News & Stories for Musicians

A hand holding a new Navy British citizen passport.

Domestic Advisory Groups Agree Principles to Support Musicians and Creative Industries Working in the EU

In a joint formal agreement, UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups have called for more flexible travel arrangements and the creation of a cultural visa waiver for creative workers in the EU.

Published: 15 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

Singer on stage in front of a microphone on a stand and large audience, in blue light.

This Is Music Report Confirms Significance of Music Industry’s Contribution to UK Economy in 2022

UK Music’s annual economic report, This Is Music 2023, states that the music industry’s contribution to the UK economy was £6.7 billion (GVA) in 2022.

Published: 07 November 2023

Instrument flight cases in front of a stage ready for set up.

Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Earlier this week we hosted a webinar with ATA Carnet provider Business West on advice for acquiring and using an ATA Carnet when working overseas. This is now available for MU members to watch back.

Published: 19 October 2023

Member only Read more about Watch the MU and Business West Webinar On The Ins and Outs of ATA Carnets

Panorama of Deansgate area, Manchester, backed by the Deansgate Square skyscraper complex.

MU Partners with Beyond The Music Conference by Curating Panel on Music and Foreign Policy

The panel will discuss creating a UK Parliament for the music industry, with speakers including MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Chair of The Ivors Academy and founder of the Broken Record campaign, Tom Gray.

Published: 12 October 2023

Naomi Pohl at this year's Labour Conference holding a large red sign saying 'There is power in a union'.

Musicians' Union Secures Major Labour Party Policy Commitments on Music Education, Touring in the EU and Supporting Musicians’ Jobs

Labour's National Policy Forum document sets out major improvements for musicians thanks to lobbying by the Musicians' Union.

Published: 10 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

What Does The WGA Strike and Deal Reached Mean for Musicians?

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on what the new Writers’ Guild of America agreement delivers for writers in the States, and what precedent this agreement might set for terms offered by big streaming companies, including in relation to the threat of AI developments.

Published: 29 September 2023

Person stood at the edge of railway platform with guitar in case, holding a passport.

Musicians Working Overseas: An Update on Brexit and New Resources

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on news and report findings surrounding musicians and Brexit, new MU resources and a roundup of recent and upcoming panels, events and showcases he has attended to help promote the MU and its work overseas.

Published: 27 September 2023

Close-up of a musician playing the acoustic guitar outdoors, selective focus on the fretboard of the instrument.

Take Part in EFN’s First European Folk Day

The MU is affiliated with the European Folk Network (EFN) and 23 September will mark a day of celebration to raise the profile of traditional music, dance and storytelling.

Published: 04 September 2023

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

The guide provides tips and important information for owners in relation to the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits.

Published: 02 June 2023

Two musicians on a stage lit with purple lighting, one on a microphone and phone in the background on a deck.

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

The new membership for musicians escaping famine, conflict and persecution means that refugees can now join the MU for one year for free, and access all the union’s advice and services to help build their lives in the UK.

Published: 01 June 2023

A keyboard is propped up at a diagonal angle with rainbow lights highlighting the different keys, the background is dark.

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

Three people sat in an airport with suitcase and an acoustic guitar.

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

The additional information from the EU Commission on touring with portable instruments and supplementary equipment will provide some clarity for MU members.

Published: 04 May 2023

Kelly Wood, Paul Smith, Annabella Coldrick and Jeremy Pritchard post panel at Liverpool Sound City 2023.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

The MU led an insightful panel discussion at this year’s event on the UK live sector’s new relationship with Europe.

Published: 04 May 2023

Violin, acoustic guitar and percussion instruments on tiled carpet representing European folk style.

MU Joins the European Folk Network

The MU has joined the pan-Europe organisation supporting folk and traditional music and culture across Europe.

Published: 21 April 2023

MU Head of International Dave Webster speaks on stage at a networking event that's part of SXSW

The MU at SXSW 2023: Supporting Members and Making the Case for Fair Visa Fees

MU Head of International Dave Webster joined close to 160 UK bands attending this years’ South by South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, supporting and advocating for musicians.

Published: 17 April 2023

Update on Proposed US Visa Petition Fee increase

The MU and other music industry bodies in the UK have signed a joint letter from UK Music to Kemi Badenoch MP (Secretary of State for Business and Trade), setting out our serious concerns for the future of US touring should the proposed increases in the US become law.

Published: 01 March 2023

A crowd of people making up the Workers Group who attended the meeting, with Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster center.

MU Contributes to New International Standards on Rights and Mobility for Arts and Entertainment Sector Workers

Our General Secretary and Head of International represented the union and helped form a genuinely inclusive text for industry workers as part of ILOs negotiation meeting.

Published: 20 February 2023

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster stand together in front of row of flags of member states attending the ILO.

Representatives of MU Attend This Week’s International Labour Organisation in Geneva

The ILO (International Labour Organisation) brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set Labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all.

Published: 15 February 2023

Close up of a Visa document and passport.

Information for Members on Proposed Increase to US ‘O’ and ‘P’ Visa Petition Fees

The MU are shocked to hear that the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the US Department of Homeland Security are proposing huge increases to the Petition fees for US visas.

Published: 10 February 2023

White earphones resting on top of a white computer keyboard.

