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

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves on stage making a speech at the Labour Party Conference in 2023.

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

Yesterday Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out her Comprehensive Spending Review. Having lobbied the Government for additional money for music, it was positive to see the Government announce a "significant increase in funding for the creative industries" as a key “growth sector".

Published: 12 June 2025

Annabella Coldrick, Naomi Pohl, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Dave Webster and Tom Kiehl smiling in front of a UK flag.

MU Meets with Minister to Push for Progress on Touring Post-Brexit

Earlier this week, the MU met with Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds to discuss last month’s EU-UK Summit and the next steps for touring artists.

Published: 11 June 2025

Young women sat at a piano in an auditorium.

MU Welcomes Cardiff Music School’s Decision to Remain Open and Urges More Support for Arts in Higher Education

Proposals to close the School of Music at Cardiff University won’t go ahead, but further work is needed on the detailed plans and culture across Wales.

Published: 04 June 2025

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar against a window.

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

Published: 04 June 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

A full conference room with a screen in the middle of the back wall that says

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

Man with his hand on his ear, listening carefully to music through his over ear headphones, in front of an open laptop.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

The demise of print media and the rise of online magazines has prompted some MU members to question how best to submit your music for review. Here are some key tips on who to pitch to, how to find them and what to send.

Published: 11 June 2025

Four hands holding up signs of logos: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

Promoting music on social media can be a challenge for musicians who are not digital natives. But by following a few key steps, artists can create a dedicated community of fans.

Published: 30 May 2025

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

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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

Cupped hands holding the light of a rainbow.

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

The MU stands in solidarity with our trans members following the Supreme Court ruling about the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 June 2025

Mother holding a young baby while she's working on a laptop.

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

An alliance of trade unions and charities is calling on the Business and Trade Secretary for bold reforms to better support new mothers, parents, and families.

Published: 11 June 2025

Three adults lying on their own yoga mats practicing Feldenkrais.

Feldenkrais: “I began to Notice How Seemingly Tiny, Innocuous Movements Could Produce Significant Change”

MU member Sophia Rahman shares how the subtle changes she learned from Emma Alter’s Feldenkrais sessions turned into significant ones.

Published: 05 June 2025

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

Published: 04 June 2025

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

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Latest News & Features

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

Campaigns

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

MU Meets with Minister to Push for Progress on Touring Post-Brexit

MU Welcomes Cardiff Music School’s Decision to Remain Open and Urges More Support for Arts in Higher Education

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

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

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

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

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

MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

Feldenkrais: “I began to Notice How Seemingly Tiny, Innocuous Movements Could Produce Significant Change”

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

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

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling