival, where he developed the globally recognised music programme from conception, developed the label, Dimensions Recordings and led the festival’s accompanying International Series. David has a particular passion for identifying and supporting talent and has always championed the role of artists within the industry. David’s music industry experience comes alongside more than fourteen years working in UK central government, developing policy, and supporting and influencing some of the most senior figures of the UK’s Health Service and Members of Parliament.
Paul Fenn (ASGARD). Paul Fenn has a roster of the cream of Americana acts from the US and UK. Paul is also active as a council member for the Agents Association, the Concert Promoters Association (and managing to avoid any accusations of conflict of interest!) and representing both of those bodies at UK Music Live. In March 2015 he received the Award of “Industry Champion” at the UK Artist & Manager Awards ceremony in recognition of his altruistic work behind the scenes helping negotiate UK legislation affecting work permits, agency licensing and other industry issues.
Lucie Caswell, GM, Music Publishers Association. Lucie is the General Manager and Chief Policy Officer of the Music Publishers Association (MPA). The MPA represents over 95% of the UK’s song rights, through its membership of over 200 music publishers, ranging from iconic Independents to the international Major Publishers. Prior to the MPA, Lucie was the CEO of performing artists’ collective, the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC). Lucie has over 17 years’ experience in the music business, including time at PRS for Music in digital licencing and within Indie music publishing companies. She also ran her own rights-management company, operating on both sides of the negotiating table for clients including Deezer, eMusic, Sony/SYCO and The BRIT Awards, amongst others. She is a lead copyright negotiator, specialising in multi-territory, digital rights. Lucie is a staunch advocate of equal opportunities, human rights and inclusivity, believing in music and arts as catalysts for change and emancipation. Lucie is also on the management team of the Palestine Music Expo, the first international music conference and showcase event, held in the Occupied Territories.
