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

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Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Businesses, employers, employees and freelancers in the creative sector in Wales are invited to take part in a short survey to help Creative Wales strengthen their support of the creative industries.

Published: 21 November 2024

MU Appoints First-Ever Permanent Officer for Northern Ireland

The Musicians’ Union has appointed its first-ever Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, marking an important point of progress for our members in the region.

Published: 21 November 2024

This is Music Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributed Record £7.6 Billion to UK Economy

UK Music’s annual economic report shows a record year for the music industry, while musicians affected by Brexit continue to see their earnings fall.

Published: 20 November 2024

Silhouette of male singer on stage in front of a blue light, holding his hands out to the crowd.

Meet the MU at Resonate Music Conference Glasgow

The MU is delighted to partner with Resonate Music Industry Conference, which takes place at Platform in Glasgow on 28 November. We will be hosting a trade table and running a session on working as a recording musician, so please do come and say hello if you’re attending.

Published: 15 November 2024

Naomi Pohl and Alex Sobel MP holding black Musicians’ Union t-shirts that say ‘It’s time to fix streaming’.

Government Gives View on Measures to Fix Music Streaming

Government has responded to further recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on music streaming and how to fix it.

Published: 07 November 2024

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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