The Last Safe Space a straight-talking, data-driven podcast from Music Venue Trust. Each episode breaks down the biggest news affecting the UK’s grassroots music venues – from government policy to local wins, campaigns, crisis cases, and how you can take action to support live music.

In this special episode of The Last Safe Space, Mark Davyd (MVT CEO & Founder) steps in to host Gareth Kelly (MVT’s Rights Management Specialist) and Ryan Edwards (CEO of Audoo) for a discussion about how better data can improve royalty distribution. They explore the challenges facing music licensing and royalty collection in the grassroots music sector and discuss why inaccurate data can create problems for venues, songwriters and the wider live music ecosystem.

The episode also marks the announcement of a new partnership between Music Venue Trust and Audoo. The collaboration will see Audoo’s music recognition technology installed in grassroots music venues across the UK to help build a clearer picture of what music is being performed and help ensure payments reach the right creators.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 28/05/2026

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