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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New feature length music documentary to celebrate the songs, stories and journey of Scotland’s all-female bands
A new feature-length documentary seeks to explore the social impact of women in Scotland making music collectively in a male-dominated industry and rightfully acknowledge their place within the history of popular music. ‘Since Yesterday: The Unsung Pioneers of Scottish Pop’ celebrates the songs, stories and journey of Scotland’s all-female bands from 1960 to 2010. The production…
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AIM launch ‘Level Up’ – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training Programme
AIM are launching a full Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Training Programme named ‘EDI Level-Up’, led by expert diversity consultants Arit Eminue and Vick Bain. Working towards a fair music industry is at the core of AIM’s mission. EDI Level-Up is a carefully curated programme which will break down barriers, and help participants create work…
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Scotland’s first ever grime and hip hop music conference set for Glasgow this July
A new event to inspire and empower members of Scotland’s hip hop and grime communities launches this summer, helped by some of the most vital names in the scene. BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Rap Show host Tiffany Calver, Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award 2020 winner Nova, rising star Ransom FA and award-winning author/artist…
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MMF launches updated mental health guide at The Great Escape
The UK’s Music Managers Forum has today published a new version of its ‘Guide To Mental Health’, updating the free resource it originally produced in partnership with Music Support and Help Musicians back in 2017. The new expanded version of the guide has been co-authored by Sam Parker of specialist music mental health consultants Parker…
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New report from ISM reveals music businesses under threat due to the Brexit Trade Deal
A new survey by the Incorporated Society of Musicians has revealed how the Brexit Trade Deal has affected businesses such as tour operators, instrument manufacturers and retailers as well as those involved in recording, music publishing and sale of music. One performer said ‘the era of being a UK-based concert artist is pretty much over’.…
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BRIT Awards 2021 paves the way for a return to live music events
Some of the biggest acts from across the UK music scene have gathered together for one of the first major music events in over a year. The BRITS 2021 were completely free from masks and social distancing, with an audience of 4,000 mostly key workers – the biggest indoor event of its kind in more…
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Mental Health Awareness Week 2021: 5 key organisations supporting mental wellbeing in the music industry
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place this year from 10 – 16 May 2021. With approximately one in four people in the UK experiencing a mental health problem each year, Mental Health Awareness Week aims to get people talking about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can stop people from asking for help. At the…
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5 Scottish music organisations among 55 PRS Foundation Talent Development Partners from across UK
55 organisations around the UK, including 5 based in Scotland, are to receive support to be PRS Foundation Talent Development Partners for 2021/22. The Scottish based organisations included in the network are: cryptic Drake Music Scotland Scottish Music Centre Sneaky Petes Limited Wide Events CIC Launched in 2016 and expanding each year, this pioneering network…
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PRS Foundation’s PPL Momentum Music Fund open for applications
The PPL Momentum Music Fund is open for applications, offering grants of £5k-£15k for UK-based artists/bands to break through to the next level of their careers. Activities eligible for support include recording, touring and marketing. Applications can be made for costs associated with recording an album, EP or single, including studio hire and session musician…
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Listen: Brexit Ready podcast series
Brexit Ready is a podcast series from the London Business Hub, talking to businesses and finding out about them and the challenges they face because of Brexit. From labelling and exporting to staffing, the podcast uses experts to help find solutions that will help their businesses continue to grow. Listen to the Brexit Ready podcast
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SMIA Members Spotlight: Chris Beltran, Promoter at DF Concerts
Tell us a bit about you and what you do… My name is Chris Beltran and I’m a promoter at DF Concerts based in Glasgow. My job is finding the most exciting new artists from Scotland and across the world and lead on the planning and delivery of their live concerts in Scotland ensuring the…
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Scotland nightclubs and bars launch legal action against Covid rules
Bar and nightclub bosses are mounting a legal challenge over Scottish government restrictions on the industry. The trade body Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) Scotland announced a bid to end limits on venue capacity and opening hours. It said the curbs are “no longer justifiable or proportionate”. Under Scotland’s current Covid rules, alcohol can only…
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A Redefined SMIA Membership…
In response to the challenges facing our industry, and to provide enhanced communications, opportunities and support to both current and prospective members, we’re redefining SMIA membership following consultation with both our Advisory Group and Company Board. SMIA membership remains free, and is open to anyone working in music in Scotland. Whatever stage you’re at in…
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How NFTs work in the music industry
NFTs or Non-Fungible Transfers are a cryptocurrency-adjacent digital art format. Here’s a brief rundown of what music NFTs are, and why they’re sparking conversations: NFT, literally stands for Non-Fungible Token. Fungible is something that has a defined value. So non-fungible simply means it doesn’t have a set, defined value. An NFT can be any digital file:…
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The MU launches Disabled Musicians Membership
The Musicans Union (MU) has launched the Disabled Musicians Membership rate, open to all musicians who face extra financial barriers specifically because they are disabled. The Disabled Musicians Membership rate is aimed to alleviate some of the financial pressure that can come with being disabled. The membership offer has been developed in consultation with disabled members,…
