News & Stories for Musicians

Rapper Nate Ethan wearing a white sweatshirt, blue jeans and a white baseball cap.

Nate Ethan for LGBT+ History Month: "We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone"

Nate Ethan Watson is a trailblazing artist and advocate, recognised by the BBC as the UK’s first transgender rapper. In this guest blog, he shares his experiences navigating the music industry and reflects on how it can be reshaped for the better.

Published: 24 February 2025

Nick performing onstage in front of a Genesis Connected banner.

Tribute to Nick Smith

A highly successful bass player, friend, and teacher, Nick (doctor_bass) was a long term member of the MU. This tribute has been provided by his sisters, Kathryn and Alison.

Published: 21 February 2025

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

On Saturday 22 February, musicians, students and alumni will be gathering to publicly protest the proposed closure of Cardiff University's School of Music.

Published: 21 February 2025

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

London cityscape with Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower at sunset.

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

The MU’s Head of Communications and Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez, reports on a busy month of highlighting musicians’ issues in parliament, with updates relating to streaming, music education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Published: 20 February 2025

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at the launch in London.

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

The newly launched campaign, led by the National Education Union with support from the MU, urges political change to restore the place of arts subjects in schools.

Published: 19 February 2025

Close up exterior shot of the entrance to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

MU at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest

Interested in working in music but don’t know where to start? Come to the Music Industry Careers Fest at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 8 March, where you can also meet one of the MU’s North of England Regional Officers.

Published: 17 February 2025

Utako Toyama singing and playing piano to a crowd, in front of a red curtain and flowers.

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Utako is a multi-award-winning composer and MU member who promotes diversity, equality, and world peace through her music. In this guest blog, she discusses why visibility and allyship is important not just in the music industry, but for society as a whole.

Published: 17 February 2025

A silhouette of a man speaking into a megaphone as part of a trade union protest.

Heart Unions Week 2025

Explore some of the Union’s highlights from the last 12 months as part of Heart Unions week.

Published: 14 February 2025

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

Music education and arts funding need urgent investment to protect jobs and the future of music.

Published: 13 February 2025

MPs and representatives from the CMM, sat along a table for dinner at Parliament, to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

It comes at a crucial point in Creator Remuneration Working Group negotiations to fix streaming and get a better deal for musicians and music creators.

Published: 13 February 2025

Shaftesbury Avenue London in the evening, with signs advertising different West End shows lighting up the street.

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

The Society Of London Theatres (SOLT) have failed to resolve outstanding issues with the MU regarding triggering of effects and AMD pay. Although ongoing for several years, we have now reached an impasse and as such, here are our recommendations to affected members.

Published: 13 February 2025

Three vocalists in a recording studio singing into a microphone.

Music Streaming: What Does a Fair Deal for Musicians Look Like?

How are musicians paid for music streaming and what could a fair deal look like? MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 11 February 2025

Young woman playing Mandolin at home while writing music.

Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

The Alan Surtees Trust has opened its 2025 round of funding for folk and traditional music performers aged 16 to 30. The Trust will make four awards of up to £2,000 per person and applications close 30 April.

Published: 10 February 2025

Musician Kat Browning holding a clarinet and smiling.

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Katmuss, the resident bass clarinettist for Folk Clarinet Quartet, The Tradinettes, shares their experience of dealing with mental health issues and rediscovering a sense of community through the MU and its LGBT+ network.

Published: 10 February 2025

MU Head of Education and Wellbeing, Chris Walters, passing a microphone to a young member to speak about their motion at the last Delegate Conference in 2023.

Represent the Views of Musicians in Your Region: Apply to Attend MU Delegate Conference 2025

MU Delegate Conference 2025 will take place in Liverpool, on Tuesday 22 July and Wednesday 23 July 2025. Applications to attend as a delegate are now open, and members have until Sunday 27 April to apply.

Published: 07 February 2025

Close up of young, Black male musician, singing into a microphone on a stage.

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

A survey by Black Lives In Music, the Musicians’ Union, UK Music, LIVE, and the Mayor of London, has been launched to investigate reported race inequality, bias and over-policing of music events in London. 

Published: 07 February 2025

Official poster from the TUC. A cartoon image of a man with a crutch and arm in a sling, surrounded by hearts with crosses in, representing a bandage. Text at the bottom reads “Safe Sick Pay”.

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on union members to take part in a day of action on Friday 7 February to campaign for an increase in statutory sick pay.

Published: 06 February 2025

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

This week Labour-affiliated unions, including the Musicians’ Union, met Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss workers’ rights.

Published: 06 February 2025

Exterior of Cardiff University's Grade II listed main building.

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

Cardiff University has recently announced proposals to close its School of Music. The MU will be supporting members in relation to the relevant consultations, and those affected are urged to get in touch with the regional office as soon as possible.

Published: 06 February 2025

Peter smiling while playing drums and singing into a microphone.

Tribute to Peter Downing Cox

Peter was a talented drummer and vocalist, who was a member of the MU for 57 years.

Published: 05 February 2025

Female violin player performing under a spotlight on a dark stage.

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

Last week MU General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, gave powerful evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee as part of the ongoing Misogyny in Music enquiry.

Published: 03 February 2025

A musician singing into a microphone on stage.

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

In this blog for LGBT+ History Month, ALIA shares their experience as a queer independent musician and how the MU has supported their journey.

Published: 01 February 2025

Two men in a recording studio pointing at the computer screen.

Council of Music Makers: Help Us Fix Streaming Webinar

Join the Council of Music Makers for a free webinar on how to ensure everyone involved in making music is properly credited, paid and able to understand how their streaming service works.

Published: 30 January 2025

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in the evening.

