 | Let's start with the organization probably most important to us. As
independent artists, we all need to take advantage of organizations that
specifically cater to the special needs in the area of promotion, mentoring,
and finance. The Association for
Independent Music, or AFIM, provides a number of member benefits that
help the INDIE artist be more successful.
|
| The Songwriters Guild of America is
the nations largest association of songwriters. It provides an industry
voice for it's members, information on contracts, and indeed has fostered
standard contracts throughout the music business. One of SGA's claim to
fame is the Copyright Act of 1976 in which the guild took a leading role in
lobbying Congress on the needs of songwriters. Contracting assistance is
provided to it's members. Services provided include contract review,
royalty collection, publisher audits, copyright renewal, newsletters, legal
initiatives, and group health insurance. Membership fees start at about
$55 and more depending upon the amount of royalties collected by the guild from
publishers on your behalf. SGA has just joined forces with the
National Academy of Songwriters, forming a much larger organization.
SGA will honor all NAS memberships.
|
| The Muse's Muse provides a free monthly newsletter for songwriters that
includes interviews, articles, copyright information, publishing advice, music
reviews and web site reviews.
|
| The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is the
largest union in the world representing musicians performing all styles of
music. The AFM negotiates wages and work conditions. and offers a wide
variety of services to members in all areas of the music business. You can
contact them by sending an email to mailto:local1000@igc.org. |
|