News & Stories for Musicians

New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician

From copyright and contracts to royalties and rights, a new MU event tells you all you need to know about maximising your income as a recording musician.

Published: 26 June 2023

Band in recording studio booth, with technician in foreground by mixing desk.

Help Save Brixton Hill Studios From Closure by Writing to MP

MU members are encouraged to write to Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy with their concerns using a template letter, as it faces imminent closure due to extortionate rent increases and lack of negotiation.

Published: 22 June 2023

Empty outdoor stage with sound equipment set up.

MU Responds to Cancellation of Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

A joint statement from the MU, Bectu and Equity on the cancellation and what this means for those who were meant to be working and performing at this year’s festival.

Published: 22 June 2023

A close up of a Black musician holding a saxophone.

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

To commemorate Windrush Day - which this year marks 75 years since the arrival of the Windrush in Britain - we revisit MU member Millicent Stephenson’s story, along with additional information and resources.

Published: 22 June 2023

Liverpool Hood Street bus terminal at night, with long exposure of traffic trails/light of public transport.

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

The MU is asking members local to Liverpool to complete a short survey which will help organisers better understand the needs of public transport users, with an aim of providing convenient, safe and affordable links to local music venues.

Published: 21 June 2023

Pastel red sunrise over the Humber Bridge in Hull

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

The Finale of Love Music Hate Racism’s Crisis Music Tour will be taking place at the Adelphi Club in Hull on Sunday 2 July with a free all-dayer. The MU will be present and are sponsoring the event.

Published: 20 June 2023

A small church on a sunny day in Tolpuddle, Dorset

MU Returns to Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival

The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival will run 14-16 July in Dorset, seeing thousands of trade unionists gather from around the UK to commemorate the bravery of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock will be in attendance for the weekend.

Published: 20 June 2023

Black background with golden glitter and confetti to represent a celebration.

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

We look back on the Union’s rich history and the battles won and lost over the decades.

Published: 20 June 2023

Microphone against a dark background with rainbow light

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

As part of Pride month we’d like to highlight resources for the LGBT+ community and allies in the music industry, including the second season of Come Play With Me’s podcast which focuses on queer conversations in music.

Published: 19 June 2023

Performer Susanne Xin in front of an audience, next to a microphone and table.

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

Use your power to support musicians seeking sanctuary this Refugee Week with our list of helpful resources.

Published: 19 June 2023

Young Black female musician playing drums in a recording studio.

MU Responds to Government Plans to Grow Economy and Boost Creative Industries

The plans aim to grow the economy and boost UK creative industries by £50 billion.

Published: 15 June 2023

Music stand holding open music books with chairs and an acoustic guitar in the background.

Arts Council England Confirms New Music Hub Geographies

Arts Council England (ACE) has confirmed that from September 2024 there will be 43 Music Hubs in England, down from the current 116. Here MU National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing Chris Walters looks at the implications for members.

Published: 13 June 2023

Welly boots covered in mud lie in the sunshine on very fresh green grass

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Scottish musician, activist and MU Member Iona Fyfe advises performers to speak to the MU before engaging with the festival.

Published: 08 June 2023

William Shakespeare statue in Leicester Square, London.

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

The MU will join other members of the Federation of Entertainment Unions to show solidarity in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 14 June.

Published: 07 June 2023

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

The breach was of a third-party system, not the BBC's own servers and systems and relates to BBC employees and individuals engaged by the BBC on a PAYE basis.

Published: 06 June 2023

Member only Read more about BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

The outside roof detail of the London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

The motion was passed on Thursday 8 June and called for Arts Council England to end its requirement for the English National Opera to establish a primary base out of London.

Published: 05 June 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

Fair Score Signals New Phase of Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

Explore what Composers Against Buyouts has achieved in the last two years, and why we're taking on the next phase of the campaign under the new banner Fair Score.

Published: 01 June 2023

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

There will be events across the country where you can find out all you need to know about getting paid as a recording musician, with some dates also open to non members and plus ones.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of a home recording studio with speakers, laptop keyboard and midi keyboard.

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

The MU and the UK Council of Music Makers welcomes the Intellectual Property Office’s announcement of a new voluntary code to improve metadata and transparency for music creators in another milestone for Fix Streaming.

Published: 01 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

Howard Rogerson dressed in a white suit as conductor, on stage with the orchestra facing a seated audience.

Howard Rogerson: The Importance of Access to Free and Meaningful Music Education

In this insightful blog, long standing MU member Howard Rogerson reflects on how free access to quality music education was crucial for his lifelong career in music.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white image of woman sat playing acoustic guitar in front of open laptop

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

Government is establishing an industry working group to explore fair pay for musicians and music creators from streaming in a win for the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 30 May 2023

Microphone in front of the bands instruments standing ready on a stage for a live performance.

MU Meets With Mayor of London Team to Discuss Racial Profiling Of Live Events

The discussion focused on the allegations of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police, where venues were pressured into cancelling shows by predominantly Black artists and artists who perform music of Black origin.

Published: 24 May 2023

Information on New Low Emissions Zone in Glasgow

An important notice for members living in, or travelling to perform in Glasgow.

Published: 24 May 2023

Open hands holding a green paper circle with a smiley face, representing mental health.

MU Supported WellBeing Facilitators Programme To Receive Additional Funding

The pilot programme supporting people working in Wales’ screen sector with their mental health will benefit from an additional £150,000 in funding from Welsh Government, following a successful first phase.

Published: 24 May 2023

Arts Council Northern Ireland Emphasises Value of Arts in Response to Letter Against Proposed Cuts

Last month the MU wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland over proposals that could see the funding available from Arts Council Northern Ireland cut by 10%, the Arts Council have responded in agreement to some of the key messages.

Published: 23 May 2023

A view panning over rooftops indicating dense housing in an area of Lewisham.

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

A classical musician who had to move out of her London flat following noise complaints has started a petition calling for clarification around music practice in relation to statutory nuisance laws, which the MU has followed up with a letter to Lewisham Council.

Published: 23 May 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

Bright abstract neon dots are blurred in dark space, in pink and purple colours with a party like atomosphere

Resonate’s Free Monthly Networking Nights Return to Glasgow

Resonate, Scotland’s music conference event for industry professionals, musicians, students and aspiring artists, have announced the return of their monthly networking nights, commencing on Thursday 25 May.

Published: 19 May 2023

Two young Black musicians sat talking to each other in a recording studio.

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

Earlier this week the MU’s Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official Natalie Witts-Kilshaw attended an expert panel, hosted by Music Support, discussing mental health first aid in the music industry and the recording is now available to watch back.

Published: 18 May 2023

Black male rapping with microphone in camo jacket and glasses with a small crowd in the background.

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

The MU is deeply concerned that claims of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police have once again surfaced.

Published: 18 May 2023

Young woman deep in thought wearing yellow headphones against a warm yellow background.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

To mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week we’re sharing information and resources about what the MU does to support mental health and wellbeing.

Published: 15 May 2023

Pink glittering sequins sewn onto fabric

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

In an article by NationalWorld revealing that the UK’s contestants have included no Black or Asian artists for the past 12 years, the MU has commented on how important it is that the media reflects our “ever-diversifying society.”

Published: 12 May 2023

MU Urges Lambeth Council to Reopen O2 Brixton Academy

The proposed permanent closure of the venue would be not only an unnecessary reaction, but a huge blow to the music scene in London and beyond.

Published: 05 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

Outside of the London Coliseum, current home of the ENO.

MU and Entertainment Unions Call on Arts Council England to Safeguard ENO's Future

The MU, Equity and Bectu have called upon Arts Council England to produce a realistic strategy for the English National Opera which remains under threat.

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

Woman, facing away, holding her hand up to represent no or stop.

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

Email your MP to protect parts of the Workers Protection Bill that will help end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 03 May 2023

Busker Charlotte Campbell, a white woman with long blonde hair sings in an outdoor location, smiling into the microphone and strumming an acoustic guitar.

Singer-Songwriter Charlotte Campbell on Making Connections Through Busking

For Charlotte Campbell, busking is so much more than a career stepping stone. It’s a medium that offers immediacy and a powerful way to connect with her audience. We follow her career from the BRIT School to the Southbank.

Published: 03 May 2023

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New MU Event Series on Maximising Your Income as a Recording Musician

Help Save Brixton Hill Studios From Closure by Writing to MP

MU Responds to Cancellation of Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

MU Marks Windrush Day 2023

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

MU Returns to Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

Connected Sounds Podcast Focuses on Queer Conversation in Music

MU Celebrates Refugee Week 2023

MU Responds to Government Plans to Grow Economy and Boost Creative Industries

Arts Council England Confirms New Music Hub Geographies

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

MU To Attend Global Day of Solidarity Protest in Support of The Writers Guild of America Strike

BBC Data Breach Via Third Party Supplier: Information for Members

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

Fair Score Signals New Phase of Composers Against Buyouts Campaign

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

Further Success for Fix Streaming Campaign as IPO Announces New Metadata Code and Remuneration Working Group

Musicians’ Union Launches Free Refugee Musicians Membership

Howard Rogerson: The Importance of Access to Free and Meaningful Music Education

MU Welcomes Music Streaming Fair Pay Industry Working Group

MU Meets With Mayor of London Team to Discuss Racial Profiling Of Live Events

Information on New Low Emissions Zone in Glasgow

MU Supported WellBeing Facilitators Programme To Receive Additional Funding

Arts Council Northern Ireland Emphasises Value of Arts in Response to Letter Against Proposed Cuts

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

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

Resonate’s Free Monthly Networking Nights Return to Glasgow

Highlights and Recording Available From Mental Health First Aid in the Music Industry - an Open Discussion

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: MU Resources and Support

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

MU Urges Lambeth Council to Reopen O2 Brixton Academy

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

MU and Entertainment Unions Call on Arts Council England to Safeguard ENO's Future

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

Help Save Legislation Tackling Sexual Harassment

Singer-Songwriter Charlotte Campbell on Making Connections Through Busking