Blur Drummer Leads Union

Dave Rowntree, the drummer in reformed Britpop heroes Blur, has drafted the first newsletter for the Featured Artists Coalition which aims to fight for the rights of musicians.

Formed back in October, the group aims to give musicians a voice in the music industry. Amongst the other prominent members are Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien and singer Kate Nash, whilst the steering committee includes Soul II Soul mainman Jazzie B and hip hop MC Master Shortie.

Dave Rowntree has devoted most of his time to politics since Blur went on hiatus. The drummer is a passionate Labour member and has stood for positions before. Rowntree was amongst a group from FAC who met with Culture Secretary Andy Burnham to outline their aims.

Brian Message, the manager of Radiohead who also helped initiate FAC, told the BBC:

"As the rules of the business and changing and as artists are having to step up to take on more responsibility for their own careers, there's a requirement for them to know what's going on on a business, legal, creative agenda".

"The Featured Artists' Coalition will help educate artists and then let them have a voice in what's going on."