skip to main content

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting has reported back that 2023 saw a record £1.57m being distributed to members, and thanks the R&B team for their unrelenting dedication to the task.

Published: 20 December 2023 | 1:22 PM
Vintage record player with a vinyl resting on top, spinning in action
"Monies are collected from a number of sources. A large part comes from the dubbing of commercial music into television programmes (background music)." Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Royalties team at the MU are delighted to announce that 2023 has hit a record distribution of £1.57m to musicians. Our final payment of 2023 last week saw 2500 members and non-members share in the latest distribution of £250k.

Monies are collected from a number of sources. A large part comes from the dubbing of commercial music into television programmes (background music). Musicians’ performances are also licenced by the MU into film and advertising, for which the licensing team invoice major studios and advertising brands.

The other main source of royalty is from Video Licensing. Where promotional videos and backing tracks are made of commercially published music to clear rights for further use, the MU receives a percentage of fees from record labels via Video Performance Licensing (part of PPL).

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting thanked the whole team for their unrelenting dedication and hard work, their consistent high standards and absolute passion to improve the lives of members.

Invoices paid in 2023 £1.7m

Admin fees collected £213k

Distribution 2023 £1.57m

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

Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

Read more about Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings
Close up of the American flag with a burst of sunlight.

US Artist Visa Update – August

An update for musicians travelling to the US, covering proposed changes to ESTA fees and further delays in O and P visa processing.

Published: 26 August 2025

Read more about US Artist Visa Update – August
A handmade sign painted in the Palestinian flag colours with text that says

MU Releases Statement Condemning Genocide in Gaza

The Musicians' Union opposes and fully condemns the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people, and we are taking action to protect and defend musicians' right to free speech and peaceful protest.

Published: 21 August 2025

Read more about MU Releases Statement Condemning Genocide in Gaza