News & Stories for Musicians

Tribute to Kenneth Howell, Trumpet and Flugal Horn Player

This tribute to MU member Kenneth Howell has been provided by his wife Deirdre Howell.

Published: 13 December 2019

Crowd raises their hand in a concert venue. Photo credit: Shutter stock

Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) have confirmed that MU members can claim a discount to their flagship conference in February, alongside their announcement that 2020’s conference will be going ‘panel-less’.

Published: 10 December 2019

Two people in a coffee shop both look at a mobile phone one of them is holding, exchanging numbers.

7 Things That will Help Your Networking Work Harder for You

Networking is an essential skill for working in the music industry. For some people it’s a lot of fun, for others it feels a little more like hard work.

Published: 10 December 2019

Photograph of Duncan Lamont, celebrated Scottish jazz saxophonist

Tribute to Duncan Lamont

This tribute for celebrated Scottish jazz saxophonist Duncan Lamont, has been written by his son, Duncan Lamont Jnr.

Published: 06 December 2019

Poster with illustration of two women dancing happily reading #ForTheLoveOfMusic, find out more at theMU.org/safespace

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting

A recent MU survey revealed 48% of musicians have experienced sexual harassment at work. Over 85% did not report it.

Published: 06 December 2019

Details for CITES Rosewood Exemption Announced

The MU has learnt today that the CITES rosewood exemptions – which were agreed on at the last CITES meeting in Geneva – will take effect from 14 December 2019.

Published: 06 December 2019

Quiz Your Candidates: Make Sure You’re Voting for the Best Deal for Musicians

In a matter of weeks, the UK will be going to the polls for the third time in four years. The reason? The EU referendum in June 2016, which irrevocably changed our country and our politics and has made it almost impossible for parliament to agree or to function properly.

Published: 04 December 2019

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Over 48% of Musicians’ Union members surveyed have experienced sexual harassment at work. Shockingly, a third of those people say their harassment was related to a protected characteristic, and another 21% said they were not sure.

Published: 03 December 2019

Photograph of violin performer facing away from camera. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Third Party Harassment at Work: Protect Freelancers Too

You might have heard about the Musicians’ Union’s campaign to Protect Freelancers Too. In a recent survey of MU members, 48% told us they have experienced sexual harassment at work.

Published: 29 November 2019

Why the Musicians' Union is Supporting #16Days and UN Women's Stand Against Rape Culture

Musicians’ Union Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at how the MU is tackling sexual harassment in musicians’ workplaces, creating Safe Space for musicians to be heard and campaigning to ensure that everyone has an equal level of protection from sexual harassment.

Published: 25 November 2019

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MU Launches The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry

The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry looks at common challenges facing freelance musicians, strategies for meeting them, and how to access support.

Published: 22 November 2019

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Music Industry Contributes £5.2 Billion to UK Economy – new figures reveal

UK Music’s inaugural Music By Numbers report was published today (20 November) and reveals the key role music plays in the economy.

Published: 20 November 2019

Advice for Touring Musicians on US Court Ruling Against Device Probe

Have you ever tried entered the United States and had your smartphone or laptop searched? If so that has now been disallowed.

Published: 18 November 2019

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

Independent Venue Week has announced Anna Calvi as Ambassador for their seventh year.

Published: 14 November 2019

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Clinic Dates

A new partnership between BAPAM and Liverpool Philharmonic is providing free Performing Arts Medicine Clinics at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, new clinic dates have just been announced.

Published: 14 November 2019

Band Involved in Legal Struggle After Name Trademarked Without Their Permission

Because of a trademark registration the original Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band were no longer able to record an album or perform a concert under their own name. They have now won back their name.

Published: 11 November 2019

Teacher and student with a saxophone in a school hall setting

Music Education Hubs to Receive Another Year’s Funding

The MU welcomes the government’s announcement of another year’s funding for music education hubs.

Published: 06 November 2019

Woman waves keyboard around in a gym setting.

New BAPAM Healthy Performance Training Series to be Held in Cardiff

These introductory two-hour sessions are designed for performing arts professionals and students, and will outline risk factors and key strategies to maintain good physical health throughout a sustainable career.

Published: 31 October 2019

Five Free Tickets Available for Birmingham BAPAM Healthy Performance Workshops

These introductory two-hour sessions are designed for performing arts professionals and students and will outline risk factors and key strategies to maintain good health throughout a sustainable career.

Published: 31 October 2019

Black and white photograph of a woman playing acoustic guitar in casual setting

MU's Campaign for Sexual Harassment Law Change Featured on Badass Women’s Hour XL

The MU spoke to Badass Women’s Hour XL about sexual harassment in the music industry and our new campaign to change the law to protect freelancers too.

Published: 29 October 2019

Photograph of child running through autumn leaves, holding a violin and bow

Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM) Call for Regional Champions

SWIM is a new charity dedicated to levelling the playing field for women in music. Based in Scotland, membership is comprised of female music creators and industry professionals, based in Scotland.

Published: 29 October 2019

Photograph of the inside of a club with blurred bar lights.

Sub Club Under Threat

The Sub Club has a global reputation and has been a stalwart of Glasgow’s electronic music scene for the past 25 years.

Published: 29 October 2019

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

Now in its fourth year, The London International Guitar Show (LIGS) will be returning to Kempton Park Racecourse on Sunday 27 October 2019 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Published: 25 October 2019

Photo of person on stage with microphone

Show Your Support for Stronger Laws Against Sexual Harassment that Protect Freelancers Too

A recent MU survey revealed that 48% of musicians have been sexually harassed at work. Take action now for stronger laws to prevent sexual harassment at work that protect freelancers too.

Published: 25 October 2019

Photo of audience at a venue, raising their hands in the air.

Help Build a Bigger Rock and Pop Circuit in East England

If you are or know a venue or promoter based in East England (that’s Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertforshire, Suffolk and Norfolk), we’d urge you to get involved in this music industry research. The deadline has now moved to 10 November.

Published: 24 October 2019

Photograph of guitarist and drummer playing an outdoor gig, taken from the side

Sexual Harassment Widespread Across the UK Music Industry

New data released today (23 October) reveals almost half (48%) of musicians have experienced sexual harassment at work. Alarmingly, over four in five (85%) victims did not report the harassment.

Published: 22 October 2019

Photograph of two musicians playing live on a stage

European Social Partners in the Live Performance Sector Celebrate 20 Years of European Social Dialogue

A guest blog by National Organiser Live Performance Dave Webster, originally given as a speech on behalf of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM).

Published: 21 October 2019

Photograph of five young people sat in a circle playing guitars.

Podcast on Money Management for Musicians Released Today

The Elevate Music Podcast series – created by Help Musicians, Listen and Elevate Music – released a new episode today featuring MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discussing what financial support is available to musicians.

Published: 21 October 2019

Research Reveals Huge Gender Gap in Composers and Signed Recording Artists in the UK

Research from Counting the Music Industry reveals that just 14% of composers and 20% of signed recording artists in the UK are women.

Published: 21 October 2019

Live Music Inquiry at National Assembly of Wales Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

The MU was delighted to give evidence as part of a live music inquiry held by the National Assembly of Wales’ Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee.

Published: 21 October 2019

Photograph of person working at a recording desk

Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work, Protecting Freelancers too

New research by the MU reveals 48% of members surveyed have been sexually harassed at work, and more than half have witnessed incidents of sexual harassment while working.

Published: 21 October 2019

Photograph of little girls with earphones and sunglasses on sunshine yellow background

10 Tracks to Listen to This Black History Month

This guest post from musician, author and international speaker Nate Holder sets out ten tracks that show the diversity of black British music – an essential playlist for this year’s Black History month and beyond.

Published: 18 October 2019

New Brexit Deal Does Nothing for Musicians says MU

New Brexit Deal published today (Thursday 17 October) does not deal with issues for musicians which have been pointed out by the MU and others.

Published: 17 October 2019

Photograph of keyboard, tablet and mobile phone stacked on top of each other.

Members Dealing with Countryman Fairs Advised to Contact Regional Offices with Concerns

The MU has been made aware that there may be an issue with an organisation called Countryman Fairs.

Published: 17 October 2019

DEFRA Releases Update on CITES Permit Applications Ahead of Brexit

Members planning to travel after Brexit with musical instruments that fall under the protected species guidelines are advised to apply for permits as soon as possible.

Published: 11 October 2019

Members Encouraged to Join March for a People’s vote on Saturday 19 October

The MU is proud to be taking part in the Together for the Final Say march organised by the People’s Vote campaign.

Published: 11 October 2019

Photograph of open passport on top of map

STUC Black Workers' Conference Passes MU Motion on Visas for International Musicians from the Global South

The MU called on the STUC Black Workers’ Committee to campaign for a reform to racist visa policies for artists. The motion was debated and passed on Sunday 6 October.

Published: 09 October 2019

Person's hand shuffling through records at a vinyl sale

What Does the Album Mean to You: Celebrating National Album Day

National Album Day celebrates the art of the album and the joy of listening to an album as a body of work. This year Naomi Pohl, MU Deputy General Secretary, shares what the album means to her.

Published: 08 October 2019

London’s First Accessible Club Event for Adults and with Disabilities and Their Carers Opens this November

The event 'Daylight' – which will be hosted by music venue Omeara – is being produced by London-based DJ and mental health volunteer Tony Gurney.

Published: 08 October 2019

Trade Unions Invited to Show Solidarity with Climate Change Activism on 12 October

Trade unionists have been invited to rally at Trafalgar Square on Saturday 12 October and show solidarity with climate activism.

Published: 08 October 2019

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Tribute to Kenneth Howell, Trumpet and Flugal Horn Player

Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

7 Things That will Help Your Networking Work Harder for You

Tribute to Duncan Lamont

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: a Safe Space for Reporting

Details for CITES Rosewood Exemption Announced

Quiz Your Candidates: Make Sure You’re Voting for the Best Deal for Musicians

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Third Party Harassment at Work: Protect Freelancers Too

Why the Musicians' Union is Supporting #16Days and UN Women's Stand Against Rape Culture

MU Launches The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry

Music Industry Contributes £5.2 Billion to UK Economy – new figures reveal

Advice for Touring Musicians on US Court Ruling Against Device Probe

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Clinic Dates

Band Involved in Legal Struggle After Name Trademarked Without Their Permission

Music Education Hubs to Receive Another Year’s Funding

New BAPAM Healthy Performance Training Series to be Held in Cardiff

Five Free Tickets Available for Birmingham BAPAM Healthy Performance Workshops

MU's Campaign for Sexual Harassment Law Change Featured on Badass Women’s Hour XL

Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM) Call for Regional Champions

Sub Club Under Threat

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

Show Your Support for Stronger Laws Against Sexual Harassment that Protect Freelancers Too

Help Build a Bigger Rock and Pop Circuit in East England

Sexual Harassment Widespread Across the UK Music Industry

European Social Partners in the Live Performance Sector Celebrate 20 Years of European Social Dialogue

Podcast on Money Management for Musicians Released Today

Research Reveals Huge Gender Gap in Composers and Signed Recording Artists in the UK

Live Music Inquiry at National Assembly of Wales Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work, Protecting Freelancers too

10 Tracks to Listen to This Black History Month

New Brexit Deal Does Nothing for Musicians says MU

Members Dealing with Countryman Fairs Advised to Contact Regional Offices with Concerns

DEFRA Releases Update on CITES Permit Applications Ahead of Brexit

Members Encouraged to Join March for a People’s vote on Saturday 19 October

STUC Black Workers' Conference Passes MU Motion on Visas for International Musicians from the Global South

What Does the Album Mean to You: Celebrating National Album Day

London’s First Accessible Club Event for Adults and with Disabilities and Their Carers Opens this November

Trade Unions Invited to Show Solidarity with Climate Change Activism on 12 October