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met with Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, to discuss a range of topics including our fix streaming campaign, the need for protection of creators’ rights in relation to AI, and more.

Published: 30 January 2025

A diverse group of people, dressed smart/casual, smiling and networking.

MU Music Educators’ CPD Day: Save the Date

Members who teach are invited to save the date of 28 April, which will be our next one-day conference, to be held in Glasgow at the Studio.

Published: 28 January 2025

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

Award winning musician, composer and MU member, Arowah, shares how starting a meditation practice in Zen Buddhism transformed their music practice, and how self-compassion helps them navigate the challenges of working in the music industry.

Published: 28 January 2025

Close up of a white t-shirt with red writing saying “Sunderland is a music city”, next to a leaflet saying “A music strategy for Sunderland 2025-2030”.

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

Sunderland is only the second city in the UK to join the international Music Cities Network, which offers its members collaborative opportunities, resources, and advocacy.

Published: 27 January 2025

The Creative Census 2025: Help Make the Case for Creative Industry Funding in Cornwall

The annual Creative Census, run by Cornwall Council, is your chance to help make the case for funding and investment, and to share what support you think creative sectors in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly really need. Survey closes on 6 March.

Published: 27 January 2025

An abstract sound wave graphic in a woman's hand.

MU Continues to Lobby Government Ahead of New AI Copyright Proposals

The MU will be submitting a detailed response in relation to the current proposals on copyright in AI and music. Members are also strongly encouraged to share their views in the consultation, which closes 25 February.

Published: 24 January 2025

Exterior of the Glasshouse International Centre for Music from the river.

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

Last week MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl attended an economic growth summit, where British music and film exports, grassroots venues and more, were promised investment as part of a new support package to drive growth in the creative industries.

Published: 24 January 2025

Showcase Applications for Wide Days 2025 Now Open

Applications are now open to emerging acts of any genre based in Scotland for Wide Days’ showcase festival.

Published: 24 January 2025

Close up of a range of Gibson guitars at a guitar exhibition.

MU Returns to Birmingham Guitar Show for 2025

The annual Guitar and Bass Show takes place in Solihull on 1 and 2 March. MU Officials will be present on both days of the event and members attending are invited to come along and meet the regional team.

Published: 22 January 2025

Close up, side view, of an old piano with ivory keys.

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species

The Ivory Act 2018 has now been extended to cover the common hippopotamus, killer whale, narwhal and sperm whale. These Regulations, which come into force on 28 January, may impact those who intend to sell, purchase or hire musical instruments containing ivory.

Published: 21 January 2025

Steve playing fiddle live in front of a microphone on a stand.

Tribute to Steve Simpson

Steve Simpson was a successful and talented musician who played guitar, mandolin, fiddle and performed vocals across the UK and internationally. He originally joined the MU in 1974. This tribute has been provided by his partner, Caroline Morgan.

Published: 21 January 2025

A young female musicians playing an electric piano in a recording studio.

Mothers Write 2025: Applications Open for Mothers in Music to Join Songwriting Camp

Songwriters who are mothers can now apply for the 2025 edition of Mothers Write, a songwriting camp for mothers in music to enhance their skills and career development.

Published: 16 January 2025

Waving flag of Scotland with Oban Bay in the background.

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

Take the 15-minute survey launched by the Scottish Government to assess how the culture sector is supported in Scotland.

Published: 16 January 2025

A woman in a red jacket writing on post-it notes on a board at work.

Apply to be the Next Co-Chair of Trustees for Attitude is Everything

Attitude is Everything is looking for a Co-Chair of Trustees to support them in their next chapter. Find out more about this voluntary role and how to apply.

Published: 16 January 2025

New Guidance for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU

The MU has published new guidance on what the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) mean for musicians selling merchandise in the EU and Northern Ireland.

Published: 16 January 2025

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Nate Ethan for LGBT+ History Month: "We Can Create a Music World that Truly Represents Everyone"

Tribute to Nick Smith

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

MU at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest

Utako Toyama for LGBT+ History Month: “Sharing Music from an LGBT+ Perspective Allows Others to Connect”

Heart Unions Week 2025

Ask Your MP to Back Music Education and Arts Funding in Government Spending Review

MPs Support Musicians and Music Creators at Event in Parliament

Important Recommendation for MU Members on West End Shows that Begin From February 2025

Music Streaming: What Does a Fair Deal for Musicians Look Like?

Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

Katmuss for LGBT+ History Month: “The Community I Didn’t Know I Craved”

Represent the Views of Musicians in Your Region: Apply to Attend MU Delegate Conference 2025

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

Support the Safe Sick Pay Campaign

Labour Unions Meet Prime Minister at Number 10

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

Tribute to Peter Downing Cox

MU General Secretary Gives Evidence in Government’s Misogyny in Music Enquiry

ALIA for LGBT+ History Month: Representing Unity Within Diversity

Council of Music Makers: Help Us Fix Streaming Webinar

MU Meets With Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for Industry Update

MU Music Educators’ CPD Day: Save the Date

Arowah on Meditation for Musicians

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

The Creative Census 2025: Help Make the Case for Creative Industry Funding in Cornwall

MU Continues to Lobby Government Ahead of New AI Copyright Proposals

MU General Secretary Attends Economic Growth Summit for the Creative Industries

Showcase Applications for Wide Days 2025 Now Open

MU Returns to Birmingham Guitar Show for 2025

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species

Tribute to Steve Simpson

Mothers Write 2025: Applications Open for Mothers in Music to Join Songwriting Camp

Scottish Government Launches Survey to Assess Support for Scotland’s Culture Sector

Apply to be the Next Co-Chair of Trustees for Attitude is Everything

New Guidance for Musicians Selling Merchandise in NI and the EU