Recording Rap

The recording department had a very strong year last year. The total of Electronic Media scale wages on AFM recording contracts so far is $1,059,000.00. I should have final figures by the end of March and will update everyone in the next newsletter. Again, I thank all musicians for calling me to get contracts filed. Our Local has come a long way from 1997 when I first started. (the total was $350,000 at that time).  Keep up the good work!

The following information is just a reminder for anyone moving, changing a name, or beneficiary if you are newly married or divorced. If you do any recording or sideling and receive checks from the following Payment Funds please remember they have to have your current address and beneficiary on file.

AFM Employers Pension Fund (800) 833-8065
Phonograph Record Special Payments Fund (212) 310-9450
Theatrical & TV Motion Picture Special Payments Fund (323) 966-2966

Recording Alert

I just received the following from Randy Ford, Secretary-Treasurer of the Nashville Local 257. They are in  negotiations with Gaylord Entertainment/Opryland Productions for musicians on the General Jackson Showboat. Management is attempting to schedule recording sessions to replace the musicians with tape. The instrumentation is 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, 2 saxes (w/doubles), piano, bass, drums, and guitar. The show is an hour long with predominantly swing music. The arrangers include Tim Powell and Jim Williamson. The AFM stands in solidarity with its Locals for the protection of our members and the enforcement of AFM Bylaws that prohibit unauthorized recordings. Any recording of this sort would be in violation of Section 21 of the AFM Bylaws. Please contact our Local if you become aware of any attempt to displace the musicians represented by this CBA.

Latin Grammys

A group of prominent Miami-Dade county's civic leaders are trying to bring the Latin Grammys to South Florida for the Sept. 12th awards show. They have signed a letter pledging their support for staging the Grammy's at the American Airlines Arena. They will attend the regular Grammy's in LA next week and meet with Michael Greene, president of NARAS to discuss their pitch. I will update the progress in the next newsletter.

National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Membership Drive

NARAS, best known for the GRAMMY Awards, is an organization of 16,000 musicians, formed in 1957,  whose goal is to represent the interests of professional  musicians and advance America's cultural agenda. Their activities include public advocacy, music education initiatives, addressing the health and wellness needs of music people, preservation of America's recorded music legacy, and more.
They have represented musicians on such issues as intellectual property rights, piracy, censorship, and preservation. Membership is normally $65 per year, but Local 655 members can join from now though March 31 for only $50. Call us at (954) 925-1996 or NARAS at (305) 672-4060 for more information, or mail in the enclosed envelope to join!

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