skip to main content
Search

Due to the ongoing global Microsoft outage, we are currently unable to send or receive emails. If your enquiry is urgent, please call us Contact

MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

Session musicians continue to benefit from the use of background commercial recordings in tv programmes, and our total distribution of royalties for 2021 so far have exceeded £500k.

Published: 17 March 2021 | 5:49 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a yellow television box against a turquoise coloured wall.
The MU actively collects payment for use of session musicians on commercial audio recordings used in sync for advertising, film, and television. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following the first distribution of BBC ‘dubbing’ money today (royalties for use of background commercial audio in BBC programmes) totalling some £290k, this brings the total distribution so far in 2021 to just over £500k.

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting commented:

“Despite the pandemic, session musicians continue to benefit from use of background commercial recordings in tv programmes. The team have worked extremely hard in prioritising the mass of data work required to expedite these payments to help members in these worrying times.”

The MU actively collects payment for use of session musicians on commercial audio recordings used in sync for advertising, film, and television.

Should members hear a recording they have performed on in a film or advertisement, and have not had a royalty payment, please keep us informed at licensing@theMU.org

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

The UK flag waving in the wind next to the European Union flag, outside the Houses of Parliament.

Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe

More than 300 music, live performance and cultural organisations across the UK and EU have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU leaders calling on them to use a key summit to break the deadlock over touring the UK and European Union.

Published: 13 November 2026

Read more about Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe
Large, glass curved exterior of the BBC building HQ. its logo is on the front in white.

Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!

The BBC is the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK. Invite your MP to our drop-in event in Parliament to learn more and show their support for the BBC's music future!

Published: 11 November 2026

Read more about Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!
Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists
All news and features