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…

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…

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…

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…

Today, Monday 26th April, the Scottish Commercial Music Industry Task Force (SCMIT) have written a letter to the Scottish Government calling on it to act immediately to prevent the collapse of the Scottish Music industry. SCMIT was established by commercial music businesses in April 2020 to respond to Covid-19 and includes all sub-sectors of the…

Since April 2020, the SMIA has sat with the Scottish Commercial Music Industry Taskforce (SCMIT) – a lobbying group comprised of promoters, festivals, agents and artist managers – who have been leading voices in the implementation of both the Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers (HFCF) and the Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund (COVRF), and…

New Music Scotland are pleased to announce that nominations for the fifth annual Scottish Awards for New Music are now open. The Scottish Awards for New Music celebrate Scotland’s creatively ambitious and vibrant contemporary music scene, showcasing some of the most innovative, experimental and ground-breaking work taking place in Scotland. The awards highlight the depth…

IMPALA, the European independent music companies association, is launching a sustainability programme to help make the European independent music sector more sustainable. The package consists of a climate charter for IMPALA, overall targets and voluntary tools for members. IMPALA’s ambition is to aim for a climate positive membership by 2030, with an interim net zero target…

Apple’s free 24-hour music video channel has launched in the UK, bringing a curated selection of songs reminiscent of how MTV originally worked. Like Apple Music radio, Apple Music TV features curated programming available all day. It is available free to US, UK and Canadian residents on the Apple Music app and Apple TV app.…

The PR campaign for 2020’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has been Shortlisted for a Marketing Society Scotland Star Award. As part of the Communications Category, the Shortlist for Best PR campaign is as follows: In a year like no other, we worked with Material PR on the delivery of our most impactful…

Data published ahead of the BPI’s new All About the Music 2021 yearbook has revealed that music raised the nation’s spirits since the pandemic began. The new data shows the impact music had on the UK throughout the 2020 lockdowns, and particularly the increase in music listening across Britain to aid in wellness, motivation and…

Help Musicians has announced new plans to expand its existing Music Minds Matter service. The charity recently published the results of a study it conducted, which found that the combined impact of the coronavirus lockdown and fears over the Brexit deal’s insufficient support for touring musicians is taking an unprecedented toll on the mental health of musicians in the…

Tim Burgess has teamed up with Flare Audio to launch a set of custom earphones for his Twitter Listening Parties. The project will help raise money for UK grassroots music venues.