News & Stories for Musicians

An activist holding a Love Music Hate Racism sign as part of a protest in the UK.

This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

Join the Love Music Hate Racism campaign this Black History Month and show your support for the antiracist movement.

Published: 22 October 2024

Craig Charles, Richard Kemp CBE, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their family, on stage at the Awards evening. The audience are giving a standing ovation.

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Chris Amoo, longstanding MU Member and one of the founders of seminal Liverpool four piece The Real Thing, has received a major honour inside Black History Month. The MU would like to extend its congratulations to Chris, his bandmates and family on this long overdue accolade.

Published: 17 October 2024

A female at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Sarah Sayeed: "Members' Assembly is a Tangible Platform For Me to Have my Voice Heard"

Musician, composer and songwriter Sarah Sayeed shares her experience of joining the MU and what her role on the Members' Assembly means to her as a British South Asian female artist.

Published: 16 October 2024

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

Golden glitter and confetti caught in a spotlight on stage.

MU Congratulates Errollyn Wallen Who Has Been Appointed Master of the King’s Music

The celebrated composer and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen, is first the Black woman to become Master of the King’s Music, and has been appointed by King Charles III to compose for special royal occasions.

Published: 30 August 2024

Multiple raised hands against a bright, white sky, each holding a piece of a wooden jigsaw puzzle. A teamwork, problem-solving concept.

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Musicians from across the UK recently came together in London for the first meeting of the Union’s new Members’ Assembly, which will explore MU policy issues and campaigns from diverse perspectives.

Published: 09 August 2024

Wooden meeple figures in varying colours, concept of diversity and equality in society.

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

We actively oppose all forms of racism and Islamophobia, and we are here for all our Global Majority and Muslim members affected by recent events. Any members with concerns regarding safety in fulfilling engagements are advised to contact their regional office for advice.

Published: 08 August 2024

Wooden figures in a circle to represent equality.

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

TUC Midlands has released a statement against the racist riots taking place across the UK.

Published: 08 August 2024

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

All 40 participants, smiling in a group photo.

POWER UP Announces Year 4 Programme Participants

40 Black music creators and industry professionals have been selected to receive career-changing support in POWER UP’s fourth year.

Published: 20 June 2024

Silhouette of two sound engineers, in front of empty stage at a mixing desk.

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

MU delegates and visitors standing outside of the Congress Centre in London for TUC Black Workers' Conference 2024.

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

Our motion for the TUC to support Art Not Evidence and promote the restricted use of creative expression in court was passed at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference.

Published: 14 June 2024

A violinist playing as part of a live orchestra performance.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment.

Published: 30 April 2024

DJ Paulette on a stage behind some DJ decks.

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

Manchester based DJ Paulette is an MU North of England Regional Committee member, and has been named ‘DJ of the year’ at the inaugural Northern Music Awards.

Published: 29 April 2024

Young female Black musician, wearing headphones sat in front of a keyboard in a recording studio.

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

The survey will inform government legislation, the work of the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and the wider music industry. It will also be used to support BLiM’s forthcoming Anti Racist Code of Conduct. Members are encouraged to share their experiences.

Published: 19 April 2024

A black female singer performing live at a music concert.

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

The new REMEL project will use research to address inequalities and create a more transparent, equitable licensing model for live music.

Published: 03 April 2024

Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was the first Black musician to win BBC’s Young Musician award in 2016, and is currently facing racist abuse for speaking out about the ongoing inclusion of Rule Britannia in the BBC Proms.

Published: 25 January 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist on stage. He performs to the crowd against smoke and bright lights.

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

The campaign believes that art, and particularly rap music, should be protected as a fundamental form of freedom of expression, and should not be used to unfairly implicate individuals in criminal charges.

Published: 04 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Young Black female musician singing into a studio mic with pop shield in a recording studio.

12 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive, According to the Musicians' Census

Our Musicians from the Global Majority Insight Report reveals multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more diverse and inclusive.

Published: 13 November 2023

New Musicians’ Census Report Outlines the Level of Racism and Discrimination Still in Music Industry

The Musicians from the Global Majority Insight Report demonstrates that discrimination is still an unfortunate reality for musicians from the Global Majority, with 85% saying they had witnessed or experienced some form of discrimination.

Published: 13 November 2023

Abstract picture of differently coloured building blocks

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

The MU’s Executive Committee have agreed today on a donation to the Red Cross to support humanitarian efforts on the ground in Israel and Palestine, as well as releasing the following statement.

Published: 09 November 2023

Two Black musicians in the recording studio using the mixing desk and playing keyboard.

IYS and MU Release Black History Playlist

The playlist, which is available to stream now via Spotify, showcases Scottish Black artists and celebrates the partnership of the MU and IYS for Black History Month.

Published: 02 November 2023

Black and white silhouette of singer under a spotlight with both arms raised and a microphone in one hand.

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

October is Black History Month and the MU has partnered with Scottish charity Intercultural Youth Scotland to bring you this guest blog from one of its members Ash Harper, which explores the relationship between Black British Music and activism.

Published: 20 October 2023

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

Suella Braverman speaking in the Houses of Parliament

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

We are writing a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman demanding that she reconsiders her intention to no longer recognise LGBT discrimination as qualification for asylum, despite around 70 countries continuing to criminalise LGBT+ people.

Published: 05 October 2023

Young Black musician using a mixing board in a studio.

MU Celebrates Black History Month 2023 With Intercultural Youth Scotland Partnership

This October is Black History Month and the MU is partnering with Scottish charity Intercultural Youth Scotland to bring you guest blogs, a special curated playlist of Scottish Black Artists, new report findings from The Musicians’ Census 2023 and more.

Published: 02 October 2023

A candle in soft focus, representing a vigil.

Join the Vigil and Support the Justice for Sheku Bayoh Campaign

On Monday 28 August a vigil will take place in Edinburgh ahead of the public inquiry looking into the death of Sheku Bayoh in 2015. Members are encouraged to attend if they are able to.

Published: 24 August 2023

A wall of multi coloured vintage boom box devices

The Enduring Power of Hip-Hop, 50 Years On

On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the MU assesses how the genre has grown from the margins to the mainstream, empowering communities and highlighting social injustice, poverty and racism.

Published: 17 August 2023

Four wooden cubes with head symbols and a hand that is flipping one to reveal a lightbulb representing an idea.

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

Musician and MU London member Alice Angliss shares her first-hand experience of what Regional Committee meetings are, how they work and why they’re vital in giving support to members and the industry.

Published: 10 August 2023

Delegate conference attendees sit at tables in a bright room.

Solidarity, Music Education and Championing Music on the Agenda on First Day of MU Delegate Conference 2023

A packed first day of MU Delegate Conference including inspiring speeches and important policy decisions on the big issues facing musicians today.

Published: 25 July 2023

Across a long room full of delegates sat at tables, we see Naomi presenting to the group, speaking into a microphone

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

In her opening speech at this year’s MU Delegate Conference, General Secretary Naomi Pohl describes how the Union is making progress in negotiations, campaigning and lobbying – and how we are improving what we do for members all the time. Read her full speech below.

Published: 25 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

A close up of a Black musician holding a saxophone.

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

To commemorate Windrush Day - which this year marks 75 years since the arrival of the Windrush in Britain - we revisit MU member Millicent Stephenson’s story, along with additional information and resources.

Published: 22 June 2023

Pastel red sunrise over the Humber Bridge in Hull

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

The Finale of Love Music Hate Racism’s Crisis Music Tour will be taking place at the Adelphi Club in Hull on Sunday 2 July with a free all-dayer. The MU will be present and are sponsoring the event.

Published: 20 June 2023

Performer Susanne Xin in front of an audience, next to a microphone and table.

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

Use your power to support musicians seeking sanctuary this Refugee Week with our list of helpful resources.

Published: 19 June 2023

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This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Sarah Sayeed: "Members' Assembly is a Tangible Platform For Me to Have my Voice Heard"

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

MU Congratulates Errollyn Wallen Who Has Been Appointed Master of the King’s Music

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

POWER UP Announces Year 4 Programme Participants

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

2023 End of Year Round Up

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

12 Ways to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive, According to the Musicians' Census

New Musicians’ Census Report Outlines the Level of Racism and Discrimination Still in Music Industry

MU Executive Committee Releases Statement on Israel and Palestine

IYS and MU Release Black History Playlist

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

MU Condemns Government’s Intention to Remove LGBT Discrimination as Qualification for Asylum

MU Celebrates Black History Month 2023 With Intercultural Youth Scotland Partnership

Join the Vigil and Support the Justice for Sheku Bayoh Campaign

The Enduring Power of Hip-Hop, 50 Years On

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

Solidarity, Music Education and Championing Music on the Agenda on First Day of MU Delegate Conference 2023

Read the MU General Secretary Speech From 2023’s Delegate Conference

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023