Blur drummer leads pop, rock union

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree and solo singer Kate Nash are among the acts leading a new union for rock and pop stars.

Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, MC Master Shortie and Soul II Soul's Jazzie B are also involved in the Featured Artists' Coalition [FAC], which will act as a lobbying group for musicians.

"As the rules of the business are 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," said Kate Nash's co-manager Brian Message.

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

Dave Rowntree wrote the group's first newsletter and has met with Culture Secretary Andy Burnham to discuss their demands. Issues raised included a loophole which allows music to be used on DVDs without compensating artists.