News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of an accessible entrance sign attached to a brick wall outside a building.

Creating Your Own Access Rider

We recently held an event on “creating your own access rider,” in this article we set out the key learnings for the event – both from artists with personal experience of using access riders, and organisations who work on improving access.

Published: 18 January 2021

Photograph of five women, all looking different from each other, walking through a field with their arms linked around each other.

Call for Evidence on Employer Responses to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

We encourage members to take part in the Fawcett Society’s call for evidence on sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly to make sure that freelance voices are heard.

Published: 12 January 2021

Photograph of a busker, their head isn't visible but they are wearing blue jeans and holding a plugged in electric guitar. In the background an open guitar case has money collected in it.

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

The MU has serious concerns over Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 04 January 2021

Working to Protect the Rights and Royalties of Composers

Composers need to be aware of rights grabs. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl reflects on how the Musicians’ Union and its members can fight back.

Published: 26 December 2020

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BBC Studios / MU joint statement: It Takes Two

We’ve released a joint statement with the BBC, following the recent unfortunate situation that resulted in Amaraterra not appearing on It Takes Two.

Published: 15 December 2020

Photograph of the author, Maya Kashif. She is standing in front of a body of water, holding her cello.

From the Corner, Eating a Banana, a Freelancer’s View on Invisible Illness

Freelance cellist Maya Kashif uses this year's Disability History Month, “to highlight, in the spirit of awareness, that the internal struggles somebody such as myself may be dealing with should be known about and supported.”

Published: 02 December 2020

Drill rappers Skengdo x AM (Terrell Doyley and Joshua Malinga)

Why Are Drill Rappers Criminalised for Making Music?

Drill music has been demonised in the press, but silencing young, predominantly black musicians is discriminatory and won't stop gang violence.

Published: 27 November 2020

Blurred stage, there are purple stage lights and the suggestion of musicians, seen as if looking up from the wooden boarded floor at the bottom.

Changes to Universal Credit Minimum Floor Will Stay in Place

In welcome news for the self-employed, today’s Spending Review from the Government confirms that changes to the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor will stay in place.

Published: 26 November 2020

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Make Misogyny History

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the role misogyny plays and creating safe workplaces for women.

Published: 25 November 2020

Artists Called to Give Evidence in Person at Streaming Inquiry

Musicians Tom Gray, Nadine Shah, Guy Garvey and Ed O’Brien will be giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the economics of music streaming.

Published: 20 November 2020

Photograph of an aerial view of Glasgow, the sky above is blue and the trees are bright green.

Updated Guidance for Teachers in Scotland

Further clarification from the Scottish Government means that we have now updated our guidance for teachers in Scotland, with more detailed advice for working across the five tier system.

Published: 20 November 2020

Black and white photograph of a conductors hands, holding a baton over the music stand at the head of an orchestra. The musicians in the background are blurred.

Disability History Month: Music Making and the Fates of Disabled People

Conductor and composer Ben Lunn discusses how we need to celebrate “the disabled musicians and artists who exist,” whilst, “making sure disabled people can live in dignity and safety and are able to pursue whatever profession they desire to.”

Published: 17 November 2020

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Calling All Songwriters, Composers and Performers: A #FixStreaming Update

Have your say in the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into music streaming – you now have until Friday 11 December to submit your thoughts.

Published: 17 November 2020

Got Five Minutes? Take Action to Fix Streaming Now

This is a defining moment in our industry. Whether you’ve got five minutes or thirty minutes, take action now to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 13 November 2020

Photograph of a young mother, playing on a guitar whilst being distracted by a toddler who is reaching out to the instrument. They are both smiling.

Discrimination Against Women in SEISS to go Under Judicial Review

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed have pointed out that self-employed women who have taken maternity leave between 2016 and 2019 will miss out in the calculation of their SEISS entitlement

Published: 10 November 2020

Photograph of Millicent Stephenson, she is wearing white against a white background whilst holding out a microphone and smiling.

The Journey of a Menopausal Musician

Multi-award winning saxophonist and MU Executive Committee member Millicent Stephenson shares her experiences, ahead of World Menopause Day 18 October.

Published: 15 October 2020

Photograph of a keyboard player and drummer performing in what appears to be a small venue, or a bar.

ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

In an update to our story on ATG calling for singers, musicians and other performers to work for free at their venue – the theatre organisation has now confirmed that musicians will be paid for their performances.

Published: 17 September 2020

Organisations Join Up to Promote Seven Inclusive Principles for Disabled People in Arts & Culture

Several campaigning cultural organisations have joined together to create a new guide for the arts and entertainment sectors to support disability inclusion.

Published: 15 September 2020

Photograph of Louise, wearing a dark, professional looking shirt and smiling whilst holding a wind instrument. The background is white, bright and sunny.

Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Member and orchestral, theatre and chamber musician Louise Braithwaite discusses the effect of coronavirus and misinformation on wind players, and the wider industry.

Published: 10 September 2020

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New Report Shows Women Underrepresented on UK Radio

Women are underrepresented in UK radio according to a new report that reveals 81% of songs in the Top 100 Radio Airplay chart feature men.

Published: 24 August 2020

'This is not a hobby, it's our profession' #WorkNotPlayMU

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic

The Musicians’ Union has received new reports of venues and events asking musicians to work for free. This is not acceptable.

Published: 19 August 2020

A specialist in the installation of gig stage wearing a 'Staff' t-shirt

Let The Music Play Campaign Launches Second Phase

UK Music’s Let The Music Play campaign has launched its second phase, calling for further support for the live sector during these difficult times.

Published: 04 August 2020

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Richard Steggall has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in response to the recent announcements regarding the guidance on playing wind and brass instruments.

Published: 10 July 2020

Jazz bar with a stage with black piano and cello

The MU Reacts to Government Guidance for Restaurants, Pubs and Bars Reopening

The MU's Live Performance Department look at the latest Government guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars - and the bitter blow it delivers for live music.

Published: 29 June 2020

Photograph of a judges gavel and a weighing scale showing equality.

Sexual Harassment Court Case Success

The Evening Standard has covered the outcome of a court case fought by the MU as a result of sexual harassment reports made to our Safe Space service.

Published: 15 June 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

an illustration for Broken Record appeal featuring a person at their home full of music records

Announcing the #BrokenRecord Appeal and Festival

The Broken Record Appeal aims to support every kind of music creator in need as a result of Coronavirus. MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discusses the Broken Record Appeal and the associated Festival planned for 24th May.

Published: 11 May 2020

Next Steps for Musicians Following the General Election

The Conservatives have won an overall majority in the general election. It’s now almost certain that we will get a Tory Brexit, which means musicians are likely to face new barriers to working in the EU post-Brexit.

Published: 13 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

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

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

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

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

Blurred photograph of sheet music on music stands.

Decolonising the Music Curriculum

David Duncan, Publications Officer at London College of Music Examinations (LCM), explores how exam boards can play a role in shaping a more positive future by ensuring greater diversity in their syllabuses.

Published: 01 October 2019

Photograph of miniature placard at a march reading

Attempt to Stop a ‘No Deal’ Brexit Supported by the MU

Staying in the European Union is still the best option for musicians. The MU supports Parliament’s attempts to stop a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, and calls for a People’s Vote.

Published: 04 September 2019

MU/UK Theatre agreement

Following the agreement being implemented in 2018 for a 3 year period.

Published: 28 August 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

Speaker stands at the front of a room, with a screen behind reading

LGBTQ+ in Music: Where is the Representation?

This blog is created from the speech that MU member Olive gave at the TUC LGBT+ conference last week – moving a motion on the need for a broad and balanced LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum to ensure LGBTQ+ representation in music.

Published: 11 July 2019

Photo from the Women's march in 2018, person holding large sign reading

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexual harassment in music

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexism, sexual harassment and abuse in the music industry following a Newsbeat investigation into the harassment experienced by fans.

Published: 11 June 2019

MU and ABO launch Manifesto for British Orchestras

The MU and the ABO have created a joint Manifesto for British Orchestras and are collectively inviting orchestras to sign up.

Published: 21 March 2019

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