Latest News & Features

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

Campaigning

Female musician busking, playing acoustic guitar and singing outdoors in the street.

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has contacted Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities, to express our concerns about the Government’s response to the Misogyny in Music Enquiry.

Published: 07 May 2024

Blue suitcase with EU stars on. A yellow banner reads

Working in the EU: Share Your Experiences and Views

Are you touring in the EU? Are you facing challenges with confusing rules and red tape? We want to hear from you.

Published: 02 May 2024

Members of the WNO orchestra standing outside the Bristol Hippodrome with leaflets from a demo on 27 April 2024.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now

Musicians at Welsh National Opera orchestra are campaigning to keep the orchestra full time and secure the company’s future.

Published: 02 May 2024

Young male musician sat in front of home studio with guitar.

New Specimen Agreement Launched for Composers Working in TV

A new agreement and reference notes have been created by the MU and the Ivors Academy as part of the Fair Score campaign, to help composers understand fair commissioning.

Published: 30 April 2024

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Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has contacted Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Women and Equalities, to express our concerns about the Government’s response to the Misogyny in Music Enquiry.

Published: 07 May 2024

View of the Victorian Brighton Pier and the Brighton wheel at sunset.

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

The MU stands in solidarity with members and non-members who are boycotting this year’s Great Escape Festival due to sponsorship concerns, and reiterate the importance of getting in touch with your regional office should you need support and/or advice.

Published: 03 May 2024

Hand turns a wooden cube and changes an unequal sign to an equal sign between symbols of men and women, on an orange background.

MU Deeply Disappointed as Government Fails to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

Today the UK Government has responded to the Misogyny in Music Report and rejected recommendations that would help protect and support women in the music industry from harassment and discrimination, despite hearing strong evidence from women, experts and organisations in the sector.

Published: 19 April 2024

Young female Black musician, wearing headphones sat in front of a keyboard in a recording studio.

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

The survey will inform government legislation, the work of the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and the wider music industry. It will also be used to support BLiM’s forthcoming Anti Racist Code of Conduct. Members are encouraged to share their experiences.

Published: 19 April 2024

Empty illuminated stage with drumkit, guitar and microphones..

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

This April marks Musicians’ Mental Health Month and the MU has partnered with YCAT, BAPAM and Tonic Rider to focus on the important issue of performance anxiety, alongside the launch of new member resources.

Published: 02 April 2024

A violinist playing as part of a live orchestra performance.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment.

Published: 30 April 2024

DJ Paulette on a stage behind some DJ decks.

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

Manchester based DJ Paulette is an MU North of England Regional Committee member, and has been named ‘DJ of the year’ at the inaugural Northern Music Awards.

Published: 29 April 2024

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Published: 19 April 2024

A black female singer performing live at a music concert.

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

The new REMEL project will use research to address inequalities and create a more transparent, equitable licensing model for live music.

Published: 03 April 2024

Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

Red headphones on an open book with pair of glasses.

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Join the MU in Glasgow on 25 - 26 October for two days of high-quality training, career support and networking for music educators.

Published: 11 March 2024

Filkin’s Drift and their manager walking along a grassy road carrying backpacks and instruments.

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Last year MU member Chris Roberts (aka Hafren) undertook a 870-mile walking tour across the Welsh coast with his folk duo Filkin’s Drift. Here he shares the honest, humorous and relatable tale of the 50 show journey, and contemplates the benefits of thinking innovatively when booking tours.

Published: 20 February 2024

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

A marching military band on parade in full uniform.

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

The British Armed Forces represent one of the largest employers of UK musicians. Three experienced military band members share their advice on this rewarding but often-overlooked career path.

Published: 08 January 2024

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

For most freelance musicians, negotiating doesn’t come naturally. But with gig fees, contracts and more to consider, knowing how to do so is crucial to your success within the music industry.

Published: 22 December 2023

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Working overseas

Working in the EU: Share Your Experiences and Views

Are you touring in the EU? Are you facing challenges with confusing rules and red tape? We want to hear from you.

Published: 02 May 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

A lively crowd and street market in Portugal.

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

Taking place in early 2025 across four Portuguese cities, SQUARE is seeking British and European artists to perform as part of its inaugural showcase line-up.

Published: 24 April 2024

Exterior of Caird Hall in the city centre of Dundee, Scotland.

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

This week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress with MU Delegates Christine Cooper and Ben Lunn, who discussed the importance of music education, community arts in Scotland and establishing a Music Expo Office for the country. All three of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 18 April 2024

A musician waiting at an airport with an instrument case and luggage, while listening to music on their phone.

UK Sounds: PRS Foundation Launches New Initiative to Support UK Music Export

The MU welcomes UK Sounds, a new platform from PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund. The online hub will empower UK artists looking to expand overseas while connecting international industry professionals with UK talent.

Published: 11 April 2024

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Latest News & Features

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Campaigning

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

Working in the EU: Share Your Experiences and Views

Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now

New Specimen Agreement Launched for Composers Working in TV

Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

MU Deeply Disappointed as Government Fails to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

Musicians who experience racism

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

Careers news & opportunities

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

Working overseas

Working in the EU: Share Your Experiences and Views

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

UK Sounds: PRS Foundation Launches New Initiative to Support UK Music Export

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Latest News & Features

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Campaigning

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

Working in the EU: Share Your Experiences and Views

Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now

New Specimen Agreement Launched for Composers Working in TV

Musicians' Health & Wellbeing

MU Writes to Government Over its Failure to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

MU Deeply Disappointed as Government Fails to Address Misogyny in the Music Industry

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

We’re Celebrating Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2024

Musicians who experience racism

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

Careers news & opportunities

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

Working overseas

Working in the EU: Share Your Experiences and Views

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

Representing Our Scottish Members at STUC Congress 2024

UK Sounds: PRS Foundation Launches New Initiative to Support UK Music Export