Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

Live Music Inquiry at National Assembly of Wales Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

The MU was delighted to give evidence as part of a live music inquiry held by the National Assembly of Wales’ Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee.

Published: 21 October 2019

Photograph of person playing double bass against a dark background. Credit: Shutterstock

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

Photo of bows for sale hanging in a shop. Photo credit: Shutterstock

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

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

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

Andy Payne and his band The Heretic Order

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Drummer and teacher Andy Payne tells us about how advice from the MU has proved invaluable when making career choices.

Published: 21 June 2019

Photo of Ady Hall and Lee McCarthy in studio, with graphic text reading

Ady Hall: "The MU Has Got Your Back"

Music producer Ady Hall tells us about how the MU’s parental grant gave him peace of mind when he needed it.

Published: 10 June 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 Welcomes Copyright Directive Success

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted that the European Parliament has passed the final Copyright Directive text.

Published: 26 March 2019

Music Licensing Organisation PPL Announces Largest Ever Annual International Collection

PPL has announced that their international collection has grown over 40 per cent from 2017 to 2018. The Musicians’ Union welcomes this announcement as excellent news for their members.

Published: 04 February 2019

Musicians Required for Research into use of Backing Tracks and Stems in Live Performance

Are you a touring musician, regularly record commercial audio, or both? The Recording & Broadcasting section is actively seeking members to help find out more about the use of backing tracks and stems – particularly on tours.

Published: 29 January 2019

2019 Rates Increase for Arranging, Music Preparation and Orchestration

The Musicians’ Union Executive Committee have endorsed a 3.3% increase for the General Terms & Conditions for Arranging, Music Preparation and Orchestration rates.

Published: 21 January 2019

Report from the joint FIM/AFM International Conference on The Economy of Streaming Media

Musicians’ Union Executive Committee member Rick Finlay has published a report covering the discussion that took place at the conference. It is now available to download, along with the full text of the FIM/AFM’s Burbank Declaration.

Published: 16 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

Dance Music Industry Backs Music Recognition Technology Being Extended to Nightclubs

PRS for Music and PPL are expanding their distribution policies to include data generated from music recognition technology, in turn improving the accuracy of royalty distributions.

Published: 18 October 2018

In-Depth Study on Global Music Listening Habits Released

IFPI released its ‘Music Consumer Insight Report 2018’ which examines the ways in which music consumers engage with recorded music.

Published: 17 October 2018

Launch of #LoveMusic Campaign Ahead of Key Copyright Directive Vote on 12 September

September 12 will see a crucial vote on the EU Copyright Directive, which aims to update current legislation and address the balance between billion-pound content platforms, and the meagre profit passed on to the content creators.

Published: 28 August 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

MU Delighted by BBC Development in East London

The Musicians’ Union has expressed its delight at the exciting news that the BBC has announced plans for new music studios in Stratford.

Published: 06 June 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 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

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.

Published: 07 March 2018

Musicians’ Union Opposes Change to YouTube’s Partner Programme

The Musicians’ Union (MU) opposes recent changes to the terms of YouTube’s Partner Programme. The changes will affect who can monetise content on the platform, and may affect MU members looking to grow their channels.

Published: 23 January 2018

Did you sign a recording contract in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s or 1990s?

The MU is collating case studies of members who have recording agreements that date back to before the emergence of downloads and streaming as the predominant way in which consumers listen to recorded music.

Published: 05 December 2017

What To Do When Asked to Work For Free

Surprise, surprise – a trade union talking about fair pay for Young Workers’ Month. But it is a truth (probably) universally acknowledged that musicians will be asked to work for nothing. So what should you do when asked to work for free?

Published: 23 November 2017

The MU is Here to Support You If You Face Inappropriate Behaviour at Work

We are here to offer support and guidance if you face sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse at work. If you are an employed or self-employed musician, regardless of which part of the industry you work in, you can talk to us. We will listen.

Published: 19 October 2017

Welcome News for AIR Studios

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is delighted that AIR Studios in Hampstead, London, may be another step closer to winning its battle to prevent a neighbouring basement excavation.

Published: 17 October 2017

Musical Instrument Exemption Included in Government Consultation on Ivory Ban

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has been working closely with industry partners and the International Federation for Animal Welfare to ensure a musical instrument exemption is in place.

Published: 17 October 2017

MU Welcomes New UK Recording for UK Tour of War Horse

The recorded music used in the current UK tour of War Horse will be re-recorded using UK musicians.

Published: 17 October 2017

Kevin Brennan MP supports free movement for musicians working in the EU

Sign the Petition for Free Movement for Musicians post-Brexit #WorkingInTheEU

Sign the #WorkingInTheEU petition to call on Government and Parliament to back free movement for musicians post-Brexit. It only takes a couple of minutes, and can make a really big difference to our campaign.

Published: 22 September 2017

Planning Hearing to Determine AIR Studios’ Future – Show Your Support

AIR Studios has been fighting a planning application for major alteration works that would cause such disruption that the studio would most likely close. Show your support at the upcoming planning hearing.

Published: 08 August 2017

Addressing the Streaming ‘Value Gap’ in 2017

The Musicians’ Union (MU) continues to lobby at European Union (EU) and UK levels for fair remuneration for performers and songwriters from streaming.

Published: 07 July 2017

MPs & Peers: Please Support Musicians Working in the EU

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is calling on MPs to support musicians working in the EU – share the pledge! #WorkingInTheEU

Published: 02 June 2017

Management Agreement Launched for New Artists and Managers

The MU has joined forces with FAC and the MMF to create an example management agreement for use by newer artists and managers entering the industry.

Published: 31 March 2017

Sign the Petition Calling for a Law to Force Employers to Pay Freelancers on Time

Sign this petition calling for a law to force employers to pay on time for freelance / contractual work.

Published: 15 December 2016

Performers call on European legislators to ensure fair treatment of performers in the digital world

The Fair Internet campaign is calling on the European Commission to reconsider weak proposals in the current draft Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market.

Published: 09 December 2016

MU fighting for musicians’ rights in the lead up to Brexit

As the Government now works towards Brexit, we would like to reassure members that we are doing everything in our power to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 12 October 2016

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Recording and Broadcasting News

Live Music Inquiry at National Assembly of Wales Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

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

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

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

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

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

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Ady Hall: "The MU Has Got Your Back"

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

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

Musicians’ Union Welcomes Copyright Directive Success

Music Licensing Organisation PPL Announces Largest Ever Annual International Collection

Musicians Required for Research into use of Backing Tracks and Stems in Live Performance

2019 Rates Increase for Arranging, Music Preparation and Orchestration

Report from the joint FIM/AFM International Conference on The Economy of Streaming Media

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

Dance Music Industry Backs Music Recognition Technology Being Extended to Nightclubs

In-Depth Study on Global Music Listening Habits Released

Launch of #LoveMusic Campaign Ahead of Key Copyright Directive Vote on 12 September

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

MU Delighted by BBC Development in East London

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

MU Highlights Black Music Programming at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

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

Musicians’ Union Opposes Change to YouTube’s Partner Programme

Did you sign a recording contract in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s or 1990s?

What To Do When Asked to Work For Free

The MU is Here to Support You If You Face Inappropriate Behaviour at Work​

Welcome News for AIR Studios

Musical Instrument Exemption Included in Government Consultation on Ivory Ban

MU Welcomes New UK Recording for UK Tour of War Horse

Sign the Petition for Free Movement for Musicians post-Brexit #WorkingInTheEU

Planning Hearing to Determine AIR Studios’ Future – Show Your Support

Addressing the Streaming ‘Value Gap’ in 2017

MPs & Peers: Please Support Musicians Working in the EU

Management Agreement Launched for New Artists and Managers

Sign the Petition Calling for a Law to Force Employers to Pay Freelancers on Time

Performers call on European legislators to ensure fair treatment of performers in the digital world

MU fighting for musicians’ rights in the lead up to Brexit

The MU is Here to Support You If You Face Inappropriate Behaviour at Work