skip to main content

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

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

Young Black musician, wearing headphones, In the foreground is a recording mic and pop shield.

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

Meet the MU’s Sam Jordan and Louise Stanners Pow at this year’s hip hop conference and festival, and learn more about copyright, sampling, ownership and collaboration.

Published: 13 August 2026

Read more about Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026
Martin, sat at the table of a formal dinner, dressed in a suit, smiling.

Tribute to Martin Bowen

Martin Bowen enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional bassoonist and was deeply committed to the Musicians' Union. After joining in 1973, he served with dedication as an MU Steward for BBC NOW. This tribute has been written by his brother-in-law, John.

Published: 06 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Martin Bowen
Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise