Working as a Recording Artist

Everything you need to know while working as a recording artist.

Last updated: 03 October 2023

A recording artist is a musician that performs songs or musical compositions in a studio-like setting for the purpose of recording and releasing them to the public. A recording artist can be a singular individual, a band, or even a massive symphony.

Member benefits and services

Royalty Distribution for Recordings

The MU Royalties department collects between £1.5 million to £2 million a year for musicians for the secondary and further use of recordings.

Collective Bargaining

The MU negotiates collective bargaining agreements with broadcasters and umbrella organisations for other regular employers of session musicians.

Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians

Our aim is to maximise the pay and employment of UK session musicians, and to collect every secondary use fee they are due.

Contract Advisory Service

If you're a member, the MU can help you make sure the contract you sign is fair and includes all necessary clauses.

Unpaid Fee Recovery

We can help when you haven't been paid properly for your work.

Personal Injury Claims

Legal benefits package for you and your family via Morrish Solicitors.

Latest news and features

Person sat in front of an open laptop wearing headphones and programming music.

MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield

The MU are hosting a roundtable discussion, ‘The Long Play: Building a Sustainable Career in Music’, at Sensoria Pro — a conference exploring innovation across music and the moving image — in Sheffield on Friday 23 October. Members can also receive a 25% discount on tickets.

Published: 15 October 2026

Hands typing on a laptop with multicoloured graphics of binary code and connected fibres over the top of the image.

MU Welcomes Liverpool City Region Music Board’s New AI Principles

The Musicians’ Union has welcomed the launch of new AI Principles from the Liverpool City Region Music Board, helping to establish a clear and creator focused framework for the responsible use of AI across the region's music sector.

Published: 06 October 2026

Person in shadow holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

CMU x MU: Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar

Catch up on our webinar with CMU’s Chris Cooke, exploring copyright, royalties, performers’ rights and what songwriters and composers need to know to protect their work and income. Available to members only – My MU login required.

Published: 06 October 2026

Member only Read more about CMU x MU: Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar

A person sitting at a digital audio workstation in a recording studio.

New MU Member Discount at HQ Recording Studio in Leicester

MU members can now access a 10% discount at HQ Recording Studio in Leicester. Find out about the studio space, the services provided, and how to book a session.

Published: 01 October 2026

Naomi Pohl giving speech at the Labour Partty Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Spotlights Jobs for Young Musicians at Labour Party Conference 2026

In a speech to Labour Conference, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl raised the need for opportunity, jobs and career progression for young musicians.

Published: 28 September 2026

Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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