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Photograph of a number of instruments left backstage, a well aged piano, an upright bass lying on its side, a red synth on a stand and a music stand, as well as fairy lights and wires and visible.

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have published research on “Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age”, in a timely move, given current industry debates and our campaign to defend media composers' royalties.

Published: 23 September 2021

Photograph of a bass musician standing on a busy looking stage with orange and purple light shining over them

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

The MU, The Ivors Academy and Tom Gray, Founder of the #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the Government’s response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Streaming Report, but call for firm action now to put the value of music back in the hands of music makers.

Published: 22 September 2021

Stone pillar with a plac reading DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

The Musicians’ Union has written to the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries MP, highlighting ongoing challenges MU members are facing.

Published: 16 September 2021

Photograph of a masked woman sitting outdoors, writing into a notebook and wearing headphones.

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Joint research by the MU and The Ivors Academy has revealed that 70% of musicians, songwriters and composers who are still shielding are facing financial hardship because of their continued need to shield.

Published: 10 September 2021

Photograph of a paperchain of people set out on a wooden table, with a bright yellow light shining on them. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Women and Equalities Select Committee Menopause Inquiry

The Women and Equalities Select Committee have launched an inquiry into the extent and impact of menopause discrimination in the workplace.

Published: 07 September 2021

Photograph of a woman backstage, she has a concerned expression and is looking into her mob

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

New reports reveal sexual harassment and abuse remain rife in the music industry despite the #MeToo movement. We’re calling on the Government and music industry organisations to protect musicians and other workers from victimisation and harassment.

Published: 03 September 2021

Photograph of a group of young people waiting in a queue, all of them are wearing facemarks and the person at the front is looking at their mobile phone.

Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Whilst the UK Government have confirmed that they don’t plan to introduce regulations around the vaccination of employees and freelancers, a venue may ask you to adhere to certain risk mitigation measures.

Published: 26 August 2021

Photograph of a very green looking forest clearing with moss and plants.

Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

The MU continues to investigate ways in which we can reduce our impact on the climate crisis and contribute to sustainability, including divesting from fossil fuels.

Published: 26 August 2021

Pregnant Jocelyin Freeman sitting, one hand on the piano, one on her baby bump..

How Mothers are Fighting Workplace Discrimination in Music

Female musicians face discrimination in the workplace – and it only increases if they get pregnant. Here, we focus on some of the inspiring musicians lobbying for change.

Published: 26 August 2021

A woman holding earphones who appears to be recording, there is a microphone, and open laptop and a notebook on the table.

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The MU has signed UN Women UK’s open letter, calling for 2021 to be the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commits to change.

Published: 24 August 2021

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, explains how the MU political fund provides invaluable help for members.

Published: 24 August 2021

Member only Read more about The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

MU member and harpist Cecilia De Maria took to Facebook and Instagram, to spread an important message about why so many women in the music industry are scared of their work being affected by people finding out that they are pregnant.

Published: 24 August 2021

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the “revolutionary” Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Economics of music streaming report.

Published: 15 July 2021

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Published: 14 July 2021

Photograph of Belfast Castle, seen through the flowers in bright sunshine.

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

A new online music initiative dedicated to championing Northern Ireland (NI) music has launched. Music Connections is a central online hub created to support the development and growth of NI’s diverse and talented music sector.

Published: 08 July 2021

Photograph of sun shining through a window on to a peaceful blank table.

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released ground-breaking research into the impact of long covid on workers.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of a guitarist performing on stage, they are sillhouted against a pink light in the background.

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

A new campaign launched by #LetTheMusicMove brought widespread social media action from artists, music professionals and fans across the UK on Wednesday 23 June.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of a trumpet resting on the sill of a closed window, with light shining through.

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

The MU and the Ivor’s Academy in collaboration with ConnectsMusic.com and with the support of HMUK are surveying musicians and creators to find out about those who are still, and will need to keep, shielding once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted – and ways to support them.

Published: 14 June 2021

Black and white photograph of a man in a fringed leather jacket walking out on to a stage holding a guitar

Over 75 Artists Including The Rolling Stones Join The Call to Fix Streaming

The Rolling Stones, Pet Shop Boys, Emeli Sandé, Barry Gibb, Van Morrison, Sir Tom Jones and the Estates of John Lennon and Joe Strummer have written to the Prime Minister “on behalf of today’s generation of artists, musicians and songwriters here in the UK”.

Published: 07 June 2021

Photograph of a person's hands on an electronic keyboard

#TheShowMustBePaused One Year On

In this blog, Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl reflects on #TheShowMustBePaused, one year on from this seminal moment in the music industry.

Published: 02 June 2021

Photograph of the inside of a large pipe organ.

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Together with the Royal College of Organists (RCO), we’ve announced a new partnership to deliver services and support for organists and choral directors.

Published: 02 June 2021

Photograph of a person using a laptop working at a table in an office.

Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub (WITCiH) – a platform which aims to elevate women and non-binary creatives in technology – will be running its second festival 9-11 June, with online performances, panels and presentations.

Published: 28 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of instruments, a microphone, acoustic guitar, keyboard and various percussion.

Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

A report from the 2021 FIM Congress from MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl, discussing issues from the climate crisis to diversity and inclusion in orchestras.

Published: 28 May 2021

A woman works at a desk, looking concentratedly at her laptop computer as a large silver coloured cat slinks under the table.

Free Workshop on Building Mental Resilience to be Held by Help Musicians

Leading UK Charity for musicians, Help Musicians, will be holding a free, open to all workshop on building mental resilience, introducing different tools and techniques to maintain your mental wellbeing during difficult times.

Published: 27 May 2021

Photograph of the corner between Downing Street and Whitehall, focusing on the two street signs.

Next Kill The Bill Day of Action to Take Place on 29 May

A series of organised protests will be taking place across the UK, calling for the Government to reconsider their Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, increasing discrimination and undermining democracy.

Published: 26 May 2021

Photograph of an empty stage in a jazz bar. Unattended instruments are set up, a double bass, a piano and a drum kit.

Survey Reveals Brexit Paperwork is a ‘Complete Nightmare’ For Musicians

According to the results from our new joint survey with the ISM, 77% of musicians expect their earnings in Europe to decrease due to new documents and fees.

Published: 25 May 2021

A transfeminine non-binary person and transmasculine gender-nonconforming person looking at a phone with upset expressions

Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Join us in marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) by promoting the TUC’s guidance and documents on being LGBT+ allies with your networks.

Published: 17 May 2021

Photograph of some touring equipment, a box for packing and parts of a stage frame.

Take Action for Carry on Touring Campaign’s Call for Visa Free Travel

Umbrella campaign Carry on Touring are calling touring professionals and artists to join their mass action over social media, by posting a touring ready selfie on Twitter.

Published: 13 May 2021

Photograph zoomed in to the volume dials on an electric guitar, with the sun shining brightly on the polished wood.

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

The MU were one of the project partners in the research that led to this report, and it now offers musicians an insight into fans’ experiences and expectations of live streamed gigs and concerts.

Published: 13 May 2021

Photograph of a collection of young adults in a classroom setting, the photo focuses on one young woman facing seriously forward, with other students blured in the background.

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

In this blog, MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Government’s proposed HE funding cuts in England, that “MU members are at their most passionate when there is a risk to colleagues or the future workforce,” and how we must do everything to fight back.

Published: 11 May 2021

A photograph which zooms in on a professional recording microphone, blurred in the background is a woman about to put earphones on and her open laptop computer.

Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, charity Black Minds Matter UK explains the importance of culturally specific interventions for musicians who also experience racism.

Published: 10 May 2021

Photograph of a musician holding a guitar, we can't see their face and the photo focuses on their hands on the fretboard.

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

A summary of changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence following their consultation with PRS members and the wider industry.

Published: 07 May 2021

Photograph of three young musicians sat on sofas. One has a laptop and microphone, one a guitar, and one is writing on a notepad.

HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

What the Government’s proposed higher education (HE) cuts could mean for students and course providers – from affecting the financial viability of courses to cutting access for less privileged students and disproportionately affecting disabled people.

Published: 07 May 2021

Photograph of a young woman walking past what might be a music college, with a violin case strapped to her back.

Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

The MU strongly opposes Government plans to impose a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects including music at Higher Education (HE) level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

Photograph focusing on a singer, singing emotively into a microphone. Blurred in the foreground is a second musician mixing into a laptop.

Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

Shadow secretaries of state Jo Stevens MP and Kate Green MP have written to Gavin Williamson calling on the Secretary of State for Education to drop proposals for a catastrophic 50% funding cut to arts subjects at the Higher Education level in England.

Published: 06 May 2021

Photograph of Big Ben, a below photo showing just the clock face angled against a cloudy sky.

Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

In this lobbying update, MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how we will be using the results from our Brexit survey when it closes next week, and other actions in Parliament.

Published: 29 April 2021

Photograph of a persons hands working at a keyboard, on a heavy wooden desk.

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

The MU will be standing in solidarity with this weekend’s social media boycott, to highlight social media company inaction on eradicating online hate and racism.

Published: 29 April 2021

Photograph of a drum kit against a blurred background, which appears to be the outdoors. A string of brightly coloured lights suggests that this could be a festival.

Extend Government-Backed Pilots to Allow More Events to Go Ahead, Say MPs

In the absence of a wider insurance scheme for the events industry, the Government liability that will enable pilot events to go ahead this summer should be extended to cover a wider range of events to prevent further cancellations, say MPs.

Published: 29 April 2021

A musician sits at a mixing desk, with different pieces of equipment, including multiple speakers and monitors facing them.

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Over 5,000 musicians, songwriters and fans have signed the Fix Streaming petition, after 150 artists including Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney and Kate Bush made headlines calling on the Government to act.

Published: 27 April 2021

A young musician is working on a keyboard with a microphone, speakers and computer set up in front of them. There is warm but dark lighting.

The Copyright Directive

In this feature Mark Sutherland discusses the European Copyright Directive in detail, and looks at the vital actions that must take place to protect UK music industry in the post-Brexit environment.

Published: 26 April 2021

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All News and Features

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Important Research on Creators' Earnings Published by The IPO

Government’s Response to DCMS Select Committee’s Streaming Report is Welcome

MU Writes to New DCMS Secretary of State Highlighting Impacts of Brexit and Covid-19

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Women and Equalities Select Committee Menopause Inquiry

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

How Mothers are Fighting Workplace Discrimination in Music

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

Shielding Musicians Encouraged to Complete Brief Survey to Help Us Support You

Over 75 Artists Including The Rolling Stones Join The Call to Fix Streaming

#TheShowMustBePaused One Year On

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Second WITCiH Digital Festival Celebrates Women in Tech

Representing the Interests of Members Globally Through the International Federation of Musicians (FIM)

Free Workshop on Building Mental Resilience to be Held by Help Musicians

Next Kill The Bill Day of Action to Take Place on 29 May

Survey Reveals Brexit Paperwork is a ‘Complete Nightmare’ For Musicians

Marking IDAHOBiT With Resources on Being an LGBT+ Ally

Take Action for Carry on Touring Campaign’s Call for Visa Free Travel

Live Streamed Concerts are Here to Stay Concludes Middlesex University London-led Report

Higher Education Funding Cuts: How Much More Can We Take?

Mental Health: The Importance of Culturally Specific Understanding for Musicians Who Experience Racism

Changes to PRS for Music’s Online Live Concert Licence

HE Cuts: “The Cultural Sector is Absolutely Right to be Angry”

Devastating For Arts and Humanities: The MU Responds to 50% Higher Education Funding Cut Consultation

Reconsider Proposed Catastrophic 50% Funding Cut MPs Tell Secretary of State

Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

Extend Government-Backed Pilots to Allow More Events to Go Ahead, Say MPs

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

The Copyright Directive