Studio Beat
2005 begins with a noticeable upswing in morale around here. I’ve been busy tracking down money, enforcing agreements, referring musicians, coordinating projects, recruiting, educating, signing up new signatories, and learning more about our industry. The positive feedback I receive energizes me to take on the considerable work that lies ahead.
I’m especially encouraged to see members proud enough to recommend this organization and actively recruit non-members. There’s a lot to feel good about. The AFM negotiated what I feel is an excellent agreement with the Advertising Industry. If you receive a ratification ballot in the mail, I urge you to vote YES. Our local is number four in the country in commercial recording, and we’re the only jurisdiction that has seen an increase in AFM jingle sessions during the last several years. I was actively involved in these negotiations last October, and I am confident we reached the best deal possible.
In other positive news, the record industry reported 2004 sales of some 667 million albums, a 1.6% increase over 2003. Although this is a modest improvement, it’s the first upswing in three years. And while the portion of that increase from digital downloads remains relatively small, the AFM is focused on this technology in our negotiations with the record industry. Please stay tuned: we will soon be sending you details of the year long-extension of the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA), including an overall 2% scale increase.
Of course, an increase in sales could signal a healthier record industry, which should mean more work for musicians. Toward that end, we’ve been tirelessly signing up record labels and music production companies to the SRLA so that more of the available session work is covered by the agreement. Musicians that work for signatory companies receive all of the associated advantages, including pension, special payments, possible new use payments, and AFM protection.
And it seems that for some recording musicians, things are pretty busy. Hip-hop productions, Spanish and English pop sessions, new artists working on first projects, and some contemporary classical recording are a few examples. Some of the artists recording recently with our members include Shakira, Ricky Martin, Missy Elliot, Cristian Castro, and Busta Rhymes. I was delighted to witness one of these sessions; I hope this use of live ensembles signals a trend in hip-hop.
Just as exciting was my visit to a recent session where Barry Gibb, legendary songwriter, producer and artist (The Bee Gees) booked some of our most notable members. At this point in his career, it’s obvious that Barry can record with any musician he chooses. When I told him how pleased I was that he was working with our members, he said “I use these guys because they’re the best.” To hear the skill and artistry of these musicians, it was obvious how true his comment was.
Not all of the AFM recording work around here is for major labels. Many sessions are for artists and groups who have formed their own signatory companies. The musicians who record on these independent projects are afforded all of the benefits of any AFM recording session, including Special Payments checks. Members know that even AFM low budget sessions are preferable to non-union work, even if a “dark date” were to pay a little better up front. This is because musicians make more money & benefits in the long run on Union sessions.
Which brings me to another point. Unfortunately, while many members report significant recording gigs, it’s been very slow for others. A lull in session work might be the perfect time to consider forming your own signatory company and working on a recording production of your own. Whether it’s an involved production of original music or a live recording of some of your favorite repertoire, having a CD that presents your talents may be the best way to stimulate more work. It’s not as complicated and expensive as you might think. If you want to find out more about recording your own CD under AFM agreements, please contact me. And be on the lookout for an upcoming seminar we’ll be sponsoring which will tell you exactly how to do it.
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