Music Industry News & Feature Stories

Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Campaigns

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

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Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

An update for members regarding ongoing contract negotiations for orchestral musicians at Northern Ballet, following the company’s decision to use non-Union agreements for some performances.

Published: 15 May 2025

EU and UK flags flying in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace, London.

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

As over 500 UK and EU music organisations back an open letter to political leaders, MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on the growing industry pressure to fix post-Brexit touring barriers, ahead of key EU-UK talks.

Published: 14 May 2025

Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

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Musicians who experience racism

A South Asian musician holding an electric guitar and playing a midi keyboard while sat at a desk.

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

South Asian music creators, managers, executives, and behind-the-scenes professionals are encouraged to contribute their experiences to the new survey - and be in with a chance of winning AKG K271 headphones or free studio time!

Published: 15 May 2025

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Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

Folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian standing in front of a tree and wearing bright clothes and jewellery.

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

In our first blog for Women’s History Month 2025, British-Punjabi folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian shares her recent work to challenge traditional ideas about women’s roles in society, the importance of representation, and educating young people about careers in the music industry.

Published: 06 March 2025

Close up of young, Black male musician, singing into a microphone on a stage.

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

A survey by Black Lives In Music, the Musicians’ Union, UK Music, LIVE, and the Mayor of London, has been launched to investigate reported race inequality, bias and over-policing of music events in London. 

Published: 07 February 2025

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Careers news & opportunities

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

'Self-image in movement' is the theme for January's MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how the simple act of body scanning can help improve your self-image.

Published: 15 January 2025

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

Successful applicants will receive a showcase and travel fee, as well as a development fund and tailored mentorship programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

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Members' Voice

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Ankna singing into a microphone on stage.

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

In our fourth and final blog for Women's History Month 2025, vocalist Ankna Arockiam explores the challenges women in the music industry face, her work around higher education and activism, and how joining the MU opens up opportunities for a more inclusive industry.

Published: 26 March 2025

Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience of Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.

Published: 25 March 2025

Professional singer Sarah Mellor sitting at a piano holding a vocal microphone.

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

In our third blog for Women's History Month 2025, professional singer and MU member Sarah Mellor explores the values needed to build and sustain a truly accessible, inclusive music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

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Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

Young male musician, sat cross legged on the bedroom floor, playing acoustic guitar to his young baby.

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

PiPA and Come Play With Me, supported by the MU, are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for parents and carers who work in music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Published: 21 May 2025

MU members and staff at one of last years Pride marches, waving MU flags and banners during the event.

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

The theme for this year's IDAHOBIT, which takes place on Saturday 17 May, is “The Power of Communities”.

Published: 16 May 2025

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

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Latest News & Features

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

Campaigns

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Musicians who experience racism

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Careers news & opportunities

Exploring Your Self-Image Through Feldenkrais

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Members' Voice

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

MU Marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2025

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025