Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

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Help Musicians Re-opens £10,000 Fund for Promising Emerging Jazz Performers

Music charity Help Musicians has opened the 2019 application process for its £10,000 jazz fund, the renowned Peter Whittingham Jazz Award.

Published: 06 September 2019

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CITES Votes in Favour of Allowing Exemption for Musical Instruments made with Rosewood

At the latest meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – which was held in Geneva – attendees voted in favour of allowing exemptions for musical instruments made with rosewood.

Published: 03 September 2019

Kensington & Chelsea Busking Ban Update

The Musicians’ Union continues to campaign with Keep Streets Live against the recent decision made by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban buskers from performing in some of London’s most iconic locations.

Published: 28 August 2019

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

Scott Bowley tells us about signing a record deal with his band 13XL, and how the MU supported him through the process.

Published: 20 August 2019

Members of the alternative folk group 9Bach

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

When MU members Martin and alternative folk group 9Bach needed help negotiating a contract, they used the MU’s Contract Advisory Service to make sure they could navigate the negotiation and get a fair deal.

Published: 13 August 2019

PRS for Music Launches Consultation on Live Classical Music Licenses

PRS for Music has launched a public consultation into the terms of its Tariff LC (Live Classical), which is used to license the use of music at classical music concerts and recitals.

Published: 01 August 2019

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Music industry organisations have put together a new resource pack for all musicians affected by the collapse of PledgeMusic.

Published: 01 August 2019

Empty stage in the dark with the microphone in the spotlight

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

MU members have raised concerns regarding a promoter's view that bands should not highlight their diverse make up, and that doing so is a form of tokenism that will prevent them from being booked.

Published: 30 July 2019

conference room filled with members , Dave Webster leading the discussion

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge today introduced the Union’s first ever Members' Conference – which saw members and officials from across the regions, as well as the Union’s Executive Committee (EC), coming together to discuss essential decisions for the future of the MU.

Published: 24 July 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

The MU is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban busking in certain areas and enforce these bans through Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO).

Published: 18 July 2019

Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Multi-genre drummer Amanda Dal tells us about how becoming a member of the MU helped her to skirt dodgy gig deals early in her career, and inspired her to get active and make a difference.

Published: 08 July 2019

Photo of Millicent Stephenson holding a saxophone, with banner reading

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

Multi award winning saxophonist, Millicent Stephenson, tells us how joining the MU helped her develop her passion for music into a full-time career.

Published: 01 July 2019

Children of The Windrush Generation Make Music

Millicent Stephenson explores the impact of the Windrush Generation on both her personal musical development, and on the development of music in the UK as a whole.

Published: 18 June 2019

Photograph of Megan O'Neill sitting in front of an amplifier with a guitar

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Irish born singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill tells us about the support she's received so far through membership of the MU.

Published: 13 June 2019

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Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

When an MU member found his band in a tricky situation, legal support from the MU took a weight off his shoulders.

Published: 12 June 2019

Aerial shot of the Stables venue in rural, green environment.

Action Needed to Protect Music Venue The Stables Under Renewed Threat

Members are urged to write to the Council, after developers seek to by-pass the protective measures put in place by Milton Keynes Council to save established music venue the Stables.

Published: 07 June 2019

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Sally Rea Morris: "The MU Have Felt Like a Much-needed Support System"

Country singer-songwriter Sally Rea Morris tells us how becoming a member of the MU made taking the leap into being a full time, self-employed musician a little less scary.

Published: 03 June 2019

Image of colourful houses on a hill in Bristol

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation

Bristol @ Night, an advisory group on the night time economy for Bristol Council, is calling on musicians to assist them in their consultation into Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) in Bristol by completing a short survey.

Published: 31 May 2019

Liver Building in Liverpool against blue sky

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Partnership

A new partnership between BAPAM and Liverpool Philharmonic is now providing free Performing Arts Medicine Clinics at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Published: 13 May 2019

Arts Council England Announces £1.5 Million Budget to Support Grassroots Live Music

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes Arts Council England’s (ACE) announcement of a new ring-fenced budget to support projects hosting and promoting live music in grassroots venues.

Published: 10 May 2019

Poster of different musicians playing under

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is supporting Make Music Day – an event which aims to turn the country into a stage and offer a full spectrum of performers the opportunity to display their musical skills.

Published: 08 May 2019

Portrait photograph of band members Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, with text

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

Scottish duo The Eves, Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie , talk through their reasons for joining the Musicians’ Union (MU) and why it’s benefited them.

Published: 30 April 2019

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

The Musicians’ Union is delighted that the TUC Black Workers Conference voted to support music education in schools and end discrimination against drill artists.

Published: 17 April 2019

Musicians’ Union (MU) launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists

New Musicians’ Union Live Advice

The MU launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists.

Published: 28 March 2019

A selection of percussion being used in a children's music lesson

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

This HeartUnions Week, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on you to take a stand against zero-hours contracts.

Published: 11 February 2019

5 Tips for Booking Disabled Music Artists

Attitude Is Everything, the disability-led charity improving deaf and disabled people’s access to live music, shares its five tips for booking disabled artists.

Published: 19 November 2018

Music Industry Figures Reveal Surge in Exports, Recording Music and Jobs in Record £4.5 Billion Boost to UK Economy

UK Music’s 2018 Measuring Music report has revealed rises in UK music industry exports, recorded music and publishing revenues and music industry jobs.

Published: 01 November 2018

BBC Introducing Live Festival Includes Musicians’ Union Takeover Panel

BBC Introducing Live at Tobacco Docks is a new three-day music festival, hosting over 100 masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions – and featuring over 250 speakers from across the music industry, including representatives from the MU.

Published: 29 October 2018

Musicians’ Union National Organiser Orchestras to Retire

After 29 years Musicians’ Union (MU) National Organiser Orchestras Bill Kerr will be retiring from the MU on 8 February 2019.

Published: 22 October 2018

Musicians’ Union Responds To Geronimo Festival Liquidation Proceedings

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has expressed its concerns about liquidation proceedings being commenced for 'Geronimo Festival UK Ltd’ which owes MU members several thousand pounds.

Published: 15 August 2018

Islington Venue ‘The Garage’ Launches Campaign to Safeguard Its Future Ahead of 25th Anniversary

North London music venue The Garage has launched a campaign to safeguard its future, in the face of an increasingly tough environment that has seen more than 40 percent of grassroots venues close in the capital over the last decade.

Published: 03 August 2018

Agent of Change Victory as Property Developers in England Must Allow for Existing Music Venues to Operate and Co-Exist

Yesterday, 24 July, the Agent of Change Principle was introduced into the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for England – a victory for grassroots venues, musicians and audiences.

Published: 25 July 2018

Musicians’ Union Expresses Disappointment at MEPs' Decision to Reject the Copyright Directive

The fight goes on to ensure fair payments for use of musicians’ and creators’ work online.

Published: 05 July 2018

The MU Calls on Council to Save Legendary Bucks Music Venue

The Stables, the iconic live music venue established in 1970 by Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth in Wavendon, is under threat due to plans for a new housing development nearby.

Published: 02 July 2018

Changes to PRS's Tariff LP are approved by the Copyright Tribunal

The Copyright Tribunal has approved a revision to PRS’s Tariff LP following three years of discussions between PRS and representatives of the live sector.

Published: 05 June 2018

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl's #MUMoment

Musicians’ Union Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl shares her #MUmoment on BBC Radio Ulster’s Classical Connections with John Toal.

Published: 21 May 2018

MU Highlights Black Music Programming at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) was delighted to attend the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Black Workers’ Conference

Published: 23 April 2018

Plans Unveiled to Boost Music in the Liverpool City Region

UK Music – of which the Musicians’ Union (MU) is a member – and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, today unveiled plans to introduce a Music Board for the Liverpool City Region.

Published: 07 March 2018

MU Highlights Sexual Harassment and Gender Equality at TUC Women’s Conference

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted to be attending TUC Women’s Conference once again. The MU is taking two motions to TUC Women’s Conference focusing on festival line-ups, and sexual harassment in the music industry.