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.
October 5, 2017
IM -The roster of nominations for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 2018 has just been announced. The list includes The Cars (and members Elliot Easton of Local 47, Los Angeles, and Ric Ocasek of Local 802, New York City), The J. Geils Band (and Seth Justman of Local 9-535), The longtime New Orleans band, The Meters, with Art Neville and George Porter, both of Local 174-496 (New Orleans), and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste of Local 47.
Other candidates include Depeche Mode, LL Cool J, MC5, Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan, Link Wray, and The Zombies. Among the first-time nominations are Radiohead, Nina Simone, Kate Bush, Judas Priest, Dire Straits, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Eurythmics, and Rage Against the Machine (and Brad Wilk and Tom Morello, members of Local 47, Los Angeles).
The voting body comprises more than 900 international artists, historians, and members of the music industry who weigh an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation, and superiority in style and technique.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offer fans the opportunity to officially participate in the induction selection process. Beginning Oct. 5 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 5, 2017, fans can visit rockhall.com/vote to cast votes for their choice. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2018 inductees. Fans will need to login with a Facebook account or email to vote. Voting is capped at one ballot per day. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Inductees will be announced in December 2017.