Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

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Piping Centre to Give Free Talk on Post-Brexit Working for Musicians

The National Piping Centre in Scotland will be running a free online-workshop, explaining the new Brexit requirements, on Wednesday 11 August at 2:00 pm.

Published: 30 July 2021

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Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 July 2021

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First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Today saw the first day of the MU Delegate Conference 2021, which for the first time ever is being held largely online due to the pandemic.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

'Honey Sessions' is designed to support artists and producers working within MOBO genres. It's been set up in collaboration alongside the Forté Project and with a focus on creative collaborations between artists and producers.

Published: 19 July 2021

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Published: 14 July 2021

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Published: 14 July 2021

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Yazz Ahmed draws on her cultural heritage to create a strident sonic mix, one that blurs the boundaries between jazz and electronic soundscapes.

Published: 09 July 2021

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Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

A new online music initiative dedicated to championing Northern Ireland (NI) music has launched. Music Connections is a central online hub created to support the development and growth of NI’s diverse and talented music sector.

Published: 08 July 2021

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The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

Our friends at the hub have just launched a new Balance toolkit that includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of Covid 19.

Published: 06 July 2021

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All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

We’ve now released a recording of the webinars and Q&A session we put on, explaining the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

The programme is supported by PRS Foundation, and aims to develop international opportunities for six acts based in Scotland, and is taking applications up to Monday 5 July.

Published: 02 July 2021

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Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

In this Brexit update we discuss Lord Frost’s first appearance at the DCMS Select Committee, and our plans for moving forward.

Published: 30 June 2021

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Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Singer-songwriter and folk musician Lizzy Hardingham discusses why she’s glad she was pointed in the MU’s direction.

Published: 30 June 2021

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Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The deadline for the questionnaires has now been extended to midnight on 1 August 2021, with results contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Review Of Jazz In England.

Published: 29 June 2021

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The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Published: 29 June 2021

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Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

An update on the MU’s lobbying activities following last week’s announcement of the Government’s delay to the Covid-19 roadmap in England.

Published: 24 June 2021

Positive News on US Visas

The visa system brought in by Donald Trump have been rolled back due to pressure from Tamizdat and support from arts organisations across the world, including the MU.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

New Music Scotland (NMS) has announced the shortlist of nominees for the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music. Once again, NMS received an exceptional level of submissions which were adjudicated by a panel of key figures in the music world.

Published: 24 June 2021

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New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

A new campaign launched by #LetTheMusicMove brought widespread social media action from artists, music professionals and fans across the UK on Wednesday 23 June.

Published: 24 June 2021

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New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

MU member Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members Bill, calling for a better deal for musicians and songwriters, is backed by eleven cross party MPs including Damian Green and Esther McVey.

Published: 22 June 2021

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The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on The Value of The Song

In this blog, Graham Davies discusses the Fix Streaming campaign, which has been running since the start of Covid-19, and asks the question – if streaming is a song economy, why is the songwriter the last and least to be paid?

Published: 22 June 2021

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WIPO Report Backs Up Fix Streaming Campaign’s Key Asks

A new report by the World Intellectual Property Organisation looking at artists in the digital music marketplace backs up key asks in the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 18 June 2021

Photograph of a small, empty stage, with drum set, microphone and amplifier set up to play.

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Dave Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, discusses the state of the industry in this blog – from the delay in restrictions lifting, through to Brexit, and the audiences desperate to get back to live listening.

Published: 17 June 2021

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Scotland’s First Hip-Hop and Grime Conference HANG Puts Out Call for Live Showcase Artists

Scotland’s first hip hop and grime conference – Hip-Hop Aimed Networking with Grime (HANG) – unveils its full programme for Saturday 31 July, and opens a call for artists to perform at its live showcase.

Published: 17 June 2021

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New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

Together with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) – the UK artist trade body – we are delighted to share a new piece of joint guidance for session musicians and featured artists.

Published: 16 June 2021

A Fair Deal from Streaming: Equitable Remuneration for Performers

The MU's #FixStreaming campaign in partnership with the Ivors Academy has been successful in terms of raising awareness with musicians, creators and the public, and with decision makers too.

Published: 16 June 2021

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Call to Fix Streaming Campaign Receives Extensive Press Coverage

Over 75 artists including The Rolling Stones, Yoko Ono, Pet Shop Boys, Barry Gibb, Emeli Sandé, Sir Tom Jones, and the estates of John Lennon and Joe Strummer have added their voices to the Fix Streaming call.

Published: 16 June 2021

Black and white photograph of someone's home recording studio set up, two computers and a keyboard are on a desk and the walls are sound proofed.

Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Minister Caroline Dinenage MP has responded to parliamentary questions on Fix Streaming, saying the Government “recognises that it is important that artists are fairly remunerated for their work.”

Published: 16 June 2021

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Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

The MU is urging the Government to review some of its restrictions following today’s announcement of a four-week delay to the lifting of lockdown restrictions in England.

Published: 14 June 2021

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Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

The MU and the Ivor’s Academy in collaboration with ConnectsMusic.com and with the support of HMUK are surveying musicians and creators to find out about those who are still, and will need to keep, shielding once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted – and ways to support them.

Published: 14 June 2021

Photograph of a musician practicing on an acoustic guitar.

Applications Open For The English Folk Expo Artist Mentoring Programme 2021/2022

Folk, roots and acoustic musicians at an early stage of their career are invited to apply for this unique opportunity – training towards becoming export ready.

Published: 11 June 2021

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Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

Amateur choirs may be able to rehearse, perform and record under specific circumstances - as we continue to campaign to overturn the Government’s decision on continuing to limit their activities.

Published: 10 June 2021

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MU and ISM Bitterly Disappointed That Lord Frost has 'Dodged' Select Committee Scrutiny

Together with the ISM, we have expressed extreme disappointment that the Brexit Secretary Lord Frost has, at the eleventh hour, cancelled his appearance before the Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee on 10 June.

Published: 10 June 2021

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EasyJet Cabin Policy Changes in Favour of Musicians

EasyJet are now allowing musical instruments of up to 30 x 117 x 38 cm, including cases, into the cabin and overhead lockers – appearing to listen to the concerns of musicians.

Published: 07 June 2021

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No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

There has been no movement from the Government on their restrictions for amateur choirs in England, despite growing pressure from the MU and others. We’re calling on members to sign the petition to have the matter debated in parliament.

Published: 02 June 2021

Photograph of the inside of a large pipe organ.

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Together with the Royal College of Organists (RCO), we’ve announced a new partnership to deliver services and support for organists and choral directors.

Published: 02 June 2021

Photograph of a beautiful, swirling red and pattern skirt - part of a dress being worn at a traditional Roma dance.

GRT History Month: In the Blood

To mark Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) History Month, MU member Jani Lang takes us through the history of GRT music, and the key role that nurturing and showcasing this heritage plays in the flourishing of GRT communities.

Published: 01 June 2021

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Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub (WITCiH) – a platform which aims to elevate women and non-binary creatives in technology – will be running its second festival 9-11 June, with online performances, panels and presentations.

Published: 28 May 2021

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Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

A report from the 2021 FIM Congress from MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl, discussing issues from the climate crisis to diversity and inclusion in orchestras.

Published: 28 May 2021

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Live Performance News

Piping Centre to Give Free Talk on Post-Brexit Working for Musicians

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

Positive News on US Visas

Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on The Value of The Song

WIPO Report Backs Up Fix Streaming Campaign’s Key Asks

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Scotland’s First Hip-Hop and Grime Conference HANG Puts Out Call for Live Showcase Artists

New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

A Fair Deal from Streaming: Equitable Remuneration for Performers

Call to Fix Streaming Campaign Receives Extensive Press Coverage

Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Government Needs to Act Urgently to Protect Musicians After Latest Lockdown Delay Announcement

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

Applications Open For The English Folk Expo Artist Mentoring Programme 2021/2022

Amateur Choirs – Further Developments and Campaigning From the MU

MU and ISM Bitterly Disappointed That Lord Frost has 'Dodged' Select Committee Scrutiny

EasyJet Cabin Policy Changes in Favour of Musicians

No Progress On Amateur Choir Restrictions in England

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

GRT History Month: In the Blood

Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)