News
Stay informed with the latest from the SMIA, including our own news, developments, and exclusive features, alongside key music industry updates from Scotland and beyond.
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UK regulators seek new powers to stop illegal ticket resales
The UK’s competition watchdog has stated ticket resale firms such as Viagogo and StubHub should face tighter rules. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) stated current laws meant it was not possible to act swiftly and effectively against touts. Another problem came from resellers who speculatively sold tickets they did not own, the regulator said.…
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Support for Traditional Arts projects through Tasgadh grants from Fèisean nan Gàidheal
Musicians across Scotland can apply for grants of up to £1,000 for traditional arts projects including music, dance and storytelling through the Tasgadh fund.
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Music biggest mental health support for 1 in 5 people during COVID-19 lockdowns, survey finds
More than a fifth of people said live streaming and music had been the biggest support to their mental health through lockdown, new figures suggest. Of the 2063 people surveyed, 16% agreed that knowing thousands of other people also tuned in to live streams with them made lockdown much less of a lonely experience. Almost…
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Updated guidance for musicians in Scotland as Covid-19 restrictions ease
All of Scotland is currently at level 0 of the five Covid-19 protection levels (0-4). Musicians can find an overview of the updated protection levels and timetable on the Scottish Government’s website. Please refer to guidance for the performing arts and venues sector and events sector guidance for further information on focused live music/events entertainment. Discos, silent…
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Music venues across Scotland to reopen without physical distancing from next week
Scottish music venues, theatres, concert halls and nightclubs have been given the green light to reopen next week without physical distancing restrictions. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that no venues will be legally required to close as of August 9. However, attendees will still be expected to register their details when visiting entertainment…
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UK Music and member organisations unveil partners in bid to step up diversity and inclusion work
Music industry leaders have joined forces with a host organisations to boost the sector’s work on equality, diversity and inclusion. UK Music, the collective voice of the music industry, and its members are spearheading the move following the call from the UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce. The initiative is a key part of the ambitious Ten-Point…
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Understanding VAT for Scottish music businesses after Brexit from Scottish Enterprise
The rules surrounding VAT have changed for businesses. Scottish Enterprise have created a comprehensive virtual document to understand how the new rules could affect your business, with country specific information and situational examples. Access the document
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Amazon Music For Artists launch new SHARE feature in app
Amazon Music for Artists (AM4A) has released an enhancement to the app allowing you to easily grab a link to share music directly from within AM4A, without having to go to Amazon Music. “Share” links and icons will now be accessible from any Album or Song Report page view. Content on Amazon Music is either…
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Creative Edinburgh Awards open for nominations
The Creative Edinburgh Awards are open for nominations. The Awards focus on nine categories that cover a cross-section of creative practices and organisers want to hear about anyone who deserves recognition for their work. The categories are: City Collaboration Commercial Creativity Independent Leadership Social Startup Student 2021’s Awards programme will continue to celebrate, amplify and…
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Wide Days 2021 announce artist lineup
Wide Days have announced the artists selected to showcase at Wide Days on 12-13 August 2021. A team of tastemakers from across Scotland created a shortlist of 23 acts from over 120 applications, with an international panel including bookers from SXSW, ESNS, New Colossus Festival and ART Mania, selecting the final six who will also…
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Supporters of the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award 2021 announced
The Supporters of 2021’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award have been revealed. The Award works with a range of organisations as Supporters of The SAY Award. Supporters are community-centred strategic relationships that reach and engage diverse communities of artists, industry professionals and music fans in outstanding Scottish music. SAY 2021 SUPPORTERS Dumfries Music…
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Opportunities for startups through the Music & Tech Springboard Programme
The second edition of the Music & Tech Springboard Programme from the BPI and Music Ally is now live. It’s an initiative aimed at demystifying the music industry for music/tech startups, developers and people within larger technology companies. The launch includes four videos with people from in and around the industry sharing their knowledge. The…
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Share your experiences through the MU’s Safe Space Scheme
The MU has launched the Safe Space Scheme to provide a safe space for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the music industry. Safe Space provides everyone with: advice on rights information about relevant support services advice on your options and further steps in cases of bullying, discrimination and…
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New BBC Scotland documentary to explore Edinburgh Bhangra music scene
A new documentary from BBC Scotland explores the life of a legend of Edinburgh’s Bhangra music scene. The Bhangra Boss: The Story of DJ VIPs finds Ravi Sagoo celebrating the 50 year history of Bhangra music in Scotland from the early days of pioneers Bombay Talkie, fronted by Sanjay Majhu and Charan Gill, who laid…
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Catch up on policy-related activity from UK Music
UK Music responds to consultations and reviews which cover issues relating to the creative industries. You can find the full collection of policy directly related to music industry in one place via this link. UK Music is the umbrella body representing the collective interests of the UK’s music industry, from songwriters and composers to artists…
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Applications for The Sound of Young Scotland Award now open
Today, the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award announces that applications are now open for The Sound of Young Scotland Award; a brand-new award supported by Youth Music and the Youth Music Initiative. With its name giving a nod to the iconic Scottish record label Postcard Records, the Sound of Young Scotland Award was designed…