News & Stories for Musicians

A man's hand placing three wooden blocks on a table. One has a picture of a woman, one has a picture of a man, and one has the symbol of an equals sign.

Musicians' Census Finds Over Half of Women in Music Have Experienced Gender Discrimination

The Women Musicians Insight Report finds that gender inequality is still a prominent, alarming issue in the music industry, with female musicians facing much higher levels of discrimination, harassment and career barriers.

Published: 27 March 2024

Inclusion and discrimination concept. Lines of wooden figurines as a barrier in front of different coloured figurines.

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

New findings from the Musicians’ Census show that LGBTQ+ musicians are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and sexual harassment, particularly for trans musicians, having a more widespread impact on their careers and ability to work.

Published: 07 February 2024

Male musician sat in front of a keyboard and microphone deep in thought and concentration.

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Further report findings from the first ever UK Musicians’ Census show that almost a third of professional musicians in the UK are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, due to factors such as low pay, career barriers and witnessing or experiencing discrimination.

Published: 24 November 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

Woman playing acoustic guitar at a table with male musician, paper and pen are on the table next to them.

First Ever UK Musicians’ Census Provides Unparalleled Insight into the Careers of the UK’s Musicians and Music Creators

The Musicians’ Census reveals UK musicians’ average annual income from music work is £20,700 – but nearly half earn under £14,000.

Published: 11 September 2023

Less than 24 hours left to take the Musicians’ Census 2023

Help the Musicians’ Union help every musician: take the Musicians’ Census 2023 and enter a prize draw to win a £300 One4All gift card.

Published: 08 March 2023

Musician playing midi keyboard synthesizer in a recording studio,

There’s Still Time to Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

Artists Samantha Togni and Robin Rimbaud, aka Scanner, explain why the Musicians’ Census is important for all musicians – including DJs and electronic artists.

Published: 07 March 2023

Portrait of Linton Stephens sat on a row of chairs next to his bassoon.

Why Every Musician Should Take Part in the Musicians’ Census 2023

Music Works Podcast spoke to MU member Linton Stephens about the first contemporary Musicians’ Census and why every musician should take it.

Published: 01 March 2023

Shelves stacked with paper achieve files.

“By Means of Printed Questionnaires” - An Archival View of The Musicians’ Census

Today’s Musicians’ Census is not the first time the MU has attempted to capture a comprehensive picture of musical life across the UK and here, University Archivist Karl Magee looks back 75 years to the very first.

Published: 28 February 2023

Portrait of Andi Hopgood, smiling to camera against a white brick wall.

Andi Hopgood and Nate Holder: Why The Musicians’ Census Gives us a Better Chance to Create Change

This week we’re exploring why musicians and change-makers Andi and Nate are supporting the 2023 Musicians Census.

Published: 14 February 2023

Musicians Iona Fyfe and Lady Nade Share Why They Back the Musicians’ Census 2023

Two musicians backing the survey explain why the Musicians’ Census 2023 is so important.

Published: 02 February 2023

Take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The Musicians’ Census is a joint project by the Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians to get a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be a musician in 2023.

Published: 23 January 2023

UK Live Music Census Shows Small Venues Are Good For Everyone

The Musicians’ Union (MU) was delighted to host the launch of the UK’s first Live Music Census report. It digs deep into the economic, social and cultural value of small venues, and the challenges facing both venues and the musicians who work in them.

Published: 23 February 2018

UK’s First Live Music Census Reveals Ongoing Threats to Small Venues

Small venues continue to face threats that could affect their long-term future, warns UK’s first Live Music Census.

Published: 16 February 2018

Bristol Live Music Census 2015

Live music generated £123 million for the local Bristol economy in 2015, but many venues are under threat.

Published: 07 March 2016

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

All News and Features