PRS administers the performing right in musical works such as songs or instrumentals etc. Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) licenses rights similar to PRS’ but in relation to copyright ‘sound recordings’, rather than original musical works which may have been embodied in them. So, if you play CDs, tapes or records you may also need a PPL licence as well as one from PRS. PPL represents record companies and performers. PRS represents composers, songwriters and music publishers.