You Can’t Put the AI Genie Back in the Bottle: Protecting Compositions and Recordings

Following on from his recent appearance on BBC Newsnight to discuss what advances in AI could mean for musicians, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear further outlines the protections needed for musicians in the face of new technology.

Published: 20 January 2023

Government Post-Brexit Bill Threatens Musicians’ Rights – Write to your MP and Ask Them to Vote Against

A Bill coming back to Parliament next week puts legislation on workers’ rights and copyright at risk.

Published: 13 January 2023

View from a train window as it hurtles through green countryside and farms.

Problems on French Trains for Musicians with Large Instruments

A recent meeting of the International Federation of Musicians Europe group has revealed that musicians with large instruments such as double basses are being stopped from travelling on some French trains.

Published: 16 December 2022

Hands of an instrument maker connecting the hair to the violin bow

CITES CoP19 Agrees to Keep Pernambuco on Appendix II

Commercial and non-commercial movement of Pernambuco bows can continue to take place.

Published: 29 November 2022

People placing their vote at the MU Delegate Conference 2019, with cards held over head.

Young Workers’ Month 2022: Using Your Power as a Musicians’ Union Member

One of the most powerful things you can do as an MU member is get involved in the MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 02 November 2022

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl holds a red sign reading

Trade Union Movement Backs MU Position on Touring in the EU at TUC

Musicians’ Union member Robert Scott moved a motion on touring in the EU at the TUC’s annual Congress.

Published: 31 October 2022

Woman with guitar in case, over her shoulder, at the railway station.

Taking Action - Our Update on Brexit for Musicians

The MU has been closely involved in the compiling of two comprehensive reports outlining the difficulties musicians and the creative industries as a whole are having in the post Brexit age.

Published: 19 October 2022

Naomi Pohl with other General Secretaries on the front line of the We Demand Better march with banner.

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the union’s policy priorities and industrial strategy this autumn.

Published: 15 September 2022

Close up of CJ's hands playing steel guitar with pics on fingers against a lit up dark background.

Pedal Power: The Story of CJ Hillman

CJ Hillman is one of the finest session players in his field, valued by artists for his tasteful playing and for always serving the song.

Published: 17 August 2022

Brightly dressed protestors raise banners with Extinction Rebellion symbols and words such as

Climate and Environment: Sustainable Practices and Challenges for Touring Musicians

As Covid-19 restrictions dissipate but the environmental crisis grows, we’ve been looking at the artists engaging in sustainable practices and the challenges they face as they return to touring.

Published: 10 August 2022

Roadie tipping a flightcase over on it's side in a room of other storage boxes.

MU Responds to APPG Report Which Sets to Remove Barriers To EU Tours and Help Boost UK Music Industry

The new APPG Report provides details on the action the Government should take to help UK musicians and crew tour Europe more easily.

Published: 20 July 2022

NFTs For Musicians, its Opportunities and Pitfalls

Bored Apes, blockchains, HODLers and fungibility – the world of NFTs can seem indecipherable from the outside. Yet the technology behind the phenomenon has real potential to change the music industry.

Published: 20 July 2022

3D graphic map of the UK and rest of Europe. UK and EU flag designs are over each area and 3D trucks wait at each side of the crossing showing the difficulty transporting goods.

Brexit Update and New Head of International Role at The MU

Dave Webster, former National Organiser for Live Performance has recently been appointed as Head of International at the MU. Here he brings members an update on our work to address the impact of Brexit for musicians.

Published: 15 July 2022

Stacked cardboard boxes next to a cotton sack with a large euro symbol on.

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

In June HW Fisher and the MU’s Head of International Dave Webster presented a webinar for members entitled ‘Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU’ and the video is now available to watch back.

Published: 04 July 2022

Member only Read more about Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

Group of 5 women from behind, showing solidarity by linking arms behind their backs.

Information for Members Wishing to Take Action Further to Roe V Wade Ruling

Resources for members wishing to stand in solidary with the fight to defend abortion rights in the US.

Published: 27 June 2022

Microphone on the background of the National Flag of Afghanistan, realistic 3d illustration.

Overcoming Adversity to Play Again: A Refugee’s Story

In recognition of Refugee Week 2022, Musician and Associate Prof. Dr. Waheedullah Saghar (former head of the Music Department for the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kabul University) speaks of his experiences of being a refugee, and how music helps to keep our stories alive across continents.

Published: 24 June 2022

Windscreen drivers view of a touring van, an open road and greenery are ahead.

Navigating Tours in Ireland and Europe post Brexit and Covid: A Case Study

In this insightful case study, MU member Sarah McQuaid outlines the extensive process she has gone through prior to touring in Ireland and Europe.

Published: 20 June 2022

7 wooden shaped non gender figures on grey surface, with 3 dots in a speech bubble in white, one of the figures has a speech bubble in green showing they are talking.

Call for Statements in Support of Orchestral Royalties in Australia

PPL are supporting the MEAA in trying to lobby for change in Australia so that orchestras can receive their PPL equivalent PPCA.

Published: 08 June 2022

Ivory Ban Comes Into Force

The UK Ivory Act enforces a near total ban on elephant ivory sales from 6 June 2022.