News & Stories for Musicians

Horace Trubridge, Alison McGovern MP, Naomi Pohl and Isabelle Gutierrez at Labour Party Conference 2018

Invite Your MP to Talk to the MU this Party Conference Season

Is your MP from the Labour or Conservative party? Invite them to talk to us this party conference season, as we go to Labour and Conservative party conferences to talk about the big issues affecting musicians.

Published: 21 August 2019

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

Scott Bowley tells us about signing a record deal with his band 13XL, and how the MU supported him through the process.

Published: 20 August 2019

Members of the alternative folk group 9Bach

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

When MU members Martin and alternative folk group 9Bach needed help negotiating a contract, they used the MU’s Contract Advisory Service to make sure they could navigate the negotiation and get a fair deal.

Published: 13 August 2019

PledgeMusic Liquidation Update

As a result of the winding up order made against Pledgemusic.com Limited in the High Court of Justice on 31 July 2019, the Official Receiver has become liquidator of the company.

Published: 07 August 2019

A woman holding a phone with the footage of people walking on street stairs in Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Festival August 2019: An Opportunity for Trade Unionists

The Edinburgh International Festival is running a series of discussions aimed at promoting dialogue between community activists, citizens and arts professionals.

Published: 02 August 2019

PRS for Music Launches Consultation on Live Classical Music Licenses

PRS for Music has launched a public consultation into the terms of its Tariff LC (Live Classical), which is used to license the use of music at classical music concerts and recitals.

Published: 01 August 2019

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Music industry organisations have put together a new resource pack for all musicians affected by the collapse of PledgeMusic.

Published: 01 August 2019

A man sitting in front of the laptop taking notes while learning online

Help save our funding!

The MU (along with other entertainment trade unions under the FEU) currently benefits from government funding for training for members. But this is now under threat!

Published: 31 July 2019

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

MU members have raised concerns regarding a promoter's view that bands should not highlight their diverse make up, and that doing so is a form of tokenism that will prevent them from being booked.

Published: 30 July 2019

Elevate Music podcast graphic with a person singing

New Podcast Looks at Musicians Health and Wellbeing

Help Musicians UK’s podcast series, Elevate Music, looks at health and wellbeing issues affecting musicians.

Published: 30 July 2019

conference room filled with members , Dave Webster leading the discussion

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge today introduced the Union’s first ever Members' Conference – which saw members and officials from across the regions, as well as the Union’s Executive Committee (EC), coming together to discuss essential decisions for the future of the MU.

Published: 24 July 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

Coach Tickets from London to Tolpuddle Festival

Equity have opened up their planned coach travel from London to Tolpuddle Festival to all members of entertainment unions – offering a £25 return journey to the Dorset festival.

Published: 21 July 2019

Government Announces Consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Government is gathering evidence on whether current laws on protecting people from sexual harassment in the workplace are effective.

Published: 19 July 2019

Adult hands raised to give answers in a classroom setting

How to Have Your Say in the Government Consultation on Sexual Harassment

We need the government to strengthen the law to prevent sexual harassment at work before it happens. And we need protections that recognise the fact that freelancers must have an equal level of protection to those in fixed employment.

Published: 19 July 2019

Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

The MU is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban busking in certain areas and enforce these bans through Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO).

Published: 18 July 2019

Speaker stands at the front of a room, with a screen behind reading

LGBTQ+ in Music: Where is the Representation?

This blog is created from the speech that MU member Olive gave at the TUC LGBT+ conference last week – moving a motion on the need for a broad and balanced LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum to ensure LGBTQ+ representation in music.

Published: 11 July 2019

Call for Information After Military Tattoo Advertises Month Long Engagement for Musicians with no Fee Available

It has recently been brought to the MU’s attention that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) has advertised for experienced musicians of what would appear to be a professional standard to apply to form a new stage band.

Published: 10 July 2019

Woman holding her back, exhibiting symptoms of pain

Scottish Members Asked to Complete Survey on Musculoskeletal Injury

Chartered Physiotherapist and BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) practitioner Maria J Lopez is inviting all musicians living within Scotland to complete a short questionnaire on current musculoskeletal injury rates.

Published: 09 July 2019

Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Multi-genre drummer Amanda Dal tells us about how becoming a member of the MU helped her to skirt dodgy gig deals early in her career, and inspired her to get active and make a difference.

Published: 08 July 2019

Houses of Parliament at night, viewed from bridge

Growing Concern Over the Government’s Hostile Environment Policies Effect on Musicians

The MU is concerned at the growing impact of the Government’s hostile environment policies which are jeopardising musicians’ opportunities to work.

Published: 04 July 2019

An assortment of protesters waving flags

Call for Action to Protect Musicians Jeopardised by Hostile Environment Policies

The MU is concerned at the growing impact of the Government’s hostile environment policies which are jeopardising musicians’ opportunities to work.

Published: 04 July 2019

Photo of Millicent Stephenson holding a saxophone, with banner reading

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

Multi award winning saxophonist, Millicent Stephenson, tells us how joining the MU helped her develop her passion for music into a full-time career.

Published: 01 July 2019

Feminine presenting person playing a drum kit

QMU Becomes First Scottish Venue to Sign the Keychange 50/50 Pledge

The Queen Margaret Union (QMU), a students’ union at the University of Glasgow, has become the first live venue in Scotland to sign the Keychange 50/50 pledge – committing to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in their performers by 2022.

Published: 28 June 2019

Lone woman holds hand with open palm in front of her face

Support the Campaign to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work

The MU has joined forces with the TUC and an alliance of trade unions and women’s rights organisations to prevent sexual harassment at work.

Published: 26 June 2019

Member Discount on Practice Room Rentals at Schott Music London

Schott Music London has recently we opened two new practice rooms – alongside three already available for hire – to be rented out to teachers, students and music hobbyists alike.

Published: 21 June 2019

Andy Payne and his band The Heretic Order

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Drummer and teacher Andy Payne tells us about how advice from the MU has proved invaluable when making career choices.

Published: 21 June 2019

Children of The Windrush Generation Make Music

Millicent Stephenson explores the impact of the Windrush Generation on both her personal musical development, and on the development of music in the UK as a whole.

Published: 18 June 2019

Change to National Lottery Community Fund Application Process

National Lottery Community Fund applications have been made easier. Organisations can now submit their idea through a website form, structured around six main questions.

Published: 13 June 2019

Photograph of Megan O'Neill sitting in front of an amplifier with a guitar

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Irish born singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill tells us about the support she's received so far through membership of the MU.

Published: 13 June 2019

Call for Stewards at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath

The Women Chainmakers’ festival will be held 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday 6 July in Mary Macarthur Gardens, Cradley Heath, B64 5AB. The MU is looking for volunteers to steward or help on the stall on the day.

Published: 13 June 2019

Photo of Lester Clayton the band, with Lester Clayton on the far right.

Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

When an MU member found his band in a tricky situation, legal support from the MU took a weight off his shoulders.

Published: 12 June 2019

Photo from the Women's march in 2018, person holding large sign reading

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexual harassment in music

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexism, sexual harassment and abuse in the music industry following a Newsbeat investigation into the harassment experienced by fans.

Published: 11 June 2019

Photo of Ady Hall and Lee McCarthy in studio, with graphic text reading

Ady Hall: "The MU Has Got Your Back"

Music producer Ady Hall tells us about how the MU’s parental grant gave him peace of mind when he needed it.

Published: 10 June 2019

Aerial shot of the Stables venue in rural, green environment.

Action Needed to Protect Music Venue The Stables Under Renewed Threat

Members are urged to write to the Council, after developers seek to by-pass the protective measures put in place by Milton Keynes Council to save established music venue the Stables.

Published: 07 June 2019

The Senedd or National Assembly Building in Cardiff

Welsh Government Shifts Position on Brexit

The MU welcomes the news that the Welsh Government has officially announced that it will now primarily argue for the UK to stay in the EU.

Published: 06 June 2019

Photograph of singer outlined against stage lights

UK Music Industry Unites to Support Artists and Businesses Impacted by the Collapse of PledgeMusic

The MU has united with music trade organisations and charities in a bid to support UK artists and businesses impacted by the collapse of PledgeMusic – launching an impact assessment survey to help all those financially affected.

Published: 05 June 2019

Photograph of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen

Members of Musicians’ Unions Around the World Share Their Experiences at FIM Conference

The International Federation of Musicians (FIM) recently hosted a conference in Copenhagen to discuss the issues that freelance musicians face and how trade unions can better organise and provide relevant services and benefits to freelancers.

Published: 04 June 2019

Photo of Sally Rea Morris, with caption reading reading

Sally Rea Morris: "The MU Have Felt Like a Much-needed Support System"

Country singer-songwriter Sally Rea Morris tells us how becoming a member of the MU made taking the leap into being a full time, self-employed musician a little less scary.

Published: 03 June 2019

Image of colourful houses on a hill in Bristol

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation

Bristol @ Night, an advisory group on the night time economy for Bristol Council, is calling on musicians to assist them in their consultation into Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) in Bristol by completing a short survey.

Published: 31 May 2019

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All News and Features

Invite Your MP to Talk to the MU this Party Conference Season

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

PledgeMusic Liquidation Update

Edinburgh International Festival August 2019: An Opportunity for Trade Unionists

PRS for Music Launches Consultation on Live Classical Music Licenses

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Help save our funding!

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

New Podcast Looks at Musicians Health and Wellbeing

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

Coach Tickets from London to Tolpuddle Festival

Government Announces Consultation on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

How to Have Your Say in the Government Consultation on Sexual Harassment

Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

LGBTQ+ in Music: Where is the Representation?

Call for Information After Military Tattoo Advertises Month Long Engagement for Musicians with no Fee Available

Scottish Members Asked to Complete Survey on Musculoskeletal Injury

Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Growing Concern Over the Government’s Hostile Environment Policies Effect on Musicians

Call for Action to Protect Musicians Jeopardised by Hostile Environment Policies

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

QMU Becomes First Scottish Venue to Sign the Keychange 50/50 Pledge

Support the Campaign to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work

Member Discount on Practice Room Rentals at Schott Music London

Why I Joined the MU: Andy Payne

Children of The Windrush Generation Make Music

Change to National Lottery Community Fund Application Process

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Call for Stewards at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath

Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl talks to BBC Woman’s Hour about sexual harassment in music

Ady Hall: "The MU Has Got Your Back"

Action Needed to Protect Music Venue The Stables Under Renewed Threat

Welsh Government Shifts Position on Brexit

UK Music Industry Unites to Support Artists and Businesses Impacted by the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Members of Musicians’ Unions Around the World Share Their Experiences at FIM Conference

Sally Rea Morris: "The MU Have Felt Like a Much-needed Support System"

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation