Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

Naomi Pohl standing outside of number 10 Downing Street, after of discussing AI and its impact on music.

MU General Secretary at 10 Downing Street to Discuss Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Musicians

Add your voice to the union's call: write to your label, publisher or both stating that your consent is required for use by artificial intelligence software to generate music.

Published: 04 September 2023

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Culture Committee Report on AI Recognises Concerns of the UK Music Industry

A report published today from the Culture Media & Sport Select Committee on AI in the creative industries reiterates calls from the MU and other music industry bodies to take the government’s proposed copyright exception for AI text and data mining off the table permanently.

Published: 30 August 2023

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The Enduring Power of Hip-Hop, 50 Years On

On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the MU assesses how the genre has grown from the margins to the mainstream, empowering communities and highlighting social injustice, poverty and racism.

Published: 17 August 2023

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

MU Education Rep Sarah Tomlinson tells us why she decided to use the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme and why hearing health is important for everyone.

Published: 14 August 2023

Four wooden cubes with head symbols and a hand that is flipping one to reveal a lightbulb representing an idea.

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

Musician and MU London member Alice Angliss shares her first-hand experience of what Regional Committee meetings are, how they work and why they’re vital in giving support to members and the industry.

Published: 10 August 2023

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

Small child wearing ear defenders sits on someone's shoulders while looking at a large concert at a festival

Basic Income North Conference Explores Relationship Between Trade Unions and UBI

Why should trade unions support universal basic income, and what can unions do to support the UBI movement? A panel at the Basic Income North Conference 2023 explored the issues.

Published: 28 July 2023

MU Executive Committe Vice Chair Andi Hopgood, stands and speaks from the mic while holding a small child.

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Delegate Conference wraps up with motions on the Welsh language, future pandemic planning for musicians and the closure of rail ticket offices, with union members using the second day of MU Delegate Conference to vote on a very clear set of policy priorities.

Published: 26 July 2023

Colourful map of Lambeth showing Archbishop's park and the surrounding areas

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

The MU has written to the Mayor of London, calling on him to refuse the planning application for the development of office buildings in Lambeth that would see the recording and rehearsal spaces in community art venue Iklectik, destroyed.

Published: 19 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

The cultural institution Brixton Hill Studios has confirmed that they have been granted a lease renewal, following campaigning efforts and support from organisations across the industry including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 17 July 2023

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New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

We’ll be running free 30-minute advice sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries, Glasgow and Galashiels over the summer, with more dates to be announced for Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen in the Autumn.

Published: 04 July 2023

Mike Nottage stands behind a table set up for PAT testing with a medium sized amp on display

Testing Times: Ensuring Your Equipment is Safe and You Are Protected

MU Member and PAT tester Mike Nottage writes up his answers to your most frequently asked PAT testing questions, and some thoughts from the PAT testing events he’s run in the past for MU members.

Published: 03 July 2023

Closeup of notepad for agenda kept on table in empty corporate conference room.

The FEU Calls For an Independent Appointment Procedure for BBC Board

The Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU), of which the Musicians’ Union is a member, has released a statement calling for a new, independent body which represents licence fee payers.

Published: 30 June 2023

New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician

From copyright and contracts to royalties and rights, a new MU event tells you all you need to know about maximising your income as a recording musician.

Published: 26 June 2023

Band in recording studio booth, with technician in foreground by mixing desk.

Help Save Brixton Hill Studios From Closure by Writing to MP

MU members are encouraged to write to Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy with their concerns using a template letter, as it faces imminent closure due to extortionate rent increases and lack of negotiation.

Published: 22 June 2023

Black background with golden glitter and confetti to represent a celebration.

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

We look back on the Union’s rich history and the battles won and lost over the decades.

Published: 20 June 2023

William Shakespeare statue in Leicester Square, London.

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

The MU will join other members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions to show solidarity in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 14 June.

Published: 07 June 2023

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

The breach was of a third-party system, not the BBC's own servers and systems and relates to BBC employees and individuals engaged by the BBC on a PAYE basis.

Published: 06 June 2023

Member only Read more about BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

There will be events across the country where you can find out all you need to know about getting paid as a recording musician, with some dates also open to non members and plus ones.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of a home recording studio with speakers, laptop keyboard and midi keyboard.

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

The MU and the UK Council of Music Makers welcomes the Intellectual Property Office’s announcement of a new voluntary code to improve metadata and transparency for music creators in another milestone for Fix Streaming.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of woman sat playing acoustic guitar in front of open laptop

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

Government is establishing an industry working group to explore fair pay for musicians and music creators from streaming in a win for the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 30 May 2023

A view panning over rooftops indicating dense housing in an area of Lewisham.

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

A classical musician who had to move out of her London flat following noise complaints has started a petition calling for clarification around music practice in relation to statutory nuisance laws, which the MU has followed up with a letter to Lewisham Council.

Published: 23 May 2023

A keyboard is propped up at a diagonal angle with rainbow lights highlighting the different keys, the background is dark.

