skip to main content

Announcing the #BrokenRecord Appeal and Festival

The Broken Record Appeal aims to support every kind of music creator in need as a result of Coronavirus. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Broken Record Appeal and the associated Festival planned for 24th May.

Published: 11 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 06 July 2021 | 4:34 PM
an illustration for Broken Record appeal featuring a person at their home full of music records
Tim’s regular twitter listening parties celebrate the joy of listening to albums.

The campaign we launched today with the Ivors Academy to #KeepMusicAlive and #FixStreaming was in part inspired by artists taking to Twitter and using the #BrokenRecord hashtag to highlight problems with the distribution of streaming revenue.  

The Covid-19 crisis has exposed the fact that many artists and songwriters cannot survive on royalties from the streaming of music online, despite the fact that it brings in billions of pounds of revenue for platforms and major labels. 

On Twitter, Tim Burgess has been hosting Twitter listening parties which celebrate the joy of listening to albums – see #TimsTwitterListeningParty. During the weeks of lockdown, with the involvement of many bands and artists, 120 listening parties have now been held with tens of thousands of music fans.

Launch of the Broken Record Appeal

On Monday 11 May, #TimsTwitterListeningParty and the #BrokenRecord campaign have come together to launch ‘The Broken Record Appeal’ to support every kind of music creator in need as a result of the Coronavirus. 

Donations received via this appeal will be split equally between the MU Coronavirus Hardship Fund and the PRS Emergency Relief Fund. 

Join the Broken Record Festival

In order to amplify the #BrokenRecord campaign and raise money via the appeal, #TimsTwitterListeningParty will present “The Broken Record Festival” on Sunday 24 May.  

The online festival will feature:

  • Boy George with Culture Club’s ‘Colour By Numbers’ (w/ producer Steve Levine) 
  • The Shins with ‘Oh, Inverted World’ 
  • KT Tunstall with ‘Eye To The Telescope’ 
  • John Grant with “Pale Green Ghosts’ 
  • PINS with “Wild Nights

Make a donation to the Broken Record Appeal

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026