Meet David Robinson aka ‘The Cold Heart Revue’

For freelance musicians, the word “holiday” is rarely part of the vocabulary. Between erratic incomes, getting paid in arrears, and having to cover steep upfront travel costs for gigs, most creators live like squirrels prepping for winter—holding tightly onto every penny because they never know what next month will bring.

“You don’t ever think that a holiday or a day away is even an option,” says David, a freelance blues musician and composer. “Whatever little you have, you end up holding onto it.”

But last year, a timely email changed everything. David discovered the Reset & Rewind scheme, a dedicated wellbeing initiative run by the PRS Members’ Fund.

The Luxury of Permission

Designed specifically for PRS for Music members battling burnout, illness, or financial stress, the scheme provides grants of up to £500 to fund a restorative UK-based break of up to five days.

For David, the funding did something a standard lump sum couldn’t do: it gave him permission to rest.

“If it had been a block of money, it probably would have gone on a bill,” David admits. “But because this money could only be used for that purpose, it forced you to actually be luxurious with it. It nourishes the soul.”

David used his grant to travel to York last November. Instead of the usual high-stress routine of hauling gear, tracking train times, and running around for a gig, he experienced a city with zero professional obligations. He spent five days simply walking, taking photos, and absorbing the magical, pre-Christmas atmosphere.

“I’d completely forgotten what it was like to be in a place and not have work to do,” he says. “You don’t often realise that you’re stressed until you have an experience of being calm.”

A Fast, Human Process

Many creators shy away from grant applications, scarred by bureaucratic processes that take months of work for very little reward. The PRS Members’ Fund intentionally designed Reset & Rewind to be different.

David recalls the application process as incredibly quick and collaborative. When he lacked a specific piece of requested paperwork, a member of the Fund team worked with him directly to find an alternative solution within half an hour.

“It came through so quickly and easily,” David says. “When you don’t have any perks for a long time, you feel like you don’t deserve them. This gave me a bit more self-respect. It’s okay to want a reasonable level of comfort.”

Months later, David still uses the photos from his trip to anchor himself when freelance life gets overwhelming. Now, he is actively encouraging other “frazzled” musicians to apply.

Are You Ready to Reset?

You cannot pour—or play—from an empty cup. If you are a songwriter or a composer needing space to recover, recalibrate, and protect your mental wellbeing, the PRS Members’ Fund is here to back you.

The Essentials:

• What you get: A grant of up to £500 to cover travel and B&B accommodation for a UK break of up to 5 days.
• Who qualifies: UK-based PRS members who have been registered for at least 7 years OR have earned at least £500 in royalties, and who cannot otherwise afford a break.
• How to apply: Applications are handled on a strict, first-come, first-served basis.

Don’t wait until you hit absolute burnout. Head over to the official PRS Members’ Fund Reset & Rewind Page to submit your confidential application today or share this with a fellow PRS creator who desperately needs a breather.