Officer Columns, Vice President from Canada

Streaming Leads to Slim Profits

February 22, 2019

As discussed last month, album sales have dropped dramatically as consumption has moved decisively toward streaming as the preferred platform. Recent information available online through Digitalmusicnews.com paints a different picture in terms of how artists can expect to benefit from various streaming services.

The AFM: Finding Strength in a Diverse Membership

February 19, 2019

Diversity within our union cannot be celebrated enough. While our membership runs the gamut in ethnicity, musical genre, age, and gender, the paucity of diversity within many of the workplaces in which we have representational duties continues to impede our effectiveness and growth.

Union Election Transitions

February 7, 2019

In the December 2016 issue of the International Musician, I devoted my column in part to union election transitions. It seems like a good time to revisit the topic. We think of December as the month that brings the year to a close and January as a month that sets the stage for new beginnings. Many union elections take place in December, and from time to time, new union officers are elected to take the reins of their local. On occasion, the election can be preceded by contentious campaigns that leave the outgoing officers feeling unappreciated.

Recruitment, Retention, and Organizing with a Revitalized Music Performance Trust Fund

February 4, 2019

After suffering decades of budget reductions from funding cuts imposed by regressive record industry proposals that were first agreed to by the Federation in 1983, new money from online interactive digital distribution and licensing of sound recordings, bargained from the industry by the Federation in 2017, have breathed new life into MPTF.

Eating the Elephant One Bite at a Time

January 15, 2019

Union activism has been growing over the past several years as workers have come to understand that the strength of their union relies on them. The goal of every contract negotiation is to take steps forward, or, as a mentor of mine says, we “take a bite”—referring to the old story about how to eat […]

Maximize Your Income from Recordings

January 10, 2019

I am pleased to report that the General Agreement for Commercial Announcements (Canada) has been ratified. While there have been some delays in editing, I expect printing and distribution to take place shortly.

Looking Back on 2018 and Ready for an Exciting 2019

January 3, 2019

As 2018 comes to a close and we begin a new year, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on the past year and plan for what will be coming in 2019. All in all, 2018 was not as financially robust as 2017, but I am predicting the year will end with a comfortable surplus for the AFM.

Live Concert Venues and Media Rights: Are Musicians Sold Short?

January 2, 2019

When we consider fair wages and working conditions for musicians working roadshows, the Federation’s Pamphlet B and Short Engagement Tour Agreements (SET) are the gold standard.

Hurricane Relief Extended to Hurricanes Florence and Michael

December 4, 2018

The AFM International Executive Board (IEB) has extended hurricane relief assistance to both Hurricanes Florence and Michael.

Streaming: The Economy of Listening

December 2, 2018

Below are excerpts from a keynote speech given by SoundExchange President and CEO Mike Huppe at the AFM-FIM International Streaming Conference held in Burbank, California, October 2-3.