Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

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Disability History Month: Being a Deaf Musician is not Easy

In our first special feature from Disabled History Month, Professional Musician and member of the MU Executive Committee and ED&I Committee, Nigel Braithwaite talks about his experiences of being a disabled musician.

Published: 21 November 2022

Laughing crowd at a fix streaming rally, violinist and camera person in view, everyone holding signs reading

Fix Streaming: MU General Secretary at DCMS Select Committee

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl appeared at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee on Tuesday to answer questions on music streaming and fair remuneration for musicians.

Published: 18 November 2022

Celebration blur of different colours and gold.

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

The MU is proud to be an official partner organisation of Black Lives in Music, who are celebrating two incredible years of advocating for Black representation in the music industry.

Published: 18 November 2022

Rab Noakes and Andi Hopgood both smile broadly into the camera, arms over each others shoulders.

Tribute to Rab Noakes

Rab Noakes was a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose long-term involvement and commitment to the Musicians’ Union began in the 1970s. He was a great musician, a committed union activist and a champion of diversity.

Published: 16 November 2022

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards Are Set to Return to Glasgow

The key music event will be returning on 8 December 2022 to Saint Luke’s in Glasgow, featuring acts such as VLURE, The Honey Farm and Becky Sikasa.

Published: 14 November 2022

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Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 November 2022

Members of conference smile and clap, while one delegate stands and speaks from the floor.

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Trade unions are full of jargon. One of our favourites is the word ‘motion’. But, like most bits of jargon, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Published: 10 November 2022

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Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

The Musicians’ Union joins politicians, academics and civil society organisations calling on the Prime Minister to introduce a universal basic income.

Published: 09 November 2022

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TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

The TUC is launching brand new leadership schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers.

Published: 03 November 2022

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MU Congratulates DJ Paulette on DJ Mag Lifetime Achievement Win

DJ Paulette recently performed at the MU Members’ Conference 2022, closing day one with an exclusive set for delegates, and has now won a Lifetime Achievement award in DJ magazine’s top 100 DJs.

Published: 03 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holds a red sign reading

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

Musicians’ Union member Robert Scott moved a motion on touring in the EU at the TUC’s annual Congress.

Published: 31 October 2022

Veronika Klírová outside on grass in seated side bend yoga pose.

Musicians’ Yoga Essentials Course Launched For MU Members

MU members now have free access to the uniquely designed course tailored for musicians created by MU member and yoga teacher Veronika Klírová.

Published: 24 October 2022

Naomi Pohl speaking into a microphone next to George Peretz KC on a panel at Labour Conference.

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Read our highlights from this Autumn’s Labour and Conservative Party Conferences.

Published: 06 October 2022

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Musician and MU Executive Committee Vice Chair Andi Hopgood explores common mental health challenges facing musicians ahead of a Members’ Conference panel on how the music industry is supporting musicians to stay mentally healthy.

Published: 15 September 2022

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POWER UP Announce New Partnership With Arts Council of Wales

The partnership will offer digital masterclasses to Black music creators based in Wales and industry professionals based outside of London. It will also begin the process of setting up a Welsh Black Music Action Group.

Published: 08 September 2022

A woman wearing headphones and making music using her computer at home.

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

The MU is one of many supporters of the new programme which offers an introduction to Ableton software. From beginner to career, it aims to help improve the percentages of female identifying producers and songwriters in the Music Industry.

Published: 02 September 2022

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

A conductor raises a hand towards a choir stood on a stage, facing outwards they appear to be singing.

The Power Of Musical Healing

Music plays a vital role in wellbeing and there is a wide range of help out there for music teachers and musicians.

Published: 24 August 2022

Black and white image of a man in silhouette on stage, under the spotlight with a guitar.

Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

Here MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl provides members with an in-depth analysis of the CMA’s report on music streaming, including top line statistics and where we should now focus our campaigning efforts moving forward.

Published: 15 August 2022

Hands touching sound mixing desk buttons.

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

The team has administered its biggest ever distribution this month and have already paid out over £730k this year so far.

Published: 11 August 2022

Brightly dressed protestors raise banners with Extinction Rebellion symbols and words such as

Climate and Environment: Sustainable Practices and Challenges for Touring Musicians

As Covid-19 restrictions dissipate but the environmental crisis grows, we’ve been looking at the artists engaging in sustainable practices and the challenges they face as they return to touring.

Published: 10 August 2022

Black and white close up image of mixing desk and open laptop in soft focus.

Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

Tell the Competition and Markets Authority what you think about the decision not to go ahead with a full market investigation into music streaming.

Published: 08 August 2022

Portrait of composer Mark Gordon against plain background.

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts

Music Works host Katie Manasse spoke to composer Mark Gordon about the Composers Against Buyouts campaign.

Published: 01 August 2022

Shadow DCMS Minister Backs Musicians After Disappointing Competition and Markets Authority Result

Labour and Co-operative MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Lucy Powell voices her support for musicians.

Published: 28 July 2022

Gal-dem and Vice Join Forces to Publish ‘Open Secrets’ Series

Open Secrets is a collaboration between Gal-dem and VICE that explores abusive behaviour in the music industry – and how it has been left unchecked for too long.

