News & Stories for Musicians

Photograph of a woman sat outdoors, smiling and strumming on an acoustic guitar.

New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

According to a survey for UN Women UK, four-fifths of young women in the UK have been subjected to sexual harassment, ringing true with our research showing how endemic harassment is in the music industry.

Published: 26 March 2021

Sun sets over the port of Dover with a beautiful orange, yellow and pink sky - there are white cliffs and lorries parked everywhere.

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave evidence to MPs and said the Government was working “flat out” to find a solution to mobility issues around visas, work permits and moving goods between the UK and EU.

Published: 25 March 2021

Photograph of Parliament square in the sunshine, the photograph looks across the square towards the houses of parliament and the grass is green.

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC), of which the MU is a member, has signed an open letter calling for reconsideration of the “policing bill”, co-ordinated by Liberty and Friends of the Earth and co-signed by 244 other organisations.

Published: 25 March 2021

Saxophone music instrument closeup on black

Saxophone Maintenance and Repair

Jazz saxophonist Derek Nash provides instrument repair advice and reveals the unlikely objects he never goes on tour without – from wine corks to humble rubber bands.

Published: 25 March 2021

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oboe instruments lying on a wooden floor

Maintaining Woodwind Instruments

Louise Braithwaite explains how to maintain her complex woodwind instruments.

Published: 25 March 2021

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How to Maintain Acoustic Guitars on a Tour

Guitarist-composer Antonio Forcione shares his tips on how to protect and maintain Spanish and classical guitars when touring the globe.

Published: 25 March 2021

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Touring with a Double Bass

Transporting a double bass can be a challenge. Here’s an innovative music gear idea from Americana and roots bassist Mark Lewis.

Published: 25 March 2021

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Photograph of white chairs in an outdoor setting, set out with socially distanced space around each one.

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021

A photograph of both Rosie and Beth. Rosie is leaning on Beth's shoulder with her elbow and laughing in her direction, Beth is grinning broadly at the camera.

How I Met My Peer Hero: A ‘How to Hype’ Guide for Women in the Music Industry

In this blog, created in celebration of Women’s History Month, musicians Beth and Rosie discuss the value of their own friendship, and how women can continue to act as “Peer Heros” to each other.

Published: 23 March 2021

A selection of speakers stacked up on a slightly blue dyed manuscript.

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

In our summary of the latest Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hearing into the economics of music streaming, read about the main conclusions drawn and our hopes for the future.

Published: 23 March 2021

Photograph of fireworks exploding brightly against the dark night sky.

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

Silhouette of a mother and daughter stood against a bright light.

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

Photo of a retro looking large microphone with bright lights shining around it.

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

Photograph of earphones and a microphone lieing on a sun soaked wooden desk.

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

A German red train running in hazy dusky light through a field of yellowy green grass.

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

Photograph of the BBC Portland Place building, a large grey building with art decco features. The sky above is a bright blue.

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

Photograph of a paper chain of people cut out and holding hands, under a bright light on a wooden desk.

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

Photograph of a woman in a plaid shirt, standing in a field and looking out to a sunset.

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

Photograph of a saxophone up close, the background of a brick outdoor wall implies that the performer is outside, we can only see the performers arm and hand.

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

The Welsh Parliament building at the Cardiff Bay development, the sun is shining in a blue sky behind a very modern piece of architecture with a glass wall and a large wooden roof.

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

Photograph of a group of police officers standing in a road in their high viz uniforms.

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

Photograph of a well lit London street at night, standing empty.

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

Photograph of bright pink earphones against a blue background, there is also the corner of an open silver laptop visible.

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

Photograph of a woman on stage, she's holding a microphone in one hand and looking towards the stage back. We can't see her face, which is hidden behind a curtain of hair.

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

Photograph of Flo Perlin, she is sat on a comfortable looking sofa with a cup of coffee propped in front of her resting on a table. Her hands are folded in her lap and she has a calm expression.

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

A photograph of Kelli-Leigh, she's sitting on a sofa in a bright, plant filled room, looking into the space behind the camera thoughtfully.

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

Photograph of a nurse holding out a covid testing kit.

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

Photograph of a musician playing a brass instrument and looking out towards the camera, the photo is black and white collaged on a yellow background, with graphic black and white stripes twisting.

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

Two double bases are left leaning against chairs in what appears to be an orchestra setting.

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

Photograph of a stack of assorted instrument cases in what appears to be a stock room, there is a yellow dusty light in the background.

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

Photograph of a small child looking out a window onto a Spring like scene, a rainbow has been painted on the glass.

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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New Statistics on Sexual Harassment Chime With Those in Music Industry

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Reconsideration of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Urged in Open Letter Signed by TUC

Saxophone Maintenance and Repair

Maintaining Woodwind Instruments

How to Maintain Acoustic Guitars on a Tour

Touring with a Double Bass

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

How I Met My Peer Hero: A ‘How to Hype’ Guide for Women in the Music Industry

DCMS Minister Backs Music Streaming Referral to Competition and Markets Authority

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