You Are Not Alone!

March 1, 2026

Dave Pomeroy  -  International Vice President and President of Local 257 (Nashville, TN)

Since the last AFM Convention in 2023, the leadership team of the AFM has been working diligently to bring our union up to a new level of solidarity, efficiency, and accessibility. Times have changed, and so have we. Our organizing and engagement efforts are increasing exponentially, and despite the difficult political climate, we have been able to make some progress with legislation in Washington, DC, working with both sides of the aisle.

We have been working to recruit new members and increase our footprint in as many ways as possible. The more our members are engaged and willing to unite and stand up for themselves, the brighter their future will be. We have more power than we allow ourselves to realize sometimes, and we should never take that for granted.

As the music industry evolves, there are always new challenges, many of which come from technology-based initiatives. As an AFM member, you can protect yourself by documenting your work under one of our many contracts. This creates an intellectual property trail that greatly increases your ability to get what you deserve from all of the potential revenue streams out there. We are all in this together, and the bottom line is that you are not alone. We stand ready to help protect you and your work. It’s the right thing to do.

In our two recent negotiations with the film and TV industries, we got significant protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is obviously a hot topic, and one that the AFM is very tuned into. We are in the beginning of Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) negotiations with the major record labels, and once again, the consequences of AI and generative AI for musicians are at the top of our list. Fake artists, fake music from real artists, and fake songwriting demos are popping up everywhere. Personally speaking, I believe that over time, the proliferation of AI generated music is going to make authenticity that much more valuable as listeners get bored with so-called “perfection.”

Here at Local 257 (Nashville, TN), we’re fortunate to be part of a community of creators and employers who have a tradition of respecting each other. Of course, there are a few unfortunate exceptions, but we been very active in engaging the publishers, labels, independent artists, and freelance musicians in our community to understand the value of an AFM contract.

The fact is, recording under an AFM contract benefits the employer in a number of ways, including creating a work for hire scenario that eliminates the need for a separate work for hire document from the employer. In addition, the AFM contract ensures that if a song is used for film, television, commercials or any other new use, whether now or decades from now, the third party employer, not the artist or label, pays the musicians. Without an AFM contract, what musicians make that day is all they will ever make for the future use of their work.

Despite all the challenges, technology has presented musicians with the undeniable power of artistic creativity, whether in live performance or in the studio. It remains a huge part of our modern day culture. Music brings people together in ways that cross multiple cultural boundaries and defy expectations. Two people who can not have a civil conversation about politics or religion can find common ground standing next to each other in a music venue, listening to a performer they both enjoy.

The music business doesn’t have to be a win-lose situation. It can be a win-win if everyone treats others as they would want to be treated. In these complicated times, that simple fact rings true now more than ever. One powerful song can make a big difference in people’s lives, and if you were a part of that recording, you deserve a fair share for what you contributed. When we work together with honesty and solidarity, and continue to stand up for each other and for our union, it makes a huge difference.

Our collective energy is a power not to be taken lightly—in an increasingly divided world, music is one of those few gifts that can help break down barriers in a positive way. You are not alone—we have the power when we work together for the greater good of all of us.

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