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.

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Recent News

Early Release of Cash’s “Lost LP”

A long anticipated album of 12 previously unheard songs that Johnny Cash recorded between 1981 and 1984 is finally available today. The label had dropped Cash before the songs were released and set the master tapes aside. They were discovered by archivists at Sony Legacy and Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, last year. Among the […]


Rapper Common Supporting Nissan Workers

Rap star and actor Common will perform on Friday at Jackson State University at a free concert to support the United Auto Workers’ attempt to organize Nissan Canton.  The United Auto Workers (UAW) is currently running a campaign to push for a union vote at the Canton, Mississippi location.  Common will be joined by other local […]


AirBoard

Blow Me Over Hohner’s AirBoard, is a portable, air powered, keyboard instrument. And like its decades-old invention, the melodica, AirBoard requires no cables, no computer, and no electricity. Available in 32- and 37-key versions, the AirBoard’s sharp design, striking padded travel bag, and ergonomic BlowFlow mouthpiece, target a new generation of musicians. http://us.playhohner.com/


Neil Young Reaches Kickstarter Goal in One Day

It only took a mere 10 hours before Neil Young, member of Local 47, reached his Kickstarter goal of $800,000.  As of this morning, March 13th, his Kickstarter page has over $2 million in funding, and is set to run until April 15th.  Young launched his Kickstarter campaign this past Tuesday, March 11th.  The money will go […]


EU Scraps Plans for Download Levy

The British Government has blocked a plan by the European Union that would have raised money to help young musicians through a levy on the sale of iPads and other tablets. The levy has already been adopted by numerous European Union states and is part of a directive aimed at legalizing the copying of music, […]


Black Keys T-Shirts Support Little League

Akron, Ohio, natives and AFM Local 24 (Akron, OH) members Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys remain loyal to their roots. Recalling how Little League was a positive influence in their childhoods, the duo first sponsored a team last year, the West Akron Orioles, who had “The Black Keys” printed on their […]


Local 257 Members Top Billboard’s List of Money-Makers

Billboard’s listing of highest paid musicians in 2013 ranked Taylor Swift of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) in the top spot earning $39,699,576, followed by Local 257 member Kenny Chesney who earned $32,956,240 this year. The results were based on data from Nielsen SoundScan and Broad Data Systems, Boxscore stats, and include sales and spins on […]


Kings of Leon Create Nostalgic Super 8 Video

Kings of Leon’s latest video for their tune “Temple,” features footage in and around Music City shot on a 8mm camera to give it a blurry, nostalgic look. It also features the children of the Followill brothers, all members of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) who make-up the group. The video is a complete family affair […]


Gregg Allman Biopic Shut Down After Tragic Accident

Production of the film Midnight Rider based on Gregg Allman’s autobiography, My Cross to Bear, was shut down after a tragic accident in February. The production crew was filming on a CSX track in Georgia when a train came through unexpectedly and killed one crew member and injured several others. Allman is a member of […]


New Music Icons Stamps Announced

The United State Postal Service has revealed their list of postage stamps that have been approved for production in the upcoming years.  Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown are the newest stamps to be part of the Music Icons series.  Hendrix and Joplin will be available this year, and Brown in 2015.  The list […]








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