Music Recording, Broadcasting & Streaming News

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Scotland’s First Hip-Hop and Grime Conference HANG Puts Out Call for Live Showcase Artists

Scotland’s first hip hop and grime conference – Hip-Hop Aimed Networking with Grime (HANG) – unveils its full programme for Saturday 31 July, and opens a call for artists to perform at its live showcase.

Published: 17 June 2021

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New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

Together with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) – the UK artist trade body – we are delighted to share a new piece of joint guidance for session musicians and featured artists.

Published: 16 June 2021

A Fair Deal from Streaming: Equitable Remuneration for Performers

The MU's #FixStreaming campaign in partnership with the Ivors Academy has been successful in terms of raising awareness with musicians, creators and the public, and with decision makers too.

Published: 16 June 2021

Photograph of a person at a mixing desk, we're looking at the from behind so just see the back of their head, and the two screens stacked up in front of them.

Call to Fix Streaming Campaign Receives Extensive Press Coverage

Over 75 artists including The Rolling Stones, Yoko Ono, Pet Shop Boys, Barry Gibb, Emeli Sandé, Sir Tom Jones, and the estates of John Lennon and Joe Strummer have added their voices to the Fix Streaming call.

Published: 16 June 2021

Black and white photograph of someone's home recording studio set up, two computers and a keyboard are on a desk and the walls are sound proofed.

Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Minister Caroline Dinenage MP has responded to parliamentary questions on Fix Streaming, saying the Government “recognises that it is important that artists are fairly remunerated for their work.”

Published: 16 June 2021

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Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

The MU and the Ivor’s Academy in collaboration with ConnectsMusic.com and with the support of HMUK are surveying musicians and creators to find out about those who are still, and will need to keep, shielding once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted – and ways to support them.

Published: 14 June 2021

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Over 75 Artists Including The Rolling Stones Join The Call to Fix Streaming

The Rolling Stones, Pet Shop Boys, Emeli Sandé, Barry Gibb, Van Morrison, Sir Tom Jones and the Estates of John Lennon and Joe Strummer have written to the Prime Minister “on behalf of today’s generation of artists, musicians and songwriters here in the UK”.

Published: 07 June 2021

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GRT History Month: In the Blood

To mark Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) History Month, MU member Jani Lang takes us through the history of GRT music, and the key role that nurturing and showcasing this heritage plays in the flourishing of GRT communities.

Published: 01 June 2021

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Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub (WITCiH) – a platform which aims to elevate women and non-binary creatives in technology – will be running its second festival 9-11 June, with online performances, panels and presentations.

Published: 28 May 2021

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Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

A report from the 2021 FIM Congress from MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl, discussing issues from the climate crisis to diversity and inclusion in orchestras.

Published: 28 May 2021

A person is playing on a drum kit, the photograph just shows us a close up of the kit, one well used stick, and the arm and shoulder of the person who is wearing a leopard print vest.

Feedback Service Available for Those Applying to Next Round of ACE’s DYCP Fund

With the deadline for ACE’s tenth round of Developing Your Creative Practice funding approaching on 27 May – we’d like to take a moment to remind members about our guidance and feedback service for applications.

Published: 14 May 2021

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Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

The MU were one of the project partners in the research that led to this report, and it now offers musicians an insight into fans’ experiences and expectations of live streamed gigs and concerts.

Published: 13 May 2021

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Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Music For Youth will be holding three mentoring workshops for MU members based in London, the North of England, and East & South East England who are interested in finding out more about mentoring roles.

Published: 12 May 2021

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Wales Update: Lobbying and The Freelancer Fund

An update on the recent election results in Wales, the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, the next round of the Freelancer Fund and the joint Q&A session that we will be hosting for applicants.

Published: 11 May 2021

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Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

A summary of changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence following their consultation with PRS members and the wider industry.

Published: 07 May 2021

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Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

The MU will be standing in solidarity with this weekend’s social media boycott, to highlight social media company inaction on eradicating online hate and racism.

Published: 29 April 2021

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Call-Out for Experienced Mentors in the Music Industry

Following the success of their 2020 mentoring program, we.grow, shesaid.so and keychange have launched a call-out for senior music industry professionals and artists to volunteer as mentors for the Keychange participants.

Published: 27 April 2021

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Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Over 5,000 musicians, songwriters and fans have signed the Fix Streaming petition, after 150 artists including Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney and Kate Bush made headlines calling on the Government to act.

Published: 27 April 2021

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Looking to Hear From Members Who Have Had Issues with Digital Distributor Distrokid

We’re looking to hear from MU members who have had issues with the digital distributor Distrokid and their relationship with streaming platform Spotify, to ascertain how widespread the problem is.

Published: 26 April 2021

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The Copyright Directive

In this feature Mark Sutherland discusses the European Copyright Directive in detail, and looks at the vital actions that must take place to protect UK music industry in the post-Brexit environment.

Published: 26 April 2021

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

UK Music is calling on music industry leaders to ensure disabled people and people with long term health conditions can realise their dreams by removing potential barriers to job opportunities.

Published: 22 April 2021

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Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

For professional musicians, buying and selling musical instruments can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Neil Crossley examines the options and assesses how to ensure you get the best outcome with the minimum hassle.

Published: 20 April 2021

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Calling On The PM to Put The Value of Music Back “In The Hands of Music Makers”

An extraordinary roll call of music’s great and good call on the Prime Minister to reform the music industry by fixing streaming.

Published: 19 April 2021

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MU Releases New Recording and Home Studios Advice

We’ve released two workbooks on "How to Set Up Your Home Studio Session," and "How to Set Up Your Home Studio Space," for members only, following the workshops we partnered with The F-List to produce for Women’s History Month.

Published: 29 March 2021

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DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

In our summary of the latest Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hearing into the economics of music streaming, read about the main conclusions drawn and our hopes for the future.

Published: 23 March 2021

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Free Expert Industry Advice Session to be Run by the Featured Artists Coalition

The webinars will be part of the Music Explosion Spring Special 2021 presented by Midi Music, and will take place online on the evening of Wednesday 24 March.

Published: 22 March 2021

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Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

All music creators need digital aggregators to get their music online – but which one to choose? An invaluable new MU resource is helping members to decide.

Published: 19 March 2021

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We Welcome Spotify’s Drive for Clarity in Streaming Finances

Together with The Ivors Academy, today we welcomed the launch of Spotify’s new website, Loud & Clear, which aims to introduce new transparency and data about the music streaming economy.

Published: 18 March 2021

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MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

The MU responded today to the announcement by the BBC that the corporation is set to move a selection of its key departments and staff away from London with the aim of making it more inclusive of the entire UK.

Published: 18 March 2021

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MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

Session musicians continue to benefit from the use of background commercial recordings in tv programmes, and our total distribution of royalties for 2021 so far have exceeded £500k.

Published: 17 March 2021

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Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

If you have ten minutes, take part in Music Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age’s anonymous survey - and help their research into how streaming affects music creators’ earnings.

Published: 10 March 2021

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Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

In a specially commissioned blog for Women’s History Month – acclaimed singer, songwriter and MU member Kelli-Leigh discusses her own experiences and asks the music industry, “Can you open up doors to talent that may have been closed to them previously?”

Published: 08 March 2021

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Amended Brexit Guidance for Musicians with Portable Musical Instruments

It has been confirmed today by DCMS Minister Caroline Dinenage MP that musicians travelling into and around the EU with portable musical instruments are not required to obtain a Carnet.

Published: 16 February 2021

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MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

Whilst the MU lobbied hard against Brexit, the agreement reached with the EU means that currently ATA Carnets (a travel document needed for instruments and equipment) are a reality for musicians working in the EU.

Published: 11 February 2021

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EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Despite our correspondence with airline EasyJet, we have been unable to persuade them to amend their new baggage policy, which will come into play from 10 February 2021.

Published: 08 February 2021

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How Musicians Can Help Tackle the E-Waste Mountain

E-waste is now a major environmental issue, and one that musicians can no longer ignore. Can using recycled electronics and vintage kit help change things?

Published: 22 January 2021

Man engrossed in singing into a microphone in a recording studio, he is dressed casually in a hooded jumper and has his arms raised and eyes closed in concentration.

FAC Open Free Series of Events for Music-Artist Entrepreneurs

The Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) is holding a series of “Yeah, but…” free to attend, online, panel events, covering topics from using streaming services to creating a buzz around your work.

Published: 14 January 2021

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Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Members in Glasgow and surrounding areas are encouraged to sign this petition calling on Glasgow City Council to include music studios in the 100% Covid council tax relief awarded to retail, leisure and hospitality.

Published: 04 January 2021

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Why More Game Soundtracks Should be Recorded in the UK

Despite the popularity of game soundtracks, few are recorded in the UK. MU Assistant Secretary General Phil Kear looks at the MU's efforts to change that.

Published: 03 January 2021

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Artificial Intelligence tools have become increasingly prevalent in the creation of recorded and live music in recent years. Will Simpson assesses whether AI is the musician's friend or foe.

Published: 03 January 2021

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Recording and Broadcasting News

Scotland’s First Hip-Hop and Grime Conference HANG Puts Out Call for Live Showcase Artists

New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

A Fair Deal from Streaming: Equitable Remuneration for Performers

Call to Fix Streaming Campaign Receives Extensive Press Coverage

Government Responds to Parliamentary Questions on the Fix Streaming Campaign

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

Over 75 Artists Including The Rolling Stones Join The Call to Fix Streaming

GRT History Month: In the Blood

Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

Feedback Service Available for Those Applying to Next Round of ACE’s DYCP Fund

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

Music For Youth to Hold Mentoring Workshops for MU Members

Wales Update: Lobbying and The Freelancer Fund

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

Call-Out for Experienced Mentors in the Music Industry

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Looking to Hear From Members Who Have Had Issues with Digital Distributor Distrokid

The Copyright Directive

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

Calling On The PM to Put The Value of Music Back “In The Hands of Music Makers”

MU Releases New Recording and Home Studios Advice

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

Free Expert Industry Advice Session to be Run by the Featured Artists Coalition

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

We Welcome Spotify’s Drive for Clarity in Streaming Finances

MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

Amended Brexit Guidance for Musicians with Portable Musical Instruments

MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

How Musicians Can Help Tackle the E-Waste Mountain

FAC Open Free Series of Events for Music-Artist Entrepreneurs

Member Petitions for Glasgow Recording Studios to be in Covid Business Rates Relief Scheme

Why More Game Soundtracks Should be Recorded in the UK

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright