News & Stories for Musicians

Portrait of keynote speaker Kelli-Leigh with yellow graphic: Kelli-Leigh at MU Members' Conference 2022.

Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

The MU is proud to welcome Kelli-Leigh to our Members' Conference as a keynote speaker on day two to talk about how she fights for equality in the music industry.

Published: 29 September 2022

A rock artist with an electric guitar and long hair sings into a microphone on stage. The grunge singer performs at a concert in the spotlight.

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Two thousand artists and creative arts workers started to receive a basic income this September as part of a pilot scheme in Ireland.

Published: 26 September 2022

Red lit photo of a woman singer on stage at a small venue, looking out to the crowd

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

UK Music report This Is Music 2022 reveals the UK music industry’s contribution to the economy is going up, but there’s a long way to go to recovery.

Published: 23 September 2022

DJ Paulette wearing a T-shirt saying 'I am Black History'

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

DJ Paulette will be closing day one of the MU Members’ Conference 2022 in Leeds with an exclusive set for delegates.

Published: 23 September 2022

Young Black man in recording studio at mixing desk.

Revisit Some of the MU’s Most Interesting and Important EDI Stories

Ahead of Black History Month in October, we’ve put together a list of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) 'in case you missed it’ highlights from the past 12 months.

Published: 21 September 2022

Mayor Tracy Brabin smiling, with graphic: Mayor Tracy Brabin at MU Members' Conference 2022

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

The Musicians’ Union is delighted to welcome West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin as a keynote speaker on day one of Members’ Conference.

Published: 20 September 2022

Naomi Pohl with other General Secretaries on the front line of the We Demand Better march with banner.

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at the union’s policy priorities and industrial strategy this autumn.

Published: 15 September 2022

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Musician and MU Executive Committee Vice Chair Andi Hopgood explores common mental health challenges facing musicians ahead of a Members’ Conference panel on how the music industry is supporting musicians to stay mentally healthy.

Published: 15 September 2022

Black and white image of young Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen’s Passing and Period of National Mourning

The MU is saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and joins the country in paying its respects.

Published: 09 September 2022

Black and white image of recording studio featuring microphone, guitars, amps, mixer and drumkit.

Reminder Information on MU Insurance Benefits

Important updates and reminders regarding the MU’s insurance schemes.

Published: 05 September 2022

A woman wearing headphones and making music using her computer at home.

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

The MU is one of many supporters of the new programme which offers an introduction to Ableton software. From beginner to career, it aims to help improve the percentages of female identifying producers and songwriters in the Music Industry.

Published: 02 September 2022

A young woman choosing composition for playing synthesizer at home.

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

What does it mean to be an inclusive trade union and music industry? Join the MU's General Secretary, the Union’s Executive Committee and other members in creative discussion at October’s two day event in Leeds.

Published: 01 September 2022

Black and white image of outstretched hand, representing no and harassment.

New Resources Added to MU’s Online Bullying and Harassment Advice Page

We have updated our advice page to include information on stalking, staying safe online and new resources provided by The Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Published: 31 August 2022

Person teaching another to play acoustic guitar, close up of instrument on both of their knees.

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

It’s that time of year again, the start of a brand new school year. In preparation, we’ve put together a top ten resource checklist, reminding all of our music educators what the MU’s Education Department may be able to help you with.

Published: 31 August 2022

Musicians, Yoga and its Unexpected Benefit

Creator of the Musicians’ Yoga Essentials course and MU member Veronika Klírová shares her yoga journey and how its helped her career as a musician.

Published: 25 August 2022

A conductor raises a hand towards a choir stood on a stage, facing outwards they appear to be singing.

The Power Of Musical Healing

Music plays a vital role in wellbeing and there is a wide range of help out there for music teachers and musicians.

Published: 24 August 2022

Electricity meter with one pound coins in front. Concept for energy supplier, high bills, price rise, cost of living, inflation and fuel poverty.

MU Joins Calls for Emergency Budget

The Union also supports Labour’s proposal to freeze energy bills, which are currently due to increase in October and again in January.

Published: 17 August 2022

Black and white image of a man in silhouette on stage, under the spotlight with a guitar.

Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

Here MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl provides members with an in-depth analysis of the CMA’s report on music streaming, including top line statistics and where we should now focus our campaigning efforts moving forward.

Published: 15 August 2022

Young French woman with a cloth face mask photographed in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during the Coronavirus pandemic..

France Lifts All Covid Restrictions

This latest update received by the MU sets out the new Covid provisions in France.

Published: 11 August 2022

Hands touching sound mixing desk buttons.

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

The team has administered its biggest ever distribution this month and have already paid out over £730k this year so far.

Published: 11 August 2022

Wooden blocks making the shape of a house, featuring images for clothing, housing, food and medical items, representing the building blocks of essential daily life.

Cost Of Living Crisis: What The MU Is Doing

Along with working alongside the TUC to call for an immediate emergency budget, we have also launched a new advice and information hub for members.

Published: 09 August 2022

Black and white close up image of mixing desk and open laptop in soft focus.

Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

Tell the Competition and Markets Authority what you think about the decision not to go ahead with a full market investigation into music streaming.

Published: 08 August 2022

Organist with painted nails playing a pipe organ, closeup view of hands and keys.

The MU Deal for RCO Members

The organ is alive and well in the 2020s. And if you play it, MU membership is cheaper than ever.

Published: 03 August 2022

Portrait of composer Mark Gordon against plain background.

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts

Music Works host Katie Manasse spoke to composer Mark Gordon about the Composers Against Buyouts campaign.

Published: 01 August 2022

Shadow DCMS Minister Backs Musicians After Disappointing Competition and Markets Authority Result

Labour and Co-operative MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Lucy Powell voices her support for musicians.

Published: 28 July 2022

Gal-dem and Vice Join Forces to Publish ‘Open Secrets’ Series

Open Secrets is a collaboration between Gal-dem and VICE that explores abusive behaviour in the music industry – and how it has been left unchecked for too long.

Published: 28 July 2022

Esther McVey and a crowd of musicians with protest signs saying 'fix streaming' outside of parliament for the 2021 campaign demo.

MU Reacts to Competition and Markets Authority Report Published Today

The CMA has announced that it will not be proceeding with a full market investigation into music streaming.

Published: 26 July 2022

Silhouette of women holding her head in her hands in front of an open window, while the same figure appears in the background, arms raised representing she has overcome anxiety.

Looking at Anxiety: The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians

Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter looks at the neurophysiology of anxiety and how the Feldenkrais method can help performers.

Published: 26 July 2022

Man using calculator to count money savings and living costs. Calculator with coins and notebook on wooden table.

MU Supports New Disability Poverty Campaign Group

The new coalition calls for a thorough reassessment of social security support for disabled people, and members are encouraged to write to their MP using the Action Network Tool below.

Published: 21 July 2022

Silhouette of rising sun over the mountains in early morning

A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

Naomi Pohl, the new MU General Secretary, outlines plans for returning to work, improving our culture for staff and members and – given we’re all involved in music – listening more closely to each other.

Published: 21 July 2022

Member only Read more about A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

Roadie tipping a flightcase over on it's side in a room of other storage boxes.

MU Responds to APPG Report Which Sets to Remove Barriers To EU Tours and Help Boost UK Music Industry

The new APPG Report provides details on the action the Government should take to help UK musicians and crew tour Europe more easily.

Published: 20 July 2022

Golden opera mask and a white wooden fan on a bright turquoise background

MU Reiterates Black Face Position Statement

The reiteration comes following the Arena di Verona’s summer festival’s decision to darken performers skin for their roles in Verdi’s Aida, and their subsequent defence of this decision.

Published: 18 July 2022

3D graphic map of the UK and rest of Europe. UK and EU flag designs are over each area and 3D trucks wait at each side of the crossing showing the difficulty transporting goods.

Brexit Update and New Head of International Role at The MU

Dave Webster, former National Organiser for Live Performance has recently been appointed as Head of International at the MU. Here he brings members an update on our work to address the impact of Brexit for musicians.

Published: 15 July 2022

Side view of Manchester bar at the nighttime with red neon sign saying 'Going out is the new staying in' after lockdown restirctions were eased last year.

