Music Writing & Composer News & Stories

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Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

Two young adults playing their guitars in the kicthen, both are holding acoustic guitars as if they are preparing to play them.

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

Rosie Frater Taylor on a sofa with her guitar

Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

Singer-songwriter Rosie Frater-Taylor talking about why making her genre-straddling second album Bloom was a coming-of-age experience.

Published: 15 November 2021

Member only Read more about Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

Silhouette of a person standing against a stage light, the light is shining through their shoulder length hair.

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021

An electronic music instrument, the Theremin, is on a stand on a stage with a performer stood with their hands ready to play it.

Delia Derbyshire Day to Run on Theme of Imagination 23 November

Supported by Arts Council England and The Granada Foundation, Delia Derbyshire Day will be providing electronic music education and inspiration. The theme of this year’s events, workshops and commissioned new art is imagination.

Published: 12 November 2021

Belfast City Hall illuminated at night and seen from down a busy street with blurred pedestrians

Belfast Awarded prestigious UNESCO City of Music Title

In exciting news, Belfast has become the third city in the UK to be awarded the coveted City of Music status by UNESCO celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage and recognising the importance of music to its future.

Published: 09 November 2021

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Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

The report presents crucial action points highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them.

Published: 09 November 2021

A person is sat at a large recording desk, we can just see the back of their head with short cropped hair, a baseball cap, and earphones over their ears.

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

It is fair to say that the Fix Streaming campaign, run jointly by the Musicians’ Union and The Ivors Academy, and Tom Gray's Broken Record have had far greater impact in a short period of time than we thought possible when we embarked on this journey.

Published: 09 November 2021

Musicians seen standing at the front of a stage, from behind, teh camera looks out over a huge stadium sized audience.

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

On 3 December, MPs will have an opportunity to fix streaming. Be sure your voice is heard in the debate.

Published: 08 November 2021

Electric bass guitarist performs on stage, we can only see their silhoutte outlined against orange and red lights

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

The MU will be attending Sound of Belfast festival, which is running across the city 11-12 November. We will be running an introduction to the MU event, as well as hosting 1-2-1 advice sessions.

Published: 05 November 2021

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Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

November is TUC Young Workers Month, when the whole trade union movement comes together to celebrate, and campaign on issues affecting, young members.

Published: 05 November 2021

A guitar player in a function band, we can see the back of the neck of an electric guitar looking out over a blurred audience

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Forty-four Conservative MPs are calling for key measures to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 05 November 2021

A man is singing with energy into a microphone, against a yellow background.

We’ve Partnered up With the Ivors Academy to Offer a New Joint Membership Discounted Rate

MU members can now get a 25% discount on the Ivors Academy standard and professional memberships, and Ivors Academy members can get a 25% discount on the MU’s annual standard membership rate.

Published: 02 November 2021

How to Take Care of the Tabla

Kuljit Bhamra explains how the tabla is a sensitive instrument that requires careful maintenance

Published: 30 October 2021

Member only Read more about How to Take Care of the Tabla

A huge crowd of climate protestrors with various banners gathered in a street, a blow up beachball style planet is being thrown by the crowd.

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

In the run up to COP26, Make My Money Matter (MMMM) have released a free online guide for organisations committing to greening their pensions – one which members may find useful to share with employers and colleagues where relevant.

Published: 29 October 2021

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer holds up his red suitcase outside 10 Downing Street

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

Whilst the budget announcement did offer a welcome extension to the orchestras tax relief and business rate relief for venues, the choice not to take forward further music tax incentives and the hike in VAT could have a negative impact on the sector.

Published: 28 October 2021

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

To celebrate Black History Month, Love Music Hate Racism have hosted a special episode of their #SpeakUpThursday radio show, featuring Chardine Taylor Stone.

Published: 22 October 2021

One man is sat, blurred in the background with his arm reaching around the shoulder of an older man.

Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

As part of Addiction Awareness Week, Music Support are offering free places on their brand-new Addiction & Recovery workshop – with applications closing on Monday 25 October.

Published: 22 October 2021

Photograph of a trumpet in front of a dark green background.

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

Research by UK Music reveals the music industry contributed £3.1 billion to the UK economy in 2020, down from £5.8bn in 2019.

Published: 20 October 2021

Competition and Markets Authority Launches Market Study Into Music Streaming

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy, and Broken Record founder Tom Gray welcome the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) decision to launch a market study into music streaming.

Published: 19 October 2021

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

The MU fully supports the recommendations made in Black Lives in Music’s survey report highlighting the systemic racism that Black musicians experience across the music industry. The MU’s John Shortell explains why.

Published: 13 October 2021

Two women are sat on a sofa, dressed for the office they are discussing something on a laptop and making hand gestures.

TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) have published a 15-minute primer on everything you need to know to set up a meeting with your employer and get the conversation going a green transition in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow this year.

Published: 11 October 2021

Against a blue background is a miniature toy globe that functions as a map of the world, with a large pair of black earphones sitting behind the globe.

Music Declares Emergency to Host First Climate Music Blowout Event

The event – which will run on Sunday 17 October in London – will include an afternoon of discussion on how the UK music industry can respond to the climate emergency, followed by a ticketed evening show celebrating the power of music.

Published: 11 October 2021

A pineapple wearing earphones and heart-shaped sunglasses is stood on a white sanded beach with blue sea and bluer sky in the background.

New Recordings Added to Our Career Development Section

We’ve recently added recordings from some of our online events to the Career Starter Kits which we host on our website – adding to the selection of member-only resources currently available.

Published: 08 October 2021

Photograph of Labour Party Deputy leader Angela Rayner giving her speech at the Labour Party Conference

The MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

The MU took a delegation to the Labour Party Conference, voting on a number of important motions and holding meetings with Labour MPs – as well as making a fleeting visit to the Conservative Party Conference to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 05 October 2021

The neck of a traditional instrument often used in Afghan music, known as a Rubab

MU Signs Letter in Support of Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians

The MU was one of over 200 signatories to an open letter – published in the Sunday Times on Sunday 3 October – calling on the UK Government to explicitly prioritise musicians under the Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

Published: 05 October 2021

Photograph of MU Executive Committee Member Diljeet Bhachu, speaking into a microphone.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: MU Member Diljeet Bhachu’s Opening Speech to the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

This year’s STUC Black Workers’ Conference was chaired by MU Executive Committee member Diljeet Bhachu, who reflected on how challenging the previous 18-months have been for Black workers across Scotland, and the importance of solidarity across the Trade Union movement.

Published: 04 October 2021

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Driving in the EU: Number Plate Legislation Change

It has come to our attention that from Tuesday 28 September, cars displaying a GB sticker or number plate sign will need to either cover it up or remove it.

Published: 24 September 2021

Silhouette of a person holding up their hands in a heart shape, against a stadium audience at a live music event.

New Recovery Fund Opens in Northern Ireland to Support Individuals Working in the Arts and Creative Sectors

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) and the Department for Communities (DfC), have today (Wednesday 15 September) opened a new recovery funding programme, co-designed to support individuals in the Arts and Creative sectors retain valuable skills.

Published: 23 September 2021

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Feldenkrais Method for Musicians – Why do it?

You are your primary Instrument, whether that’s a Strad or a factory violin is up to how you use what you have! Find out how the Feldenkrais Method could help.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a microphone against the background of yellow stage lights.

Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

Help us make the case to the Government to use the money that is left in the Cultural Recovery Fund to provide bridging loans and other investment for musicians, by answering three short questions.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a number of instruments left backstage, a well aged piano, an upright bass lying on its side, a red synth on a stand and a music stand, as well as fairy lights and wires and visible.

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have published research on “Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age”, in a timely move, given current industry debates and our campaign to defend media composers' royalties.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a bass musician standing on a busy looking stage with orange and purple light shining over them

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

The MU, The Ivors Academy and Tom Gray, Founder of the #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the Government’s response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Streaming Report, but call for firm action now to put the value of music back in the hands of music makers.

Published: 22 September 2021

Stone pillar with a plac reading DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

The Musicians’ Union has written to the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries MP, highlighting ongoing challenges MU members are facing.

Published: 16 September 2021

Close up photograph of a cello's bridge and strings

MU Deputy General Secretary Attends Meeting with Scotland’s First Minister on Measures Against Covid-19

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl represented the Union at a meeting with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today.

Published: 15 September 2021

Trades Union Congress House in black and white

MU Motions on Fixing Streaming, Brexit Touring Issues, and Equalities Passed at TUC Conference 2021

Delegates from across the trade union movement support the MU’s calls for fairer streaming, easier EU touring, and women’s rights at TUC’s 2021 Conference.

Published: 14 September 2021

Photograph of a socially distanced audience watching a live performance from the back. We see them from behind, seated on distanced chairs with a red light.

Vaccination Certification Will Become Mandatory for Various Events in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament has approved the use of Coronavirus vaccination certificates to enter some events and higher risk venues, with the scheme coming into effect on 1 October.

Published: 10 September 2021

Photograph of a masked woman sitting outdoors, writing into a notebook and wearing headphones.

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Joint research by the MU and The Ivors Academy has revealed that 70% of musicians, songwriters and composers who are still shielding are facing financial hardship because of their continued need to shield.

Published: 10 September 2021

Young musician working in a studio, he is sitting at a mixing desk, behind him a drum kit is visible

Discount for MU Members at SensoriaPro 2021

SensoriaPro Industry Day will take place in person at the Showroom Cinema, Sheffield on Friday 8 October 2021 and there is an exclusive 23% discount for MU members.

Published: 08 September 2021

A South Asian person in her wheelchair takes notes by hand during a meeting.

Harbourside Management Research Highlights How Workers Fear to Disclose Disability

New research from Harbourside Management indicates music industry workers are putting their health at risk as a result of fears to disclose disability.

Published: 07 September 2021

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Songwriting and Composer News

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

Delia Derbyshire Day to Run on Theme of Imagination 23 November

Belfast Awarded prestigious UNESCO City of Music Title

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

We’ve Partnered up With the Ivors Academy to Offer a New Joint Membership Discounted Rate

How to Take Care of the Tabla

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

Competition and Markets Authority Launches Market Study Into Music Streaming

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change

Music Declares Emergency to Host First Climate Music Blowout Event

New Recordings Added to Our Career Development Section

The MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

MU Signs Letter in Support of Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians

Looking Back, Moving Forward: MU Member Diljeet Bhachu’s Opening Speech to the STUC Black Workers’ Conference

Driving in the EU: Number Plate Legislation Change

New Recovery Fund Opens in Northern Ireland to Support Individuals Working in the Arts and Creative Sectors

Feldenkrais Method for Musicians – Why do it?

Lobbying Update: Government Must Invest in Musicians This Autumn

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

MU Deputy General Secretary Attends Meeting with Scotland’s First Minister on Measures Against Covid-19

MU Motions on Fixing Streaming, Brexit Touring Issues, and Equalities Passed at TUC Conference 2021

Vaccination Certification Will Become Mandatory for Various Events in Scotland

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Discount for MU Members at SensoriaPro 2021

Harbourside Management Research Highlights How Workers Fear to Disclose Disability