News & Stories for Musicians

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New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

MU member Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members Bill, calling for a better deal for musicians and songwriters, is backed by eleven cross party MPs including Damian Green and Esther McVey.

Published: 22 June 2021

Photograph of a microphone stood against a fairly plain background, in black and white.

The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on The Value of The Song

In this blog, Graham Davies discusses the Fix Streaming campaign, which has been running since the start of Covid-19, and asks the question – if streaming is a song economy, why is the songwriter the last and least to be paid?

Published: 22 June 2021

Photograph of a vocal recording microphone, with interesting red and blue light shining on it.

New Joint Guidance for Session Musicians and Featured Artists Launched in Partnership With the FAC

Together with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) – the UK artist trade body – we are delighted to share a new piece of joint guidance for session musicians and featured artists.

Published: 16 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

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

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

Concert Pianist Génia: “These days, I take full advantage of what the MU has to offer”

Russian-born concert pianist Génia describes why being a member of the MU has benefitted her, from legal and career advice through to insurance and training.

Published: 22 April 2021

Photograph of the band Gnoss, they are four men standing in front of a brick wall. Hands in their pockets, they are smiling at the camera.

Scottish Band Gnoss: “Membership Has Made Us Feel More Connected to Our Industry”

Young, Glasgow-based band Gnoss, discusses how membership of the MU has both given them invaluable tools on their journey, and helped them feel that they have someone in their corner.

Published: 15 April 2021

A woman is working on a laptop computer. She's wearing earphones and smiling broadly.

FEU Closes Live Training Programme But Digital Access to Training Continues

After more than a decade, the Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU) has closed its live training programme – following the Government’s decision to pull all unionlearn funding. However, their digital learning online centre will remain online.

Published: 01 April 2021

Laptop, pencils, an orange, a phone charger and mobile phone, and an open notebook on a desk.

Let us Know What Kind of Training Opportunities You Want From the MU

We’re planning to launch a comprehensive package of webinars for members preparing to return to their careers – but we want to hear from you first, so that we can provide the most appropriate support possible.

Published: 01 April 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 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

Stack of travel cases used to transport musical equipment.

MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

Whilst the MU lobbied hard against Brexit, the agreement reached with the EU means that currently ATA Carnets (a travel document needed for instruments and equipment) are a reality for musicians working in the EU.

Published: 11 February 2021

Photograph of a sandy coloured electric guitar laid out on a wood table with a loop of amplifier cable and earphones also displayed.

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced

PRS for Music have announced that PRS members performing their own works in a small online ticketed concert can now obtain a free licence.

Published: 02 February 2021

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Artificial Intelligence tools have become increasingly prevalent in the creation of recorded and live music in recent years. Will Simpson assesses whether AI is the musician's friend or foe.

Published: 03 January 2021

Photograph of a musician performing at an outdoor event. We can only seem them and the neck of their guitar from behind. The sun is setting and the evening lighting is turning on.

Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

Are you applying – or thinking about applying – for Arts Council England music funding? If so, you may want to catch up with a replay of our webinar.

Published: 23 December 2020

Member only Read more about Arts Council England Funding Advice Webinar Online

Photograph of a young child wearing a facemask, sat at a keyboard.

Third Phase of Welsh Freelancer Fund to Open for Applications

Members are encouraged to use the eligibility check and prepare their evidence in advance of the second phase of the Welsh Freelancer Fund opening at 10:00 am on Monday 23 November.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of a musicians hand poised over a mostly blank score, they are holding a pen and have notated a few music notes.

MU at STUC Fringe Event on Building Back Better

MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Caroline Sewell, will be presenting on Thinking outside the box: creative solutions to building back better, online on Sunday 15 November.

Published: 13 November 2020

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MU Advice on Copyright in Education Featured on Podcast

Our London Regional Officer, Natalie Witts, appeared on the Music Teachers Association podcast, discussing crucial information that teachers need to know before embarking on virtual Christmas Concerts.

Published: 12 November 2020

A white man in a wheelchair is indoors, performing in what appears to be his home on a keyboard, while leaning over to type something into his laptop.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Music Career Ticking Over During Covid-19

Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Music Introducing on Saturday night about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, and ways that musicians can keep creating and working.

Published: 29 September 2020

a mother holding her daughter on her shoulders

Legal Action Against the Chancellor for Indirect Sex Discrimination Supported by MU

Pregnancy rights charity, Pregnant then Screwed, with support from Doughty Street Chambers and law firm Leigh Day, is threatening legal proceedings against the Chancellor for discriminating against women in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Published: 12 June 2020

Photograph of a young person playing guitar, with a graphic design of different coloured blocks and the text

Our Keep Music Alive Campaign Has Over 10,000 Signatures

In May we joined forces with the Ivors Academy to launch a campaign to Keep Music Alive, starting with a petition to #FixStreaming. And we’re overjoyed to report that it’s already reached over 10,000 signatures!

Published: 22 May 2020

Scottish Government Opens Hardship Fund for the Newly Self Employed

As part of its second phase of funding to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, the Scottish Government have put £34M behind a hardship fund for those due to miss out on UK Government funding due to being newly self-employed.

Published: 04 May 2020

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

Scott Bowley tells us about signing a record deal with his band 13XL, and how the MU supported him through the process.

Published: 20 August 2019

Members of the alternative folk group 9Bach

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

When MU members Martin and alternative folk group 9Bach needed help negotiating a contract, they used the MU’s Contract Advisory Service to make sure they could navigate the negotiation and get a fair deal.

Published: 13 August 2019

Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Multi-genre drummer Amanda Dal tells us about how becoming a member of the MU helped her to skirt dodgy gig deals early in her career, and inspired her to get active and make a difference.

Published: 08 July 2019

Andy Payne and his band The Heretic Order

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Drummer and teacher Andy Payne tells us about how advice from the MU has proved invaluable when making career choices.

Published: 21 June 2019

Photograph of Megan O'Neill sitting in front of an amplifier with a guitar

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Irish born singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill tells us about the support she's received so far through membership of the MU.

Published: 13 June 2019

Photo of Lester Clayton the band, with Lester Clayton on the far right.

Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

When an MU member found his band in a tricky situation, legal support from the MU took a weight off his shoulders.

Published: 12 June 2019

Photo of Ady Hall and Lee McCarthy in studio, with graphic text reading

Ady Hall: "The MU Has Got Your Back"

Music producer Ady Hall tells us about how the MU’s parental grant gave him peace of mind when he needed it.

Published: 10 June 2019

Portrait photograph of band members Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, with text

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

Scottish duo The Eves, Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie , talk through their reasons for joining the Musicians’ Union (MU) and why it’s benefited them.

Published: 30 April 2019

A selection of percussion being used in a children's music lesson

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

This HeartUnions Week, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on you to take a stand against zero-hours contracts.

Published: 11 February 2019

“It’s Your Chance to be Directly Part of a Governing Body and Help Create Change for the Better”

Natalie Witts-Kilshaw on why she joined the MU as a member.

Published: 16 November 2016

Recommended Rates & How We Set Them

This Young Workers' Month (#YWM15), one of the issues we are talking about is pay.

Published: 10 November 2015

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