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White painted chairs set out with socially distanced amount of space between them, outdoors.

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

The Government has now confirmed a number of changes and extra details for musicians in its previously published Spring Roadmap for England – and we have updated our guidance accordingly.

Published: 09 April 2021

Photograph of a young girl wearing ear protectors at a concert. The background is blurred but we can see multiple people and string lights.

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

It’s World Autism Day on 2 April! To celebrate we asked Autism consultant and Heart N Soul creative associate Robyn Rocket to write a blog for us with a few pointers on how we can consider inclusion for Autistic musicians and listeners when the world opens again post-Covid.

Published: 01 April 2021

Photograph of a person holding up a trans pride flag (blue, pink and white) which is floating out behind them against a bright blue sky.

MU Reconfirms Our Commitment Towards Trans Equality on Trans Day of Visibility

Wednesday 31 March is Trans Day of Visibility, and we are marking this by showing a round-up of previously published blogs – as well as upcoming events and petitions to support.

Published: 31 March 2021

Photograph of a vinyl record with the LGBT+ Pride flag coloured stripes behind it

LGBT+ History Month Panel: Activism and Allyship

The MU and Pride in Music partnered to mark this year’s LGBT+ History Month with a panel discussion about activism and allyship.

Published: 30 March 2021

Photograph of Bishi Bhattachaya, she is wearing a brightly coloured top and gold head piece, and is looking directly into the camera with one arm raised.

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

For Women’s History Month, singer-songwriter Bishi Bhattachaya talks us through how the pandemic has exposed major issues of inequality within the music industry, and calls for concrete action and investment.

Published: 30 March 2021

A woman working at home is leaning over her laptop, she is concentrating but smiling slightly with a large pair of earphones around her neck.

Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

The Ivors Academy and the MU have launched a new campaign, Composers Against Buyouts, to oppose unethical business practices that damage media composers’ rights, earnings and careers.

Published: 29 March 2021

Photograph of a woman sat outdoors, smiling and strumming on an acoustic guitar.

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

According to a survey for UN Women UK, four-fifths of young women in the UK have been subjected to sexual harassment, ringing true with our research showing how endemic harassment is in the music industry.

Published: 26 March 2021

Sun sets over the port of Dover with a beautiful orange, yellow and pink sky - there are white cliffs and lorries parked everywhere.

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave evidence to MPs and said the Government was working “flat out” to find a solution to mobility issues around visas, work permits and moving goods between the UK and EU.

Published: 25 March 2021

Photograph of Parliament square in the sunshine, the photograph looks across the square towards the houses of parliament and the grass is green.

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC), of which the MU is a member, has signed an open letter calling for reconsideration of the “policing bill”, co-ordinated by Liberty and Friends of the Earth and co-signed by 244 other organisations.

Published: 25 March 2021

A selection of speakers stacked up on a slightly blue dyed manuscript.

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

In our summary of the latest Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hearing into the economics of music streaming, read about the main conclusions drawn and our hopes for the future.

Published: 23 March 2021

Photograph of earphones and a microphone lieing on a sun soaked wooden desk.

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

All music creators need digital aggregators to get their music online – but which one to choose? An invaluable new MU resource is helping members to decide.

Published: 19 March 2021

Photograph of a paper chain of people cut out and holding hands, under a bright light on a wooden desk.

Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

The Government has agreed in the House of Lords to ask police forces to treat misogyny as a hate crime from the autumn.

Published: 18 March 2021

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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

Photograph of a saxophone up close, the background of a brick outdoor wall implies that the performer is outside, we can only see the performers arm and hand.

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

An update on our call for busking to be permitted again in England, following the Government’s Spring 2021 roadmap – plus further legal advice for buskers.

Published: 15 March 2021

Photograph of a group of police officers standing in a road in their high viz uniforms.

Concerns over the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

The MU are concerned that the Government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, and will increase discrimination and undermine democracy.

Published: 15 March 2021

Photograph of bright pink earphones against a blue background, there is also the corner of an open silver laptop visible.

Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

If you have ten minutes, take part in Music Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age’s anonymous survey - and help their research into how streaming affects music creators’ earnings.

Published: 10 March 2021

Photograph of a woman on stage, she's holding a microphone in one hand and looking towards the stage back. We can't see her face, which is hidden behind a curtain of hair.

BBC Keen to Speak to Individuals Who Have Had Experiences of Sexual Harassment Silenced

The producer of BBC Three documentary “Music’s Dirty Secrets: Women Fight Back,” is now working on a follow up program and is looking to talking to individuals who feel they have been prevented from speaking out about their experience of sexual harassment or assault.

Published: 10 March 2021

A photograph of Kelli-Leigh, she's sitting on a sofa in a bright, plant filled room, looking into the space behind the camera thoughtfully.

Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

In a specially commissioned blog for Women’s History Month – acclaimed singer, songwriter and MU member Kelli-Leigh discusses her own experiences and asks the music industry, “Can you open up doors to talent that may have been closed to them previously?”

Published: 08 March 2021

Photograph of a nurse holding out a covid testing kit.

New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

We’ve published new guidance on Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements for employed and self-employed musicians, which we hope will help with some of your concerns during the return to work.

Published: 05 March 2021

Photograph of a guitarist performing on a stage under blue toned stage lights.

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

An update on PRS for Music which clarifies various aspects of their licences for online ticketed events.

Published: 18 February 2021

Photograph of the houses of parliament taken in the evening.

