Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
December 20, 2018
IM -On December 10, “Bohemian Rhapsody” became the most-streamed song of the 20th century. The song, initially released as a single by Queen on October 31, 1975, has seen over 1.6 billion streams globally. Universal Music Group has used all registered streams on global streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and music video streams on YouTube to come to this conclusion.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was Queen’s first Top 10 hit in the US and remained at #1 in the U.K. for nine consecutive weeks, the record at the time. It is also the only song to ever top the U.K. charts twice at Christmas. Queen has seen a lot of success as a group, and has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide.
The recently released Bohemian Rhapsody film has further emphasized the music of Queen and increased demand for it. Five weeks after its initial showing, the movie took in $600 million in box office sales, making it the highest grossing musical biography film in history. Rami Malek, who starred as the late Freddie Mercury, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance and is expected to receive an Oscar this coming January.