News & Stories for Musicians

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Free Expert Industry Advice Session to be Run by the Featured Artists Coalition

The webinars will be part of the Music Explosion Spring Special 2021 presented by Midi Music, and will take place online on the evening of Wednesday 24 March.

Published: 22 March 2021

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Call for a Violence Against Women & Girls Stategy in Northern Ireland

Members are encouraged to sign Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland’s petition calling for a Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy in Northern Ireland, which is quickly amassing signiaturies on Change dot org.

Published: 22 March 2021

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MU Members Invited to TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Join young members across the trade union movement for two days of inspirational speakers, discussions, and workshops at TUC Young Workers’ Conference.

Published: 19 March 2021

We’re Marking UN Anti-Racism Day 2021 With a Video on Anti-Racism

Saturday 20 March is UN Anti-Racism Day, and the TUC and Stand up to Racism’s national day of action. Find out more about what we’re doing to mark it.

Published: 19 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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UK Music Makers Call on Government for Urgent European Touring Transition Fund

The call comes following concerns that Brexit border bureaucracy is killing the export of UK music through increased costs and processes, putting the world-class standing of UK music at risk.

Published: 18 March 2021

Photograph of a man sat listening to music through headphones which are connected to his mobile phone, he is smiling and happy looking.

We Welcome Spotify’s Drive for Clarity in Streaming Finances

Together with The Ivors Academy, today we welcomed the launch of Spotify’s new website, Loud & Clear, which aims to introduce new transparency and data about the music streaming economy.

Published: 18 March 2021

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MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

The MU responded today to the announcement by the BBC that the corporation is set to move a selection of its key departments and staff away from London with the aim of making it more inclusive of the entire UK.

Published: 18 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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Music Support Keen to Hear From Women in Music About Experiences of Isolation

Music Support, the charity that provides help and support to those in or employed by the UK music industry, is interested in hearing from any women in the industry about their experiences of isolation over the past year.

Published: 15 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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A Lobbying Update for Wales: Exiting Alert Level 4 Lockdown

MU Regional Organiser for Wales, Andy Warnock, describes our main areas of focus in Wales, following the First Minister’s announcement of an outline for the first steps out of alert level 4 lockdown in Wales.

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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Reclaim the Streets

In the wake of news about the disappearance of Sarah Everard in London and the subsequent arrest of a police officer, many women are sharing their own experiences of walking alone at night and the steps they take to make themselves feel safe.

Published: 12 March 2021

Brexit Update: Continued Pressure is Making an Impact

In our latest Brexit update, we discuss how the urgent challenges facing musicians can only be immediately solved if the UK Government negotiates a bespoke visa waiver agreement with the EU for the creative sector, and what is being done right now to put the pressure on them.

Published: 12 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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Characters, A Livestream Project with Flo Perlin

Our Regional Officer, Natalie Witts-Kilshaw, will be featured on “Characters,” a livestreamed discussion project where singer-songwriter Flo Perlin takes on topics from across the music industry in a safe and inclusive space.

Published: 09 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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What Does The Spring Budget Really Mean for Musicians?

We’re taking a closer look at what the Budget announcement means for musicians, and what we can do to support members over the next six months.

Published: 04 March 2021

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Orchestras In Healthcare Report

First comprehensive review reveals orchestras contribute more than £1.6m to the public health sector. Almost two thirds of professional orchestras are working in health, wellbeing and social care across the UK.

Published: 04 March 2021

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Subscription Holiday Scheme Extended Further

We have extended our subscription holiday scheme for a further three months to help members still facing financial hardship due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Published: 04 March 2021

Photograph of a corridor inside the Houses of Parliament, striped tape on the floor indicates how people must stand 2 metres appart to socially distance.

The Chancellor Announces the Spring Budget

The Chancellor has announced that SEISS will be extended and widened, but we will continue to put as much pressure on the Government as possible until every musician has access to financial assistance.

Published: 03 March 2021

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We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Along with over 3,000 other signatories, we’ve signed ExcludedUK’s letter calling for support in the Spring Budget for the 3.8m people who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s support scheme.

