skip to main content

Cookies on Musicians' Union

We use technologies, such as cookies, to customise content and advertising, to provide social media features and to analyse traffic to the site. We also share information about your use of our site with our chosen social media, advertising and analytics partners. Read our cookie policy for more information.
View cookies
Search

MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

Session musicians continue to benefit from the use of background commercial recordings in tv programmes, and our total distribution of royalties for 2021 so far have exceeded £500k.

Published: 17 March 2021 | 5:49 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a yellow television box against a turquoise coloured wall.
The MU actively collects payment for use of session musicians on commercial audio recordings used in sync for advertising, film, and television. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following the first distribution of BBC ‘dubbing’ money today (royalties for use of background commercial audio in BBC programmes) totalling some £290k, this brings the total distribution so far in 2021 to just over £500k.

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting commented:

“Despite the pandemic, session musicians continue to benefit from use of background commercial recordings in tv programmes. The team have worked extremely hard in prioritising the mass of data work required to expedite these payments to help members in these worrying times.”

The MU actively collects payment for use of session musicians on commercial audio recordings used in sync for advertising, film, and television.

Should members hear a recording they have performed on in a film or advertisement, and have not had a royalty payment, please keep us informed at licensing@theMU.org

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

Read more about Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film
Black and white image of Gil sat at a piano in his younger years.

Tribute to Gil Martin

Gilbert Alexander Martin was a successful and highly accomplished pianist, as well as a lifelong member and supporter of the Musician's Union. He passed away on 29 May 2024. This tribute has been provided by Gil’s daughters, Gillian and Susan.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about Tribute to Gil Martin
Sir Kier Starmer Labour leader giving his first speech after winning the general election and becoming prime minister on 5 July.

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

Having been so heavily involved in forming Labour policy and the manifesto, we look forward to working with the new Government to implement meaningful change for the country and for musicians.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs
All news and features