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

Bright abstract neon dots are blurred in dark space, in pink and purple colours with a party like atomosphere

Resonate’s Free Monthly Networking Nights Return to Glasgow

Resonate, Scotland’s music conference event for industry professionals, musicians, students and aspiring artists, have announced the return of their monthly networking nights, commencing on Thursday 25 May.

Published: 19 May 2023

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MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

In an article by NationalWorld revealing that the UK’s contestants have included no Black or Asian artists for the past 12 years, the MU has commented on how important it is that the media reflects our “ever-diversifying society.”

Published: 12 May 2023

MU Head of International Dave Webster speaks on stage at a networking event that's part of SXSW

The MU at SXSW 2023: Supporting Members and Making the Case for Fair Visa Fees

MU Head of International Dave Webster joined close to 160 UK bands attending this years’ South by South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, supporting and advocating for musicians.

Published: 17 April 2023

An audience raises their arms in silhouette at a live gig with purple and pink lighting

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Following a bumper year for fee recovery in 2022, MU Midlands Regional Officer Ben Benson talks us through some of the Midlands biggest wins for members, and his top tips for fee recovery in 2023.

Published: 17 April 2023

Kelli-Leigh sits on stage at the MU Members' Conference, a blue background behind her. She has one hand raised in the air as she speaks into a microphone.

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

In Kelli-Leigh’s resonant keynote speech at the MU Members’ Conference, she discussed her journey to standing up for what she believes in, and discovering others going through the same.

Published: 17 April 2023

A Feldenkrais demonstration taking place, where the arm of a model skeleton is held up in the same pose as the arm of a demonstrating participant

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

The MU have been running Feldenkrais sessions for members over Zoom for a few years now, and in this article MU Member Michelle Saacks talks about her own Feldenkrais journey – from finding herself in a more functioning body, to the impact it’s had on her teaching.

Published: 14 April 2023

Why I Joined The MU: Holly Carter

Pedal Steel Guitarist Holly Carter discusses the feeling of community she gets from being a member of the Musicians’ Union, the sense of coming together and supporting each other.

Published: 13 April 2023

A photo of Clive Deamer playing on a Gretsch drum kit in front of purple and blue stage lighting.

Instinctive Innovator: A Session Musician’s Career Story

Clive Deamer always knew he was going to be a drummer, and his skills as a spectacular polyrhythmist able to blend traditional skill with contemporary style have seen him work with acts from Radiohead to Tom Jones. This profile explores his story.

Published: 13 April 2023

Member only Read more about Instinctive Innovator: A Session Musician’s Career Story

Outside of BBC headquarters building London.

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

The MU believes the BBC is signalling a reset of the consultation process and the union will enter talks with them on the basis that discussion will focus on alternatives to the job cuts.

Published: 13 April 2023

Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

MU Responds to Leaked Documents on Future of BBC Performing Groups

The Musicians’ Union responds to leaked documents about the BBC Performing Groups published by classical music blog Slipped Disc.

Published: 04 April 2023

External shot of the BBC head office in London.

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

The BBC’s u-turn on the BBC Singers is positive news. However, their future and 43 jobs in the BBC Concert, Philharmonic and Symphony orchestras are still at risk.

Published: 03 April 2023

The Brodsky Quartet stood on stage in a line, holding their instruments.

Four The Love Of Music: The Brodsky Quartet

Journalist Ariane Todes celebrates the The Brodsky Quartet - beloved of the classical, pop and artistic world alike - which is celebrating its 50th year with a set of brave new projects.

Published: 31 March 2023

A hand reaches out to touch the power switch on a large amplifier, the switch is glowing red.

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

After distributing £1.37m to musicians in 2022, the MU’s Recording & Broadcasting department reflect on why this was a particularly high year, and advise members who are yet to receive their payments.

Published: 29 March 2023

Microphone in radio studio and red 'on air' sign.

How to Get Your Music Played on the Radio

Getting your music played on national radio has never been easy and it’s getting even tougher. Here’s how to improve your chances.

Published: 28 March 2023

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Recording and Broadcasting News

MU General Secretary at 10 Downing Street to Discuss Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Musicians

Culture Committee Report on AI Recognises Concerns of the UK Music Industry

The Enduring Power of Hip-Hop, 50 Years On

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Basic Income North Conference Explores Relationship Between Trade Unions and UBI

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

Testing Times: Ensuring Your Equipment is Safe and You Are Protected

The FEU Calls For an Independent Appointment Procedure for BBC Board

New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician

Help Save Brixton Hill Studios From Closure by Writing to MP

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

Resonate’s Free Monthly Networking Nights Return to Glasgow

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

The MU at SXSW 2023: Supporting Members and Making the Case for Fair Visa Fees

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

Why I Joined The MU: Holly Carter

Instinctive Innovator: A Session Musician’s Career Story

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

MU Responds to Leaked Documents on Future of BBC Performing Groups

Take Action to Stop Job Cuts at BBC Orchestras and Protect the BBC Singers After September

Four The Love Of Music: The Brodsky Quartet

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

How to Get Your Music Played on the Radio