Music Writing & Composer News & Stories

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MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

The MU cautiously welcomes the Government’s announcement – made on Wednesday 4 August – that visa-free short-term touring is allowed in 19 member states, but it does not solve many of the problems currently facing musicians touring in the EU.

Published: 05 August 2021

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Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

Set up during the pandemic, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) is putting the welfare of our planet in the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide, and the MU is proud to have contributed.

Published: 30 July 2021

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MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

As part of the 10-Point Plan published by UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce last October, the MU will be supporting equality movement organisation Girls I Rate in their work towards a music industry where women can thrive.

Published: 30 July 2021

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Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 July 2021

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First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Today saw the first day of the MU Delegate Conference 2021, which for the first time ever is being held largely online due to the pandemic.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

'Honey Sessions' is designed to support artists and producers working within MOBO genres. It's been set up in collaboration alongside the Forté Project and with a focus on creative collaborations between artists and producers.

Published: 19 July 2021

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the “revolutionary” Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Economics of music streaming report.

Published: 15 July 2021

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Published: 14 July 2021

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Yazz Ahmed draws on her cultural heritage to create a strident sonic mix, one that blurs the boundaries between jazz and electronic soundscapes.

Published: 09 July 2021

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Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

A new online music initiative dedicated to championing Northern Ireland (NI) music has launched. Music Connections is a central online hub created to support the development and growth of NI’s diverse and talented music sector.

Published: 08 July 2021

Photo of a trio of musicians, a banjo player, a double bass player and an acoustic guitarist.

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

Our friends at the hub have just launched a new Balance toolkit that includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of Covid 19.

Published: 06 July 2021

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All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

We’ve now released a recording of the webinars and Q&A session we put on, explaining the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

The programme is supported by PRS Foundation, and aims to develop international opportunities for six acts based in Scotland, and is taking applications up to Monday 5 July.

Published: 02 July 2021

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The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Published: 29 June 2021

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Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

New Music Scotland (NMS) has announced the shortlist of nominees for the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music. Once again, NMS received an exceptional level of submissions which were adjudicated by a panel of key figures in the music world.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

New guidance written by MU member and composer Ben Lunn with the team at sound contains information on the day-to-day challenges facing neurodivergent composers.

Published: 24 June 2021

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New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

MU member Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members Bill, calling for a better deal for musicians and songwriters, is backed by eleven cross party MPs including Damian Green and Esther McVey.

Published: 22 June 2021

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The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on The Value of The Song

In this blog, Graham Davies discusses the Fix Streaming campaign, which has been running since the start of Covid-19, and asks the question – if streaming is a song economy, why is the songwriter the last and least to be paid?

Published: 22 June 2021

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WIPO Report Backs Up Fix Streaming Campaign’s Key Asks

A new report by the World Intellectual Property Organisation looking at artists in the digital music marketplace backs up key asks in the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 18 June 2021

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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

Photograph of a trumpet resting on the sill of a closed window, with light shining through.

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

Amateur Choirs: “It’s In Our Bones to Use Our Voices”

As the Government continues to restrict the meeting and rehearsing of amateur choirs in England, jazz vocalist, musician and teacher Andi Hopgood discusses why amateur choirs are so essential – from their benefits to wellbeing to the employment they provide.

Published: 10 June 2021

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Delia Derbyshire Day 2021 to Go Ahead Online

A new programme of activities has been announced for Delia Derbyshire Day (DD Day), including five, free, online masterclasses which will be running monthly from July to November, online electronic music courses, and an expansion of DD Day’s education work.

Published: 08 June 2021

Photograph of a beautiful, swirling red and pattern skirt - part of a dress being worn at a traditional Roma dance.

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

Photograph of a musician holding a guitar, we can't see their face and the photo focuses on their hands on the fretboard.

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

Photograph of a young persons hands on an electric piano keyboard, the background is busy and lit in purple lights - there is a blurred band playing.

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

A musician sits at a mixing desk, with different pieces of equipment, including multiple speakers and monitors facing them.

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

A young musician is working on a keyboard with a microphone, speakers and computer set up in front of them. There is warm but dark lighting.

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

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Songwriting and Composer News

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on The Value of The Song

WIPO Report Backs Up Fix Streaming Campaign’s Key Asks

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

Amateur Choirs: “It’s In Our Bones to Use Our Voices”

Delia Derbyshire Day 2021 to Go Ahead Online

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

The Copyright Directive