There’s money in music – but it’s not going to musicians

Major corporations and big tech companies are making billions of pounds, while nearly half of musicians earn less than £14k a year

It's been a busy few days at #Lab25!

We're calling on MPs to change the law to protect musicians from the impacts of music streaming and AI

And we’re making sure touring in the EU stays on the agenda

Thanks to everyone who’s stopped by the Musicians’ Union stand, including 👇

MU General Secretary @naomipohl.bsky.social also joined Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and Minister of State Chris Bryant MP to spotlight the barriers still faced by our members touring in the EU

Thanks to @labour4europe.bsky.social for the invite ✊

Coming to Liverpool for Labour Conference?

Join us to talk about the road ahead for 🇬🇧 and 🇪🇺

Featuring:

EU Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds
LME Chair @stellacreasy.bsky.social
@wearethemu.bsky.social/ @naomipohl.bsky.social
@yuanfenyang.bsky.social MP
Thomas Vaupel @pes.eu

“AI generated music will not only devalue MU members’ work, it could replace it”

MU General Secretary @naomipohl.bsky.social seconded the composite motion on AI and the creative industries at @tuc.org.uk Conference 2025

✅ Motion passed

At @wearethemu.bsky.social, we’re selfishly sorry that @chrisbryant1962.bsky.social has left the culture brief. Chris has been a great advocate for music & has driven forward work streams on key issues affecting musicians, like music streaming & EU touring. Thanks & good luck in your new role Chris!

Read the union's full response:

Crucially, we've secured a meeting with Minister Chris Bryant and the record labels in September to discuss session musicians and what would constitute fair remuneration for them

For now, share your thoughts on low/no royalties for music streaming and why you think it needs to change #FixStreaming

❗ Breaking news on music streaming ❗

Over the last year or so, the MU has been taking part in Creator Remuneration Working Group meetings to get a fair deal for musicians and music creators from streaming

🧵

This is something that @naomipohl.bsky.social and I discussed with the Cabinet Secretary for Education on Thursday and that I hope to continue working on with the culture and education teams.

musiciansunion.org.uk/news/mu-welc...

Another great speaker from @wearethemu.bsky.social supporting an @equityuk.bsky.social motion to #TUCDisabledWorkers Conference. Musician Llinos Owen highlighting the importance of PIP to support working disabled people. #TakingthePIP

Loving the vibe at @tuc.org.uk Disabled Workers Conference. So mutually supportive, respectful & such passionate speeches. Here’s the @wearethemu.bsky.social delegation. (That’s half of me on the right.)

Fiona spoke about Access to Work and how freelancers in the creative industries need this support. The Minister responded, emphasising the importance of the creative industries to the UK economy ✊

I’m at @tuc.org.uk Disabled Workers Conference today. @wearethemu.bsky.social member Fiona Branson addressed the Minister for Social Security & Disability about freelance workers, the arts & proposed cuts to PIP which will affect @wearethemu members who already face a pay gap & high costs of living.

Pleased to be at the @ivorsacademy.bsky.social Summit today. A great range of speakers covering everything from AI and remuneration to mental health.

At the Great Escape Festival in Brighton today. Talking AI in music, streaming payments, touring issues & misogyny in music - among other things. Great to be representing @wearethemu.bsky.social as part of the Council of Music Makers

A great game of ping pong between House of Lords and the Commons over the Data Bill. There are some potential amendments to ensure AI firms have to say which copyright works they train models on. A first step to protecting & getting fair pay for artists. ✊ www.theguardian.com/technology/2...

Always a privilege to attend the Olivier Awards with the fantastic BBC Concert Orchestra playing. So many talented people, new shows & revivals to celebrate - plus the speeches always get a bit political, which is awesome. 🎵Welsh National Opera got some love, recognising their current challenges ❤️