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.
March 31, 2025
Musicians of Local 433 (Austin, TX) leafleted the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival on March 14 and 15 to raise awareness about exploitative working conditions and to inform musicians about the musicians’ union. Local 433 members braved the heat to have productive conversations with attendees as well as musicians at the festival. They handed out a general awareness leaflet and an exit survey specifically geared toward musicians playing the festival.
Supporters of the awareness initiative were instructed to wear black and come help spread information about musician power at the big festival with the Freelance Organizing Committee of the Austin Federation of Musicians.
While SXSW claims to create opportunities for musicians, performers are asked to pay a fee just to apply. Then, if accepted for a festival performance, US artists choose between meager pay ($175 for solo/duo artists or $400 per band) or no pay and credentials for the festival. Non-US acts are not offered the option of monetary compensation. Also, the performers have no say over working conditions.
“Musicians can no longer abide these unsustainable conditions and the damage the SXSW festival does to our local labor market,” says Local 433 President Aaron Lack.