News & Stories for Musicians

Kelli-Leigh sits on stage at the MU Members' Conference, a blue background behind her. She has one hand raised in the air as she speaks into a microphone.

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

In Kelli-Leigh’s resonant keynote speech at the MU Members’ Conference, she discussed her journey to standing up for what she believes in, and discovering others going through the same.

Published: 17 April 2023

A hand reaches out to touch the power switch on a large amplifier, the switch is glowing red.

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

After distributing £1.37m to musicians in 2022, the MU’s Recording & Broadcasting department reflect on why this was a particularly high year, and advise members who are yet to receive their payments.

Published: 29 March 2023

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LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon

One decade on from the launch of Patreon, the MU focuses on how to get the best out of this popular membership subscription platform.

Published: 21 March 2023

shadow of a musician on stage with microphones

Depping Out: an Essential Guide for Function Band Musicians

Practical and legal implications to consider when depping out gigs as a function band.

Published: 17 March 2023

Person sits on the grass amongst a crowd of festival goers in the sunshine.

MU Meets with Organisers of Doune the Rabbit Hole Following Liquidation

We understand that the festival plans on repaying outstanding debts realistically over the next three years, and encourage members planning to work at the 2023 event to contact the MU for advice on agreements and rates.

Published: 08 March 2023

Multiple instruments including a microphone, an acoustic guitar and a drum, laid out on a grey surface.

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts.

Published: 23 February 2023

A Studio condenser microphone in front of a sound engineer working in a studio with multiple screen and midi keyboard.

Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department

The team have completed a long round of Collective Bargaining negotiations with PACT, BBC, ITV, IPA and Sky.

Published: 16 February 2023

What Expenses Can Musicians Claim on Tax?

Keeping a record of what you have spent and what you can claim can be arduous, but it can save you money in the long run.

Published: 31 January 2023

In black and white we see a persons legs, holding a guitar and standing in front of a large amplifier.

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming

The new report by the Department for Culture, Digital, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee is recommending more of a focus on fair remuneration in the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) process examining music streaming.

Published: 13 January 2023

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Home Made Agreements: Key Information

Bookings and an increase in ‘home made’ agreements were on the agenda at the latest MU’s Wales and South West England Regional Committee meeting. What does that mean for you?

Published: 16 December 2022

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Music Teaching Holiday Pay Guidance Updated

The MU has updated its guidance page on holiday pay for music teachers, particularly when calculating this for atypical work and part-year workers.

Published: 14 October 2022

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Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Two thousand artists and creative arts workers started to receive a basic income this September as part of a pilot scheme in Ireland.

Published: 26 September 2022

Red lit photo of a woman singer on stage at a small venue, looking out to the crowd

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

UK Music report This Is Music 2022 reveals the UK music industry’s contribution to the economy is going up, but there’s a long way to go to recovery.

Published: 23 September 2022

Hands touching sound mixing desk buttons.

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

The team has administered its biggest ever distribution this month and have already paid out over £730k this year so far.

Published: 11 August 2022

Esther McVey and a crowd of musicians with protest signs saying 'fix streaming' outside of parliament for the 2021 campaign demo.

MU Reacts to Competition and Markets Authority Report Published Today

The CMA has announced that it will not be proceeding with a full market investigation into music streaming.

Published: 26 July 2022

NFTs For Musicians, its Opportunities and Pitfalls

Bored Apes, blockchains, HODLers and fungibility – the world of NFTs can seem indecipherable from the outside. Yet the technology behind the phenomenon has real potential to change the music industry.

Published: 20 July 2022

A woman is busking with a guitar and microphone on a busy London street, with a phone set up to take contactless payments

A Guide to Card Readers

Whether you’re busking or selling merch after a gig, the card reader is now a vital tool in the modern musician’s kit. Neil Crossley asks various artists for tips on how to choose and use these devices, so they keep you busy earning.

Published: 06 July 2022

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

In June HW Fisher and the MU’s Head of International Dave Webster presented a webinar for members entitled ‘Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU’ and the video is now available to watch back.

Published: 04 July 2022

Member only Read more about Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

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Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

PPL are supporting the MEAA in trying to lobby for change in Australia so that orchestras can receive their PPL equivalent PPCA.

Published: 08 June 2022

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

The UK Ivory Act enforces a near total ban on elephant ivory sales from 6 June 2022.

Published: 08 June 2022

Inside of a home music studio, with open laptop and small midi keyboard on desk, and sound proofing around the room.

Fix Streaming Campaign Update

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks through the latest developments in the campaign to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 31 May 2022

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MU Legal Team Helps Several Members Achieve Substantial Settlement

The MU has recently assisted several members in achieving a substantial settlement in a long running dispute.

Published: 26 May 2022

A white microphone is in near focus, where in the background a woman is preparing to put earphones on, a notebook and laptop on her desk.

Motion on Being Black in the UK Music Industry Passes at TUC Black Workers Conference

A motion responding to the ‘Being Black in the UK Music Industry’ report has been raised and passed at the TUC Black Workers conference.

Published: 10 May 2022

a musician holding a guitar case walking on a street

A Basic Income for Everybody: Why the Musicians' Union Backs UBI

The MU’s motion backing universal basic income was presented at TUC Young Workers Conference in April. We assess the concept, the history, and the feasibility of UBI.

Published: 10 May 2022

A car sits in a queue of cars at a check point, bright bollards separate the lines and it's a clear, bright day.

Further Guidance Provided for Musicians using Eurotunnel

Following concerns raised by the MU on passenger limits, DCMS have provided further clarification around their advice for musicians travelling via Eurotunnel – and confirmed that the passenger limit does not necessarily need to be three-people.

