Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

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

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage in front of a CMM banner.

Council of Music Makers Calls on Labels, Publishers and Streaming Platforms to Unite on Streaming Reforms

The Council of Music Makers, which includes the Musicians’ Union, is calling on industry to unite to fix streaming.

Published: 22 March 2023

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon

One decade on from the launch of Patreon, the MU focuses on how to get the best out of this popular membership subscription platform.

Published: 21 March 2023

Birmingham UK Skyline. Market, St Martins Church, Rotunder and The Bullring.

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

Create change in the Musicians’ Union, in your sector or in the wider music industry - submit a motion to MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 21 March 2023

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

BBC Singers explain who they are, what they do, and why the UK’s only full-time professional choir is crucial to the future of classical music.

Published: 20 March 2023

Black and white image of Jon Hart on stage from behind facing crowd.

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, award-winning acoustic artist and MU member Jon Hart shares his experiences of breaking through conformity, and explains how although career success may come and go, music as true self-representation is always a constant.

Published: 16 March 2023

Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians

Our members and approved contractors contributed to some of the soundtracks of the very best films won and nominated.

Published: 15 March 2023

The BBC Symphony Orchestra performs on a lit up stage at the last night of the BBC Proms festival of classical music at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

MU Fighting Job Cuts to BBC Singers and Orchestras: Email Your MP for Support

The MU is in urgent talks with the BBC to save musicians’ jobs following the corporation’s proposals to cut employed posts across BBC Singers and three orchestras.

Published: 07 March 2023

Hands holding musical instruments. Left to right, drum sticks, record, maracas, symbol and acoustic guitar.

The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians

As LGBT+ History Month UK comes to an end, The MU and Come Play with Me (CPWM) would like to reaffirm our commitment to creating an industry and society where all LGBTQ+ people can live and work without fear of violence or discrimination.

Published: 02 March 2023

Silicone orange ear plugs with string on white background.

Why I used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

MU Education Section Committee member Sam Murray shares how they used their membership to access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection.

Published: 28 February 2023

Shelves stacked with paper achieve files.

“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census

Today’s Musicians’ Census is not the first time the MU has attempted to capture a comprehensive picture of musical life across the UK and here, University Archivist Karl Magee looks back 75 years to the very first.

Published: 28 February 2023

A crowd of people making up the Workers Group who attended the meeting, with Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster center.

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting.

Published: 20 February 2023

The Importance of Hearing Damage Prevention in Musicians’ Work

Hearing health is probably the most precious tool musicians have, but many of us are taking it for granted.

Published: 18 February 2023

A Studio condenser microphone in front of a sound engineer working in a studio with multiple screen and midi keyboard.

Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department

The team have completed a long round of Collective Bargaining negotiations with PACT, BBC, ITV, IPA and Sky.

Published: 16 February 2023

Portrait of Andi Hopgood, smiling to camera against a white brick wall.

Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change

This week we’re exploring why musicians and change-makers Andi and Nate are supporting the 2023 Musicians Census.

Published: 14 February 2023

Hands on a clarinet in an informal setting, blurred background

Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists

Following a shift to gender-neutral award categories, replacing separate best male and best female artist awards, the MU responds to this year’s all-male BRITs Best Artist shortlist.

Published: 09 February 2023

Naomi Pohl speaking into a camera at MU Member Conference 2022.

MU General Secretary Update

General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the challenges facing musicians this winter, and what the union is doing to support members.

Published: 08 February 2023

A black and white image of a woman playing piano in deep concentration

Naomi Pohl Discusses Fix Streaming Campaign on Drowned in Sound Podcast

The MU’s General Secretary appeared on this weeks Drowned in Sound Podcast, which can be accessed on various major streaming platforms about how music streaming needs to be fixed.

Published: 03 February 2023

Musicians Iona Fyfe and Lady Nade Share Why They Back the Musicians’ Census 2023

Two musicians backing the survey explain why the Musicians’ Census 2023 is so important.

Published: 02 February 2023

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

The new partnership will see a new series of LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshops and the two organisations working together to create more resources for LGBTQ+ musicians and artists.

Published: 31 January 2023

What Expenses Can Musicians Claim on Tax?

Keeping a record of what you have spent and what you can claim can be arduous, but it can save you money in the long run.

Published: 31 January 2023

MU flags visible as part of a larger trade union march moving through a busy street in London.

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Take part in marches and events on 1 February to protest against the Government’s anti-strike laws.

Published: 27 January 2023

John Shortell speaking at the MU members conference, seen from the perspective of multiple cameras and a sound mixing desk.

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

What is our collective role in building equality, diversity and inclusion and why is it a trade union issue? The MU’s John Shortell explains.

Published: 25 January 2023

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

Published: 23 January 2023

White earphones resting on top of a white computer keyboard.

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings

Following on from his recent appearance on BBC Newsnight to discuss what advances in AI could mean for musicians, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear further outlines the protections needed for musicians in the face of new technology.

Published: 20 January 2023

PRS for Music and PRS Foundation Announce New Multi-year Funding Agreement

With £2.5m in funding already committed for this year, the new agreement will see an increase in year-on-year funding allocated to PRS Foundations work to support new music and talent development.

Published: 18 January 2023

Country duo Gasoline & Matches performing on stage

The Musicians’ Guide to the Birmingham Music Scene

Birmingham has a rich musical legacy and a wide range of resources for musicians of all genres. Here, West Midlands musicians give their personal recommendations.

Published: 14 January 2023

New TUC General Secretary Launches Campaign to Protect the Right to Strike

The Trades Union Congress will fight new anti-strike legislation every step of the way supported by member unions including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 13 January 2023

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against

A Bill coming back to Parliament next week puts legislation on workers’ rights and copyright at risk.

Published: 13 January 2023

In black and white we see a persons legs, holding a guitar and standing in front of a large amplifier.

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming

The new report by the Department for Culture, Digital, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee is recommending more of a focus on fair remuneration in the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) process examining music streaming.

Published: 13 January 2023

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Recording and Broadcasting News

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

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

Council of Music Makers Calls on Labels, Publishers and Streaming Platforms to Unite on Streaming Reforms

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

The BBC Singers in Their Own Words

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians

MU Fighting Job Cuts to BBC Singers and Orchestras: Email Your MP for Support

The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians

Why I used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

The Importance of Hearing Damage Prevention in Musicians’ Work

Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department

Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change

Gender-Neutral Award Categories at The BRITs Lead to a Lack of Gender Diversity in 2023 Shortlists

MU General Secretary Update

Naomi Pohl Discusses Fix Streaming Campaign on Drowned in Sound Podcast

Musicians Iona Fyfe and Lady Nade Share Why They Back the Musicians’ Census 2023

MU Partners With Come Play With Me for LGBTQ+ History Month

What Expenses Can Musicians Claim on Tax?

MU Supports TUC Right to Strike Day of Action

Why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a Trade Union Issue

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings

PRS for Music and PRS Foundation Announce New Multi-year Funding Agreement

The Musicians’ Guide to the Birmingham Music Scene

New TUC General Secretary Launches Campaign to Protect the Right to Strike

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming