Communication, outreach, and a sense of shared responsibility are essential to the success of the AFM, both locally and nationally. As the largest arts union in the world, we have a duty to promote respect for musicians and their work, and give our members the tools they need to survive in a rapidly changing business. This is our mission.

I got into the music business because I loved to play music. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to do what I love and create a successful career for myself as a bassist, bandleader, and producer. This did not happen overnight, nor did it fall out of the sky. The business aspects were foreign to me at first, but I soon realized that sheer desire was not enough, and that I had to figure out how to get paid and create opportunities for myself.

One of the essential components of my success was my membership and involvement in Local 257 (Nashville, TN). As my career evolved, my local was there when I needed information. When I saw aspects of the union that could be better, I served on committees, and then as an elected officer to move things forward.

This is what we must offer the next generation of musicians. Our strength lies in our combined voices, standing together to protect our art and our livelihood.

While record labels struggle to overcome decades of inefficiency and reduced income from sales due to digital piracy, a whole new generation of independent artists have surfaced and changed the landscape of the music business forever. …