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.
September 30, 2015
Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys, members Local 9-535 (Boston, MA), announced their support and approval of Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley’s use of their hit song “Shipping Up to Boston.”
September 25, 2015
We take a look at both sides of the audition process to get a clear understanding of what the musicians and committee members go through…
September 23, 2015
Music rights management company Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) announced record-breaking revenue and royalty distributions for the fiscal year that ended June 30.
September 23, 2015
In early September the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a unanimous verdict of more than $17 million for victims of sexual harassment and retaliation at Moreno Farms, a small, now defunct farm outside of Immokalee, Florida.
September 23, 2015
Yesterday US District Judge George H. King ruled the world’s most popular English-language song is free from copyright. The latest challenge to Warner/Chappell’s hold on the tune, worth around $2 million a year, came from a filmmaker.
September 22, 2015
Parents, teachers, and union leaders in Seattle are encouraging other working Americans to cancel their subscriptions to the Seattle Times.
September 22, 2015
This week Presidential candidate and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced his plan to completely destroy labor unions and dismantle the labor board in the US. Though once a favorite to win the Republican nomination, Walker has fallen in the national polls and hopefully his plan to protect corporations, while removing worker protections and benefits.
September 22, 2015
At the end of August, Local 802 (New York City) filed suit against French company KIDAM for failure to pay more than 20 bands that were recorded at New York City’s Winter Jazzfest for commercial broadcast on French television
September 22, 2015
The music industry tends to be a jaded group to start with, and nothing raises the ire of these folks more than a poorly planned and executed promo kit.
September 21, 2015
The Future of Music Policy Summit is a two-day annual event in Washington DC that brings together musicians and composers, managers and artist advocates, labels, publishers and music societies, tech innovators, legal experts and policymakers to discuss the most pressing issues facing the music business, all centered on the needs of musicians themselves.