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 27, 2019
IM -Debra Cowan of Local 1000 (nongeographic) has released her sixth recording, Greening the Dark. The EP, her second collaboration with drummer Dave Mattacks of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) as arranger and producer, contains six songs about change, loss, transformation, tragedy, and empowerment. From the Celtic-sounding traditional “Hills of Greenmore,” to the late Lal Waterson’s “Anna Dixie,” Greening the Dark brings the listener on a journey of compelling storytelling.
Musically, Cowan and Mattacks have gone beyond their first collaboration, Fond Desire Farewell, by adding electric instruments, creating a folk-rock sound that is full and complex.
Musicians from Local 1000 and Local 9-535 contributed to this recording, including John Roberts (hurdy-gurdy and concertina), Duke Levine (guitars and banjo), Richard Gates (bass), Mike Barry (acoustic guitar), Billy Novick (whistles), Tom Palance (flugelhorn), Bob Nieske (bass), and Dave Mattacks (drums, cymbals, keyboards).