News & Stories for Musicians

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TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady sent a strong message of solidarity and support to MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Delegate Conference.

Published: 26 July 2021

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Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Jo Stevens MP shared a powerful message with MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

Published: 23 July 2021

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Government Response to Consultation on Sexual Harassment Welcomed

The Government has responded to the consultation on sexual harassment with a number of commitments, and the MU wishes to congratulate everyone involved in making this happen, including MU members who contributed to the consultation.

Published: 22 July 2021

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MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights

Together with over 38 other unions and the TUC, we have written to equalities minister Liz Truss to call for an urgent reset in the government’s approach to LGBT+ rights.

Published: 22 July 2021

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Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 July 2021

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MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

The MU is devastated that the Office for Students has recommended implementing Government funding cuts to Higher Education arts and music subjects.

Published: 20 July 2021

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First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Today saw the first day of the MU Delegate Conference 2021, which for the first time ever is being held largely online due to the pandemic.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

We fully support We Shall Not Be Removed’s seven inclusive principles, and Art Council England’s statement on inclusive recovery – and wish to state our continued commitment to supporting members and lobbying the Government for better support and clearer guidance.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

'Honey Sessions' is designed to support artists and producers working within MOBO genres. It's been set up in collaboration alongside the Forté Project and with a focus on creative collaborations between artists and producers.

Published: 19 July 2021

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MU Signs TUC’s Letter of Solidarity With The Professional Footballers' Association

Along with dozens of others we have written to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in solidarity with the England team, read the full content of the TUC’s letter.

Published: 19 July 2021

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and #BrokenRecord Campaign welcome the “revolutionary” Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Economics of music streaming report.

Published: 15 July 2021

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Published: 14 July 2021

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Published: 14 July 2021

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Yazz Ahmed draws on her cultural heritage to create a strident sonic mix, one that blurs the boundaries between jazz and electronic soundscapes.

Published: 09 July 2021

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Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

A new online music initiative dedicated to championing Northern Ireland (NI) music has launched. Music Connections is a central online hub created to support the development and growth of NI’s diverse and talented music sector.

Published: 08 July 2021

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MU Continues to Support Members Injured on The Road Despite Government Changes

The Government is restricting access to justice with small claims changes – but we will continue to protect you.

Published: 07 July 2021

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The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

Our friends at the hub have just launched a new Balance toolkit that includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of Covid 19.

Published: 06 July 2021

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All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

We’ve now released a recording of the webinars and Q&A session we put on, explaining the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

The programme is supported by PRS Foundation, and aims to develop international opportunities for six acts based in Scotland, and is taking applications up to Monday 5 July.

Published: 02 July 2021

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Circumstances at the Grange Festival

A review of the actions taken to ensure members remain protected during the unique circumstances at the Grange Festival, performing for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Published: 02 July 2021

Member only Read more about Circumstances at the Grange Festival

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MU Orchestras Department Run Back to Work Events Series

Looking back at the series of events recently put on by the MU Orchestras Department, developed specifically to help orchestral players on the road back to work – from physical health and coping with pressure, to presentation skills.

Published: 02 July 2021

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Freelance Pay Increases Achieved by the MU Orchestras Department

The MU Orchestras Department are pleased to report having gained considerable ground on a number of historic “parity claims” since the outbreak of the pandemic, with a number of freelance payments increases ranging between 2% and 30%.

Published: 02 July 2021

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Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

In this Brexit update we discuss Lord Frost’s first appearance at the DCMS Select Committee, and our plans for moving forward.

Published: 30 June 2021

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Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Singer-songwriter and folk musician Lizzy Hardingham discusses why she’s glad she was pointed in the MU’s direction.

Published: 30 June 2021

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Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The deadline for the questionnaires has now been extended to midnight on 1 August 2021, with results contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Review Of Jazz In England.

Published: 29 June 2021

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The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Published: 29 June 2021

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Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

An update on the MU’s lobbying activities following last week’s announcement of the Government’s delay to the Covid-19 roadmap in England.

Published: 24 June 2021

Positive News on US Visas

The visa system brought in by Donald Trump have been rolled back due to pressure from Tamizdat and support from arts organisations across the world, including the MU.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

New Music Scotland (NMS) has announced the shortlist of nominees for the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music. Once again, NMS received an exceptional level of submissions which were adjudicated by a panel of key figures in the music world.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Creative Scotland Launch Series of Youth Arts Training and Workshops

A varied programme of online events funded through Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Training and Workshops Fund will be taking place over the next six months.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Open Invite to Young Trade Union Members in Scotland to Attend Online STUC Youth Conference

The STUC will be hosting a one-day virtual STUC Youth Conference on Saturday 26 June from 10:00 am - 4:05 pm over zoom, which will be open to all Young Trade Union Members across Scotland as guest participants.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

New guidance written by MU member and composer Ben Lunn with the team at sound contains information on the day-to-day challenges facing neurodivergent composers.

Published: 24 June 2021

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The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has released ground-breaking research into the impact of long covid on workers.

Published: 24 June 2021

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New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

A new campaign launched by #LetTheMusicMove brought widespread social media action from artists, music professionals and fans across the UK on Wednesday 23 June.

Published: 24 June 2021

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Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

Seven trade unions including the MU have come together to publish an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in opposition to the Government’s proposed funding cuts for arts and music subjects.

Published: 23 June 2021

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New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

MU member Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members Bill, calling for a better deal for musicians and songwriters, is backed by eleven cross party MPs including Damian Green and Esther McVey.

Published: 22 June 2021

Photograph of a microphone stood against a fairly plain background, in black and white.

The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on The Value of The Song

In this blog, Graham Davies discusses the Fix Streaming campaign, which has been running since the start of Covid-19, and asks the question – if streaming is a song economy, why is the songwriter the last and least to be paid?

Published: 22 June 2021

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WIPO Report Backs Up Fix Streaming Campaign’s Key Asks

A new report by the World Intellectual Property Organisation looking at artists in the digital music marketplace backs up key asks in the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 18 June 2021

Photograph of a small, empty stage, with drum set, microphone and amplifier set up to play.

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Dave Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, discusses the state of the industry in this blog – from the delay in restrictions lifting, through to Brexit, and the audiences desperate to get back to live listening.

Published: 17 June 2021

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TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Government Response to Consultation on Sexual Harassment Welcomed

MU Signs TUC Letter Calling For Urgent Reset in The Government’s Approach to LGBT+ Rights

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

MU Outrage as Planned Cuts to Government Funding for Higher Education Arts and Music Confirmed

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Impact of Re-opening in England on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Members

Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

MU Signs TUC’s Letter of Solidarity With The Professional Footballers' Association

The MU Welcomes “Revolutionary” DCMS Select Committee Report Into Music Streaming

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

MU Continues to Support Members Injured on The Road Despite Government Changes

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

Circumstances at the Grange Festival

MU Orchestras Department Run Back to Work Events Series

Freelance Pay Increases Achieved by the MU Orchestras Department

Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

Positive News on US Visas

Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

Creative Scotland Launch Series of Youth Arts Training and Workshops

Open Invite to Young Trade Union Members in Scotland to Attend Online STUC Youth Conference

Neurotribes' What We Need to Thrive Report Published

The TUC Publish Report on Long Covid

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

Open Letter in Opposition to the Government’s Proposed HE Cuts Published

New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

The Ivors Academy CEO Graham Davies on The Value of The Song

WIPO Report Backs Up Fix Streaming Campaign’s Key Asks

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK