Acadian guitarist and composer Maxim Cormier from the Cape Breton Island village of Chéticamp was shocked to find his music was being sold online by a local radio station without his permission. Coopérative Radio Chéticamp (CKJM) was selling track-by-track downloads of the music of 41 albums from area musicians for 99 cents per song. The online music store, which opened in 2013, has since shut down. CKJM manager Angus Lefort explained that they thought that every artist had been contacted. The station is checking PayPal records to reimburse artists for the sales. Cormier says that Lefort claims he is owed about $5. Cormier is challenging this claim and would like to see proof that there were no other sales.
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.