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union, have welcomed the UK Government’s firm commitment to solve the critical issues facing touring post-Brexit.

Published: 18 February 2021

Photograph of a model of the earth, resting on a desk. Behind, and out of focus, a person is sat at a laptop computer.

Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

The TUC and Stand Up To Racism have called for a day of mobilisation on Thursday 18 February, using the day to build awareness and participation in preparation for UN Anti Racism Day on 20 March.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a drummer playing in silhouette against smoke and bright golden light.

Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

Power Up is a new ambitious, long-term initiative which will support Black music creators and industry professionals and executives, as well addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a crowd of people, perhaps an audience. We're viewing them from behind in silhouette, a bright light is shining towards us.

We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Concerned at the UK Government’s intentions to review the human rights framework and judicial review, we have come together with numerous organisations, charities and trades unions to present a joint statement.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of semi closed blinds covering a window.

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

We’ve released our joint research with The Ivors Academy today, revealing how the majority of shielding musicians, songwriters and composers who we surveyed do not feel they can return to work until they are vaccinated.

Published: 16 February 2021

Two sets of drum sticks lie on different instruments in a percussion section set up but with absent musicians.

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Musicians’ Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians, are jointly calling for improved touring arrangements after Brexit.

Published: 08 February 2021

Close up of a performer at a festival, we can only see the foot of the performer in converse shoes, near a row of pedals - the rest of the photo looks out to an audience stood outdoors.

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

Leading music publisher Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) has announced the appointment of a group of external advisors to work with the company, with a particular focus on initiatives around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Published: 04 February 2021

Photograph of a small baby in a floor seat, a musician is leaning over them playing guitar.

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Campaigning organisation Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) have published a new report on the impact of Covid-19, focusing on groups which are currently underrepresented in the sector.

Published: 03 February 2021

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

A number of major labels took centre stage in the latest session of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s music streaming inquiry.

Published: 25 January 2021

Photograph of a group of musicians sitting to play. The photograph is taken from the floor, and the primary focus is on the shoes of the musicians closest to the camera.

Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

Following rumours that the Government has plans to further water down workplace rights, including rest breaks, paid holiday entitlement and time spent on-call – we’ve released a joint statement with eleven other unions.

Published: 25 January 2021

A baby is held by their mums, one holds her arms around the baby, while one reaches around the baby to hold the other mums arms

TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

The TUC have released a report calling for a temporary legal right to access the furlough scheme for parents, those with caring responsibilities and people who cannot work because they are required to shield.

Published: 22 January 2021

Photograph of an accessible entrance sign attached to a brick wall outside a building.

Creating Your Own Access Rider

We recently held an event on “creating your own access rider,” in this article we set out the key learnings for the event – both from artists with personal experience of using access riders, and organisations who work on improving access.

Published: 18 January 2021

Photograph of five women, all looking different from each other, walking through a field with their arms linked around each other.

Call for Evidence on Employer Responses to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

We encourage members to take part in the Fawcett Society’s call for evidence on sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly to make sure that freelance voices are heard.

Published: 12 January 2021

Photograph of a busker, their head isn't visible but they are wearing blue jeans and holding a plugged in electric guitar. In the background an open guitar case has money collected in it.

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

The MU has serious concerns over Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 04 January 2021

Working to Protect the Rights and Royalties of Composers

Composers need to be aware of rights grabs. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl reflects on how the Musicians’ Union and its members can fight back.

Published: 26 December 2020

Photograph of a retro television set in front of a turquoise background, showing fuzz on the screen.

BBC Studios / MU joint statement: It Takes Two

We’ve released a joint statement with the BBC, following the recent unfortunate situation that resulted in Amaraterra not appearing on It Takes Two.

Published: 15 December 2020

Photograph of the author, Maya Kashif. She is standing in front of a body of water, holding her cello.

From the Corner, Eating a Banana, a Freelancer’s View on Invisible Illness

Freelance cellist Maya Kashif uses this year's Disability History Month, “to highlight, in the spirit of awareness, that the internal struggles somebody such as myself may be dealing with should be known about and supported.”

Published: 02 December 2020

Drill rappers Skengdo x AM (Terrell Doyley and Joshua Malinga)

Why Are Drill Rappers Criminalised for Making Music?

Drill music has been demonised in the press, but silencing young, predominantly black musicians is discriminatory and won't stop gang violence.

Published: 27 November 2020

Blurred stage, there are purple stage lights and the suggestion of musicians, seen as if looking up from the wooden boarded floor at the bottom.

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

In welcome news for the self-employed, today’s Spending Review from the Government confirms that changes to the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will stay in place.

Published: 26 November 2020

Photograph of a woman performing on a guitar and singing, with a webcam set up and recording a live stream of her.

Make Misogyny History

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the role misogyny plays and creating safe workplaces for women.

Published: 25 November 2020

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All News and Features

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

MU Reconfirms Our Commitment Towards Trans Equality on Trans Day of Visibility

LGBT+ History Month Panel: Activism and Allyship

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

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

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

Concerns over the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

BBC Keen to Speak to Individuals Who Have Had Experiences of Sexual Harassment Silenced

Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

Creating Your Own Access Rider

Call for Evidence on Employer Responses to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

Working to Protect the Rights and Royalties of Composers

BBC Studios / MU joint statement: It Takes Two

From the Corner, Eating a Banana, a Freelancer’s View on Invisible Illness

Why Are Drill Rappers Criminalised for Making Music?

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

Make Misogyny History