New MU Website Introducing the concepts and key features of the Union’s more personalised new website, which is due to launch soon Report by Henry Yates
Last updated in 2014, the existing MU website has been an anchor for musicians through uncertain times. But it’s become increasingly 20 clear, explains MU Digital Development Officer Katerina Baranova, that members need a refreshed online platform, designed to connect, inform and empower them during the fightback from Covid-19. “I can’t wait for the new website to launch,” she says. “We realise the time pressure, and want to have it available for musicians now.” The upcoming new website has been a year in development, with every element – from navigation to accessibility – designed with a focus on members’ needs. The process began with extensive research, including a deep dive into feedback from the MU’s latest member survey, frontline insights from Regional Officers, and a member conference focus group last summer in Brighton. “It was important to know what people wanted from this new site,” Katerina says, “so last July we did an online workshop, with members split into groups based on different areas of the music industry, deciding which problems need to be solved, and what needs
The Musician • Autumn 2020
Katerina Baranova to be prioritised. So I had a bunch of insights, and that’s when we took the decision to start designing the new website. A motion was put forward and confirmed – and we kicked off the project last August.” A personalised platform Underpinning the new site is the concept that no two musicians are alike. From a drummer working in the West End’s orchestra pits, to a rural piano teacher seeking to expand their client base, the focus on personalisation means members will get relevant, up-to-theminute information based on their interests, professional area and career ambitions. “Personalisation is a massive topic,” says Katerina. “We’re already taking the first steps on the new site, and this will improve over time. People will be able to modify their interests and preferences in the My MU members area. We’re also planning to put algorithms in place, so for example, if a member is always looking for guidance in recording rates, there’ll be personalised links to access that information fast. Another future project is email personalisation, with content personalised to each member. But people will be also be able to switch off personalisation, because a lot of musicians have a broad scope in what they do.” Just as flexible is the overhauled MU Member Directory. Whereas before, members were only able to view each other’s profiles, the downturn since the pandemic has prompted a new system that lets musicians advertise their services to the general public. “It’s a great tool for job opportunities,” explains Katerina, “for example, if a member of the public is looking for musicians for a wedding or corporate event. Another great benefit is being able to look for other musicians, based on location,
genre or instrument. Plus, members will be able to modify what is visible, so you might share your email address with other members, but not with the public. You’ll be able to have a professionally made biography, and every element can be customised. It’s like LinkedIn for musicians, opening up networking opportunities and giving that sense of community. I don’t know anything else like it.” Activism made easy A key element of the MU’s remit sees it orchestrating the campaigns that protect the rights of its members. From high-profile work like the Fix Streaming and Musicians’ Passport campaigns, to activism centred around equality and diversity, the lifeblood of these movements is the grassroots involvement of members. “But what we find with the current
Photo: Atlas Studio / Alamy Stock Photo
The past six years have seen seismic change across the industry. From the now-undeniable dominance of streaming, to the damage wreaked by the pandemic, musicians have been asked to pivot as never before, with the Union’s service keeping pace alongside them.
“It’ll be so much easier for members to see what’s going on and find out what they can do”
