MU National Organiser for Live, Theatre & Music Writers Kelly Wood speaks on the ‘Making a Living from Live Performance in a Scarcity Economy’ panel.
Day two of FIM’s International Freelance Conference in Brighton saw MU Executive Committee Vice-Chair Andi Hopgood join Dinnos Georgountzos (Greece) and Thomas Sandberg (Denmark), chaired by Edith Katiji (Zimbabwe), for a panel on ‘Portfolio Careers’.
Andi drew on her experience balancing work as a choir director, vocal coach, psychodynamic psychotherapist and performer to highlight both the flexibility and the challenges of a portfolio career. She spoke about the often-unpaid work involved in finding opportunities, negotiating fees and managing multiple contracts, alongside the mental load of navigating an unpredictable working life.
She also highlighted the additional barriers faced by women and parents, including the cost and availability of childcare around evening and weekend work, limited financial support during maternity leave and assumptions about mothers’ availability and commitment.
Andi emphasised the role of trade unions in helping freelancers navigate these challenges through advice, representation and education, as well as campaigning for fair contracts and better social security. She highlighted the importance of collective agreements and promulgated minimum rates in providing benchmarks for fee negotiations, stressing that collective support is essential to improving conditions across the industry.
Fair pay and sustainable touring
In the afternoon, MU National Organiser for Live, Theatre & Music Writers Kelly Wood joined Luis Amador (Costa Rica) and Wages Argott (United States) for a panel on ‘Making a Living from Live Performance in a Scarcity Economy’. Chaired by Beat Santschi (Switzerland), the discussion explored the financial pressures facing musicians and how unions can work towards fairer, more sustainable conditions.
Kelly outlined the challenges facing musicians in the UK, particularly the rising costs of touring, and discussed potential sector-wide solutions, including the grassroots ticket levy and ways to promote healthier, more sustainable touring practices.
Luis shared perspectives from Costa Rica and South America, where scarcity and poor pay can intensify competition between musicians. He also highlighted efforts to improve support for musicians through proposed arts legislation.
Wages reflected on the shared challenges facing musicians internationally, including declining public funding, rising ticket prices and increased competition for engagements, which can drive a race to the bottom on fees. He spoke about the importance of freelance organising, including the establishment of freelance organising committees across local unions, alongside workshops and conferences to help musicians understand their rights and feel represented.
The discussion highlighted the importance of recognising musicians as workers, protecting existing opportunities and building solidarity across the industry. Panellists stressed that accepting below-standard rates affects not only individual musicians but also pay and conditions across the profession.
Income from recorded music
The final panel of the day, ‘Income Streams for Recorded Music’, saw MU member Rachel Bolt join Bertalan Temesi (Hungary) and Benjamin Sauzay (France), with Tino Gagliardi (United States) chairing the discussion.
As part of the MU’s Fix Streaming campaign, Rachel explains in the video below how non-featured artists receive £0 from music streaming, unlike broadcast radio, while major record labels pocket millions. Watch the video to hear more about the campaign and why fairer streaming payments matter to musicians.
Climate Emergency Action Group
During the conference, members of the MU’s member-led Climate Emergency Action Group hosted a stall to gather ideas from delegates around the world on how musicians can work together to tackle the climate crisis.
Bridget Walsh and Lynn Henderson spoke with international representatives about ways to take collective action. They also set up the member-led Instagram account @MU_Greenroom to connect musicians, gather interest and share ideas. Get involved!
The MU was pleased to host this year’s conference in Brighton, bringing together delegates from across the world to share experiences, exchange ideas and explore how unions can work together to improve conditions for freelance musicians.
We’d like to thank FIM, all the delegates and everyone who contributed to making the event a success. Thanks also to the conference sponsors, including Hencilla Canworth (part of Howden) and Morrish Solicitors, for their support.
Revist MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl's opening speech here, or catch up on day one highlights here.