Published: 10 May 2022

A circular paper chain of 7 people, in the centre of a woman's open hands, a light coming from within to represent empowerment and positivity.

MU Welcomes Proposal For Independent Standards Authority

Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for a formal Independent Standards Authority will seek to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment, and drive greater accountability across the UK’s creative industries.

Published: 05 May 2022

Rab Noakes, Caroline Sewell, Iona Fyfe and Neil Patterson at STUC Congress

MU Member Success at STUC Congress in Aberdeen

It was a successful week for MU members at the Scottish TUC Congress in Aberdeen.

Published: 29 April 2022

A snapshot from the film Mud featuring Matthew McConaughey

Beware the Buyout

Companies commissioning media composers are now more likely to ask for a buyout – but is that always the best option for music writers or musicians?

Published: 11 April 2022

How to Use Personal Injury Claim Service as Part of Your Membership Benefit

Examining how MU members and their families can make a free personal injury claim is John Morrison, partner at Morrish Solicitors LLP – a leading legal services provider.

Published: 10 April 2022

Member only Read more about How to Use Personal Injury Claim Service as Part of Your Membership Benefit

MU Motion on Universal Basic Income Backed at Young Workers Conference

Young workers from across the trade union movement backed the MU’s motion on universal basic income at TUC Young Workers’ Conference 2022.

Published: 08 April 2022

Close up of mixing desk with microphone placed on top, cast in red light.

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

A mother cradles a very young baby in her arms, against sunlight beaming in from a window.

MU Supports Maternity Action’s call for Rise in State Maternity Pay

Maternity Action are renewing their call for the basic rate to rise, at the very least, to parity with a 35-hour week on the National Living Wage, following the release of Sunak’s Spring Budget.

Published: 07 April 2022

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MU Launches New Guidance on Copyright in Music Education

The copyright guidance, which is likely to be useful to both employed and self-employed musicians who teach, includes advice on making arrangements and protecting your own copyright.

Published: 07 April 2022

A Black woman sits and looks into a mirror while placing her hearing aid into her right ear. The woman is wearing black and her hair is pulled back by a scarf.

Attitude is Everything Launch Just Ask Campaign to Support Promoters to Welcome Disabled Artists

The MU welcomes the Just Ask campaign, and encourages conversations between promoters and disabled musicians to talk about their access needs and normalise the use of access riders.

Published: 07 April 2022

Woman with blonde hair in red shirt sat in very dark room. Her headphones are around her neck and she is illuminated by the open laptop screen.

One Year On: The Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

On the anniversary of the MU and Ivors Academy campaign launch #ComposersAgainstBuyouts, we celebrate its successes and what more still needs to be done to ensure a fair deal for composers.

Published: 31 March 2022

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU General Secretary Elect Naomi Pohl gave a historic video address at the conference, whilst MU Executive Committee member Sarah Williams gave a moving speech on supporting women through early pregnancy loss.

Published: 21 March 2022

Close up of hands over a big pile of paperwork held together with large clips

MU Reacts to Admission From Lord Frost

Frost has admitted his Brexit trade deal failed touring musicians.

Published: 17 March 2022

Collect of paper tickets in a pile, coloured orange, dark pink, light blue and red. Each one days ticket in large text on the front with a number for the stub.

UK Music Write to The Chancellor Ahead of VAT Increase For Live Tickets

The final day of VAT relief for venues selling live tickets is 31 March, from 1 April this will increase again to 20%.

Published: 17 March 2022

Girl in red checked shirt wearing over ear headphones, one hand to one ear, also looking down at a studio mixing desk

Concern Over Moonbug Entertainment's Performing Rights Royalties

MU and The Ivors Academy condemn demands by Moonbug Entertainment that composers hand over performing rights royalties.

Published: 15 March 2022

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Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

MU Marks Record Breaking Year of Royalties Payments in 2022

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon

Depping Out: an Essential Guide for Function Band Musicians

MU Meets with Organisers of Doune the Rabbit Hole Following Liquidation

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

Success in Collective Bargaining Negotiations for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Department

What Expenses Can Musicians Claim on Tax?

MU Welcomes DCMS Select Committee's Report Pushing for Fair Remuneration for Artists From Streaming

Home Made Agreements: Key Information

Music Teaching Holiday Pay Guidance Updated

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

MU Reacts to Competition and Markets Authority Report Published Today

NFTs For Musicians, its Opportunities and Pitfalls

A Guide to Card Readers

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

Fix Streaming Campaign Update

MU Legal Team Helps Several Members Achieve Substantial Settlement

Motion on Being Black in the UK Music Industry Passes at TUC Black Workers Conference

A Basic Income for Everybody: Why the Musicians' Union Backs UBI

Further Guidance Provided for Musicians using Eurotunnel

MU Welcomes Proposal For Independent Standards Authority

MU Member Success at STUC Congress in Aberdeen

Beware the Buyout

How to Use Personal Injury Claim Service as Part of Your Membership Benefit

MU Motion on Universal Basic Income Backed at Young Workers Conference

MU Welcomes Milestone Victory in Fix Streaming Campaign

MU Supports Maternity Action’s call for Rise in State Maternity Pay

MU Launches New Guidance on Copyright in Music Education

Attitude is Everything Launch Just Ask Campaign to Support Promoters to Welcome Disabled Artists

One Year On: The Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

MU at Labour’s National Women’s Conference

MU Reacts to Admission From Lord Frost

UK Music Write to The Chancellor Ahead of VAT Increase For Live Tickets

Concern Over Moonbug Entertainment's Performing Rights Royalties