Published: 02 March 2021

Photograph of a music event outdoors. The guitarist is gesturing dramatically from the stage with pick and electric guitar, and you can see a drum kit with a drummers hands behind.

Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

We’ve published further details on the Government’s roadmap for easing lockdown, and how the different stages are likely to be relevant to musicians.

Published: 02 March 2021

View of Waverly Hill in Edinburgh, and Edinburgh standing empty.

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

The Scottish Government today outlined a four-stage approach for the easing of lockdown, taking us up to the end of April. After that, the plan is to return to a localised tier system.

Published: 23 February 2021

The sun is setting over the Scottish Parliament buildings as they stand in Holyrood, Edinburgh.

MU Endorses Monica Lennon MSP for Next Leader of Scottish Labour

The S&NI Regional Committee has voted to endorse Monica Lennon MSP in her bid to become the next leader of Scottish Labour.

Published: 23 February 2021

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

The PM has today set out his ‘roadmap’ for lifting Covid-19 restrictions in England. We'll be updating advice for musicians over the next week.

Published: 22 February 2021

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Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

An update on our Invest in Musicians campaign – which has been running for almost a year now – and what our plans are moving forwards.

Published: 19 February 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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Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

With two weeks to go until the next budget, getting our message through to Rishi Sunak is more important than ever.

Published: 17 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

Photograph of a musician playing an acoustic double bass outdoors. The camera is looking up the double bass' neck from below, and the musician is looking away with a concentrated expression.

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened

Help Musicians UK (HMUK) have opened their Do It Differently Fund for another round of applications on 15 February, offering support for professional musicians of all genres and disciplines.

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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New Definitive Guide to Funding Music Projects in the UK Launched

Remi Harris has launched a new, definitive guide to funding music projects in the UK, which can now be purchased from her website.

Published: 17 February 2021

Photograph of a string quartet, we can't see the musicians except for the arms holding the instruments. There is a violin in close view, behind is a blurred viola and cello.

Music Lecturer to Hold Day of Lectures in Fundraising Drive for our Hardship Fund

The Verdun Allen Music Foundation will be fundraising for our Covid-19 Hardship Fund with a special day of lectures on Saturday 27 February.

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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Free Expert Industry Advice Session to be Run by the Featured Artists Coalition

Call for a Violence Against Women & Girls Stategy in Northern Ireland

MU Members Invited to TUC Young Workers’ Conference

We’re Marking UN Anti-Racism Day 2021 With a Video on Anti-Racism

Assessing Aggregators for Digital Music Distribution

UK Music Makers Call on Government for Urgent European Touring Transition Fund

We Welcome Spotify’s Drive for Clarity in Streaming Finances

MU Broadly Welcomes BBC Initiative While Highlighting Importance of Future Work for Musicians

Government Agrees to Back Treating Misogyny as a Hate Crime

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

Music Support Keen to Hear From Women in Music About Experiences of Isolation

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

A Lobbying Update for Wales: Exiting Alert Level 4 Lockdown

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

Reclaim the Streets

Brexit Update: Continued Pressure is Making an Impact

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

Characters, A Livestream Project with Flo Perlin

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

New Guidance on Vaccinations and Testing Published

What Does The Spring Budget Really Mean for Musicians?

Orchestras In Healthcare Report

Subscription Holiday Scheme Extended Further

The Chancellor Announces the Spring Budget

We’ve Signed ExcludedUK’s Open Letter Calling for Support in the Government’s Spring Budget

Further Details on Lockdown Roadmap for England

Scottish Government Announce Four-Stage Approach to Ease Lockdown

MU Endorses Monica Lennon MSP for Next Leader of Scottish Labour

Prime Minister Sets Out the ‘Roadmap’ for Lifting Covid-19 Restrictions in England

Invest in Musicians: Where We Are Now

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

Lobbying Update: Our Call on Rishi to Invest in Musicians

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

Applications For The Next Round of HMUK’s Do It Differently Fund Have Opened

Power Up Initiative Launched to Support Black Music Creators

New Definitive Guide to Funding Music Projects in the UK Launched

Music Lecturer to Hold Day of Lectures in Fundraising Drive for our Hardship Fund

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