DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

Things have changed so much since I first became a member of the Musicians’ Union. My mum Blanche was a jazz and cabaret singer and was also a member, so union awareness was already in the family. Once I started to sing in bands, she encouraged me to join.

I first signed up in the 80s; I was singing in bands and my membership provided essential employment protections such as guidelines on gig fees, performance venues and studio session work. It was practically mandatory for anyone performing live or recording to be a member in those days.

I paused my membership in 1992 when I stopped singing in bands and became a DJ, because DJs weren’t considered musicians or allowed to join the union until 1997. This pause was extended when I moved to Europe and was no longer eligible.

Back in the UK, I needed some legal advice after a burglary at my home in 2019. I renewed my Musicians’ Union membership under the Join for a Pound scheme and found immediate help and answers by email and phone. A wealth of membership benefits were also open to me, including preferential insurance rates – home and car, free public liability insurance and £2,000 free instrument insurance.

Pathways to getting involved

At the beginning of lockdown, I read about Naomi Pohl (now MU General Secretary)’s work creating the Safe Space scheme, which is an opportunity for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the music industry. It is a cause that I wanted to support, so I emailed her to offer my services.

We talked at length and discussed the ways in which I could get involved with the Union. I was invited to speak at an International Women’s Day seminar at HOME in Manchester on behalf of the MU. There I met John Shortell (Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), and a few months later was also invited to speak on a Zoom panel regarding sexual harassment and the Safe Space initiative.

This eventually led to a conversation with my Regional Organiser Matt Wanstall (now MU Assistant General Secretary) about joining the North of England Regional Committee. I was then elected in October 2021 and am still a serving member.

Representing those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role

My priority in joining the Union and its different Equality Network/Industry Section Committees was to represent and reflect the world of the electronic music industry, and make the voices of Black women/women of colour/DJs/producers/freelancers and performers who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role, heard and considered equally. My primary focus is on diversity, and women’s and LGBT+ rights.

Since becoming a member of the North of England Regional Committee, I have enjoyed attending (and DJing at) the MU Members' Conference in Leeds in 2022, and have spoken on a Musicians’ Union industry panel at Generator Live in Newcastle in 2023.

I joined the Union’s Live Performance Section Committee in 2024. It is both a privilege and fantastic opportunity to be able to sit in committee meetings, where we can make decisions and raise motions on issues which might eventually be tabled for discussion at the Annual General Meeting and the Trades Union Congress. 

Personal and professional development

In 2022 I had the honour of contributing to the election campaign for the new General Secretary of the Musicians Union, which saw Naomi Pohl elected as the first female in this role since the Union’s formation 128 years ago. It was a historic, landmark event and I am proud to have been involved.

Aside from this, there are also many practical benefits to membership today. The website is full of resources, advice, news articles and fresh ideas. You can also engage with the Union on all the key social media platforms.

There is a regular timetable of events - online and in-person - offering discussions, round tables, training, health information and advice, plus career development resources. There are also occasional deals on music related services, such as ear protection and mental health support.

Speaking of which, this year my membership has enabled me to further invest in myself, pushing me out of my professional comfort zone to start a course in Music Leadership.

My Union membership is helping me to grow and evolve my career in the music industry in ways that I didn’t know existed when I renewed my application five years ago. It’s my intention to get more involved in management and the decision-making processes of the industry and the Union. Could election to the Executive Committee be the next step?

I believe that we can make a difference

I think it is hugely important to sit on the Committees as a Black, queer woman; but also as a music industry professional with a unique background and specialist skill set (which includes broadcasting, club and event creation/curation and DJing). I want to share these experiences, along with whatever challenges there might be, with other members and the organisation.

I would encourage everyone who joins the MU to get involved, speak up and join a committee; let’s work together to create an inclusive vision and future proof this Union.

The more people like me who have a voice and make that voice heard, then the more visible we become and policies can begin to reflect the diversity of our membership. I believe that we can make a difference, one motion at a time.