skip to main content

MU Welcomes Milestone Victory in Fix Streaming Campaign

The MU has expressed its welcome for Universal Music’s recent announcement that the label intends to follow the lead of its major rivals, Sony and Warner, in committing to deliver royalties to unrecouped heritage artists.

Published: 07 April 2022 | 4:25 PM Updated: 07 April 2022 | 5:49 PM
Close up of mixing desk with microphone placed on top, cast in red light.
Heritage acts should now receive royalties without having recouped the advance payments received at the outset of their agreement with the company. Image credit: Shutterstock.

All three major companies have now reflected the moves by leading independent labels - such as the Beggars Group - to review the issue of unrecouped balances, enabling more of their legacy artists to receive payments when their music is streamed.

Heritage acts should now receive royalties without having recouped the advance payments received at the outset of their agreement with the company. Many artists never make enough money to repay their advances, often as a direct result of the royalty rates listed in their contract.

A major milestone in the campaign

The Union highlights the vital work undertaken by all involved in the Fix Streaming campaign, which has led to the investigation by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) into the Economics of Streaming, the Committee’s subsequent report, and the ongoing Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) study of the contemporary recording industry.

Horace Trubridge, MU Senior Executive Officer, said:

“The MU’s campaign to bring fairness to the recorded music industry has been fought for over ten years now and we are delighted to see that the major record companies are at last waking up to the fact that they need to clean up their act. The fact that heritage performers from all genres will now have their unrecouped balances wiped away and will start to receive royalties is a major milestone in the campaign.

“As I move into the final months of my time at the MU, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved so far but we mustn’t take our foot off the gas. As well as making sure that new artists can earn enough from their recordings to ensure that they can stay in the profession, we must secure an income stream from the streaming platforms for the session musicians whose amazing talent contributes towards the success of so many recordings.”

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

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance