News & Stories for Musicians

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Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

In this lobbying update, MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how we will be using the results from our Brexit survey when it closes next week, and other actions in Parliament.

Published: 29 April 2021

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Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

The MU will be standing in solidarity with this weekend’s social media boycott, to highlight social media company inaction on eradicating online hate and racism.

Published: 29 April 2021

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Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Over 5,000 musicians, songwriters and fans have signed the Fix Streaming petition, after 150 artists including Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney and Kate Bush made headlines calling on the Government to act.

Published: 27 April 2021

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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

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UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

UK Music is calling on music industry leaders to ensure disabled people and people with long term health conditions can realise their dreams by removing potential barriers to job opportunities.

Published: 22 April 2021

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a newly launched initiative which the MU has partnered with – on a mission to combat racism, uniting organisations and musicians to create a truly inclusive and diverse music industry.

Published: 20 April 2021

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MU Signs Open Letter to The Prime Minister to Reject ‘Insulting’ Report and Act on Race Equality at Work

36 trade union general secretaries –including the MU’s – have signed a letter to the PM, calling on him to take a different path to that recommended in the report from the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities.

Published: 20 April 2021

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We've Launched a Disabled Musicians Membership

We launched our new Disabled Musicians Membership this week, with the intention of recruiting, retaining and helping to level the playing field for disabled musicians.

Published: 16 April 2021

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Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

The Government has now confirmed a number of changes and extra details for musicians in its previously published Spring Roadmap for England – and we have updated our guidance accordingly.

Published: 09 April 2021

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5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

It’s World Autism Day on 2 April! To celebrate we asked Autism consultant and Heart N Soul creative associate Robyn Rocket to write a blog for us with a few pointers on how we can consider inclusion for Autistic musicians and listeners when the world opens again post-Covid.

Published: 01 April 2021

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MU Reconfirms Our Commitment Towards Trans Equality on Trans Day of Visibility

Wednesday 31 March is Trans Day of Visibility, and we are marking this by showing a round-up of previously published blogs – as well as upcoming events and petitions to support.

Published: 31 March 2021

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LGBT+ History Month Panel: Activism and Allyship

The MU and Pride in Music partnered to mark this year’s LGBT+ History Month with a panel discussion about activism and allyship.

Published: 30 March 2021

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What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

For Women’s History Month, singer-songwriter Bishi Bhattachaya talks us through how the pandemic has exposed major issues of inequality within the music industry, and calls for concrete action and investment.

Published: 30 March 2021

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Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

The Ivors Academy and the MU have launched a new campaign, Composers Against Buyouts, to oppose unethical business practices that damage media composers’ rights, earnings and careers.

Published: 29 March 2021

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New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

According to a survey for UN Women UK, four-fifths of young women in the UK have been subjected to sexual harassment, ringing true with our research showing how endemic harassment is in the music industry.

Published: 26 March 2021

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Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave evidence to MPs and said the Government was working “flat out” to find a solution to mobility issues around visas, work permits and moving goods between the UK and EU.

Published: 25 March 2021

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Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC), of which the MU is a member, has signed an open letter calling for reconsideration of the “policing bill”, co-ordinated by Liberty and Friends of the Earth and co-signed by 244 other organisations.

Published: 25 March 2021

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DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

In our summary of the latest Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hearing into the economics of music streaming, read about the main conclusions drawn and our hopes for the future.

Published: 23 March 2021

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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

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Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

The Government has agreed in the House of Lords to ask police forces to treat misogyny as a hate crime from the autumn.

Published: 18 March 2021

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MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

Session musicians continue to benefit from the use of background commercial recordings in tv programmes, and our total distribution of royalties for 2021 so far have exceeded £500k.

Published: 17 March 2021

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MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

An update on our call for busking to be permitted again in England, following the Government’s Spring 2021 roadmap – plus further legal advice for buskers.

Published: 15 March 2021

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Concerns over the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

The MU are concerned that the Government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, and will increase discrimination and undermine democracy.

Published: 15 March 2021

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Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

If you have ten minutes, take part in Music Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age’s anonymous survey - and help their research into how streaming affects music creators’ earnings.

Published: 10 March 2021

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BBC Keen to Speak to Individuals Who Have Had Experiences of Sexual Harassment Silenced

The producer of BBC Three documentary “Music’s Dirty Secrets: Women Fight Back,” is now working on a follow up program and is looking to talking to individuals who feel they have been prevented from speaking out about their experience of sexual harassment or assault.

Published: 10 March 2021

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Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

In a specially commissioned blog for Women’s History Month – acclaimed singer, songwriter and MU member Kelli-Leigh discusses her own experiences and asks the music industry, “Can you open up doors to talent that may have been closed to them previously?”

Published: 08 March 2021

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New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

We’ve published new guidance on Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements for employed and self-employed musicians, which we hope will help with some of your concerns during the return to work.

Published: 05 March 2021

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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

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The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union, have welcomed the UK Government’s firm commitment to solve the critical issues facing touring post-Brexit.

Published: 18 February 2021

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Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

The TUC and Stand Up To Racism have called for a day of mobilisation on Thursday 18 February, using the day to build awareness and participation in preparation for UN Anti Racism Day on 20 March.

Published: 17 February 2021

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Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

Power Up is a new ambitious, long-term initiative which will support Black music creators and industry professionals and executives, as well addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.

Published: 17 February 2021

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We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Concerned at the UK Government’s intentions to review the human rights framework and judicial review, we have come together with numerous organisations, charities and trades unions to present a joint statement.

Published: 17 February 2021

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Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

We’ve released our joint research with The Ivors Academy today, revealing how the majority of shielding musicians, songwriters and composers who we surveyed do not feel they can return to work until they are vaccinated.

Published: 16 February 2021

Two sets of drum sticks lie on different instruments in a percussion section set up but with absent musicians.

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Musicians’ Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians, are jointly calling for improved touring arrangements after Brexit.

Published: 08 February 2021

Close up of a performer at a festival, we can only see the foot of the performer in converse shoes, near a row of pedals - the rest of the photo looks out to an audience stood outdoors.

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

Leading music publisher Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) has announced the appointment of a group of external advisors to work with the company, with a particular focus on initiatives around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Published: 04 February 2021

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New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Campaigning organisation Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) have published a new report on the impact of Covid-19, focusing on groups which are currently underrepresented in the sector.

Published: 03 February 2021

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

A number of major labels took centre stage in the latest session of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s music streaming inquiry.

Published: 25 January 2021

Photograph of a group of musicians sitting to play. The photograph is taken from the floor, and the primary focus is on the shoes of the musicians closest to the camera.

Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

Following rumours that the Government has plans to further water down workplace rights, including rest breaks, paid holiday entitlement and time spent on-call – we’ve released a joint statement with eleven other unions.

Published: 25 January 2021

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TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents

The TUC have released a report calling for a temporary legal right to access the furlough scheme for parents, those with caring responsibilities and people who cannot work because they are required to shield.

Published: 22 January 2021

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Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

Social Media Blackout in Response to Sustained Racist Abuse Online

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

The Copyright Directive

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

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

We’re Partnering with Black Lives in Music and Encouraging Members to Take Their Survey

MU Signs Open Letter to The Prime Minister to Reject ‘Insulting’ Report and Act on Race Equality at Work

We've Launched a Disabled Musicians Membership

Government Confirms “Incidental” Live Music Permitted in England from Stage Two

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

MU Reconfirms Our Commitment Towards Trans Equality on Trans Day of Visibility

LGBT+ History Month Panel: Activism and Allyship

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

Composers Against Buyouts Campaign Launches to Protect Media Writers’ Earnings and Rights

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

MU Makes Record Royalties Payment to Members in First Quarter of 2021

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

Concerns over the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

BBC Keen to Speak to Individuals Who Have Had Experiences of Sexual Harassment Silenced

Women’s History Month: The Year I Used My Voice

New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

Join Stand Up To Racism and the TUC by Taking Online Action on Thursday 18 February

Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

We’ve Signed a Joint Statement to Protect the Human Rights Act

Shielding Importance for Musicians, Songwriters and Composers Highlighted by Research

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

Hal Leonard Appoints Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group of External Advisors

New Report on Impact of Covid-19 on Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts Published by PiPA

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

Joint Statement on Watering Down of Workplace Rights

TUC Call For Furlough Scheme to Open for Working Parents