Published: 28 July 2022

Esther McVey and a crowd of musicians with protest signs saying 'fix streaming' outside of parliament for the 2021 campaign demo.

MU Reacts to Competition and Markets Authority Report Published Today

The CMA has announced that it will not be proceeding with a full market investigation into music streaming.

Published: 26 July 2022

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Looking at Anxiety: The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians

Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter looks at the neurophysiology of anxiety and how the Feldenkrais method can help performers.

Published: 26 July 2022

Stephen Brown MU Midlands Regional Organiser; Louise Braithwaite MU vice-Chair Midlands Regional Committee; Rob Johnston TUC Policy and Campaigns Officer. All smiling holding a copy of the MoU.

MU Signs Agreement with Commonwealth Games to Ensure Fair Pay For Artists

The landmark agreement has been signed by Commonwealth Games organisers and cultural sector unions, including the MU, to ensure diversity, fair pay and support for creative sector workers during the Games.

Published: 25 July 2022

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A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

Naomi Pohl, the new MU General Secretary, outlines plans for returning to work, improving our culture for staff and members and – given we’re all involved in music – listening more closely to each other.

Published: 21 July 2022

Member only Read more about A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

NFTs For Musicians, its Opportunities and Pitfalls

Bored Apes, blockchains, HODLers and fungibility – the world of NFTs can seem indecipherable from the outside. Yet the technology behind the phenomenon has real potential to change the music industry.

Published: 20 July 2022

Side view of Manchester bar at the nighttime with red neon sign saying 'Going out is the new staying in' after lockdown restirctions were eased last year.

The Road To Recovery: Musicians and Covid

Almost one year after restrictions began to lift, how is the fallout from Covid affecting UK musicians on the ground? Here artists across a range of genres share their experiences and assess the need for a fairer music industry.

Published: 13 July 2022

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MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

A motion on the need for specialist LGBT+ mental health services was passed at the conference last week.

Published: 05 July 2022

Microphone next to laptop, displaying the equipment needed for a podcast.

MU Sponsors New Series of Classical Music Podcast Music Works

Music Works is a podcast that explores how the classical music industry works today and how it can work better in the future, with the first episode in the new series featuring MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl.

Published: 30 June 2022

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As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

In this informative and thought-provoking piece, MU member Stephe Meloy discusses what it means to celebrate both LGBTQ+ Pride and Gypsy Roma Traveller History months.

Published: 30 June 2022

A crowd/parade with LGBT rainbow flags in the air, out of focus apart from one hand outstretched holding a flag in the foreground.

“The MU LGBT+ Network Meetings Offer a Comforting Camaraderie”: A Members’ Story

EDI Committee member Lynn Henderson shares her experience of attending the LGBT+ Network meetings, being on the EDI committee and seeing how change is made at the MU.

Published: 24 June 2022

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MU Member Receives PRS Foundation Composers’ Award

Helen Epega of The Venus Bushfires is one of seven composers to receive the 2022 award from the PRS Foundation.

Published: 23 June 2022

A music stand is empty against a brightly lit background

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 become the first UK broadcasters to back the next stage of Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for an Independent Standards Authority to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.

Published: 22 June 2022

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Year 2 POWER UP Participants Announced

As the participants for the second year are announced, POWER UP also celebrates the victories and impact of the programme from Year 1.

Published: 22 June 2022

7 MU members of staff standing in the street for the rally, all holding large white MU flags.

MU Joins Trade Union Members From Across the UK to Demand Better

Tens of thousands of trade union members marched together with one clear message for the Government: we deserve and we demand better.

Published: 21 June 2022

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Recording and Broadcasting News

Disability History Month: Being a Deaf Musician is not Easy

Fix Streaming: MU General Secretary at DCMS Select Committee

Black Lives in Music Celebrate Their Second Year Anniversary

Tribute to Rab Noakes

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards Are Set to Return to Glasgow

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

What is a Motion and How Do You Write One For MU Delegate Conference?

Letter to Prime Minister Calls for Universal Basic Income

TUC Announces New Leadership Schools for LGBT+ and Disabled Workers

MU Congratulates DJ Paulette on DJ Mag Lifetime Achievement Win

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

Musicians’ Yoga Essentials Course Launched For MU Members

The MU at 2022’s Political Party Conferences

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

POWER UP Announce New Partnership With Arts Council of Wales

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

The Power Of Musical Healing

Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

Climate and Environment: Sustainable Practices and Challenges for Touring Musicians

Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts

Shadow DCMS Minister Backs Musicians After Disappointing Competition and Markets Authority Result

Gal-dem and Vice Join Forces to Publish ‘Open Secrets’ Series

MU Reacts to Competition and Markets Authority Report Published Today

Looking at Anxiety: The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians

MU Signs Agreement with Commonwealth Games to Ensure Fair Pay For Artists

A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

NFTs For Musicians, its Opportunities and Pitfalls

The Road To Recovery: Musicians and Covid

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

MU Sponsors New Series of Classical Music Podcast Music Works

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

“The MU LGBT+ Network Meetings Offer a Comforting Camaraderie”: A Members’ Story

MU Member Receives PRS Foundation Composers’ Award

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

Year 2 POWER UP Participants Announced

MU Joins Trade Union Members From Across the UK to Demand Better