The Road To Recovery: Musicians and Covid

Almost one year after restrictions began to lift, how is the fallout from Covid affecting UK musicians on the ground? Here artists across a range of genres share their experiences and assess the need for a fairer music industry.

Published: 13 July 2022

Hand holding a cut out paper person over some paper strips, representing climbing and success.

MU Welcomes News That Paul Nowak Is Set To Become New TUC General Secretary

Paul Nowak, TUC Deputy General Secretary, is set to succeed Frances O’Grady as TUC General Secretary when she retires at the end of the year.

Published: 12 July 2022

Close up of a mix of children stacking hands, representing inclusion and teamwork.

Trinity College London Launches First Ever Fully-Inclusive Music Qualifications in Association with Sounds of Intent

Available from September 2022, the qualifications will be open to any UK school or other organisation that works with learners with special educational needs, additional support needs or disabilities.

Published: 12 July 2022

A policeman with hands behind his back in front of 10 Downing Street in London.

MU Reacts to Prime Minister’s Resignation

Further to the news that Boris Johnson has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party and UK Prime Minister, the MU reflects on what musicians need from the Government now.

Published: 08 July 2022

A woman is busking with a guitar and microphone on a busy London street, with a phone set up to take contactless payments

A Guide to Card Readers

Whether you’re busking or selling merch after a gig, the card reader is now a vital tool in the modern musician’s kit. Neil Crossley asks various artists for tips on how to choose and use these devices, so they keep you busy earning.

Published: 06 July 2022

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

A motion on the need for specialist LGBT+ mental health services was passed at the conference last week.

Published: 05 July 2022

Stacked cardboard boxes next to a cotton sack with a large euro symbol on.

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

In June HW Fisher and the MU’s Head of International Dave Webster presented a webinar for members entitled ‘Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU’ and the video is now available to watch back.

Published: 04 July 2022

Member only Read more about Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar

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Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter Kelli-Leigh to Open Day Two of MU Members’ Conference

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

Value of UK Music Industry Up To £4bn – But Still Down on Pre-Pandemic Levels

Catch DJ Paulette’s Set at MU Members’ Conference

Revisit Some of the MU’s Most Interesting and Important EDI Stories

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to Open MU Members’ Conference

Music Education, Brexit and the Cost of Living Crisis: an Update From the General Secretary

Members' Conference Preview: How Can the Music Industry Support Musicians’ Mental Health?

Queen’s Passing and Period of National Mourning

Reminder Information on MU Insurance Benefits

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

MU Launches Members’ Conference 2022: Registration Now Open

New Resources Added to MU’s Online Bullying and Harassment Advice Page

September's Assignment: Familiarise Yourself With MU Teaching Resources

Musicians, Yoga and its Unexpected Benefit

The Power Of Musical Healing

MU Joins Calls for Emergency Budget

Analysis of the Competition and Markets Authority Report on Music Streaming

France Lifts All Covid Restrictions

Success for MU’s Recording and Broadcasting Team

Cost Of Living Crisis: What The MU Is Doing

Have Your Say on the Competition and Markets Authority Music Streaming Decision

The MU Deal for RCO Members

Music Works Podcast Talks Composers Against Buyouts

Shadow DCMS Minister Backs Musicians After Disappointing Competition and Markets Authority Result

Gal-dem and Vice Join Forces to Publish ‘Open Secrets’ Series

MU Reacts to Competition and Markets Authority Report Published Today

Looking at Anxiety: The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians

MU Supports New Disability Poverty Campaign Group

A Unique Opportunity: New General Secretary's Plans

MU Responds to APPG Report Which Sets to Remove Barriers To EU Tours and Help Boost UK Music Industry

MU Reiterates Black Face Position Statement

Brexit Update and New Head of International Role at The MU

The Road To Recovery: Musicians and Covid

MU Welcomes News That Paul Nowak Is Set To Become New TUC General Secretary

Trinity College London Launches First Ever Fully-Inclusive Music Qualifications in Association with Sounds of Intent

MU Reacts to Prime Minister’s Resignation

A Guide to Card Readers

MU Attends TUC LGBT+ Conference

Watch a Recording of Our 'Taking and Selling Merchandise in the EU' Webinar