State of the Local — April-June 2023

BY DAVE POMEROY

Anyone, including you, can make a difference in this world. Music is not only a method of artistic expression, both individual and collective, but a source of communication and commonality as well. During the pandemic, the power of music helped keep many of us from falling apart. Now, as the pandemic is finally loosening its grip on our reality, hopefully we can see the value in things that were too easily taken for granted before COVID-19 changed our world. We owe it to ourselves, each other, and the world to embrace the positive and move forward together to address the challenges that remain. Respect for each other, even those with whom you may not agree, is the key ingredient to our progress as a union, and for us as a country.

The recent school shooting at Covenant School in March brought the gun control and mental health debate to the fore, as we try and comprehend what could lead someone to this kind of horrific act. The fact that the shooter lived right around the corner from me made it that much more shocking and real. The political chaos within our state is most concerning as well, and like pretty much everything in life, if we want to see a change, it is up to each of us to express and manifest that desire, and make the world a better place by working together.

Strength in numbers

AFM and Local 257 negotiations — whether it’s the improved scale for CMA Fest, the new higher SRLA scale wages, or even playing a Trust Fund gig. Because of Tennessee’s right-to-work (for less) laws, this is technically legal, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. And the higher wages they enjoy as a result of the hard work we do for them is just one reason all professional musicians should be part of their local. Add in the “mailbox” money from new use and reuse of valuable work, and the other sources like the Special Payments distribution, health insurance, and free rehearsal space, and it’s hard to comprehend how any serious musician would not understand the value of our local.

Nonmembers may have misconceptions or other erroneous beliefs about union membership. Or, maybe they would just rather freeload than be part of a team that is looking out for ALL Nashville musicians. It’s time to bring them into the fold. In the coming weeks we will share information with you about how to approach them, as we want you to feel confident in talking to nonmembers about what we are already doing for them, and why they should join the team.

Nashville has always been a melting pot of cultures, and our ethnic diversity and artistic reach is increasing like never before. We represent artists from all styles of music, from superstars like Taylor Swift and Chris Stapleton to cutting edge world musicians such as Amigas Power and AfroKokoRoot. Nashville Symphony musicians are continuing to rebound from the consequences of the pandemic, and as always, they bring a very high level of performances to Music City.

Local 257 created the Low Budget Master scale back in the ‘90s, which caused a large number of gospel and independent labels to become new signatories to AFM agreements. Our Tracks on Tour concept, which we developed more than a decade ago, has brought more than $600K through the door to pay studio musicians whose tracks are used onstage. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and we are very proud of the work we have done over the past 15 years to help our members survive a variety of challenges in the constantly changing work environment we call the music business.

These days, it is common for a recording project to start as a collaborative effort between songwriters, producers, and musicians. Many of you are very comfortable with multitasking and playing more than one role in any specific creative project. We have spent a lot of time educating those who play multiple roles so that they understand that if they are not on an AFM contract as a musician, the multiple revenue streams that a musician can get are unavailable.

Our job is to help you help yourself, but in the vast majority of situations, until someone lets us know what is going on, we are not able to help you. It is WAY more efficient to get a project covered at the beginning of the process, rather than after the fact. Once you know who the employer is going to be, you need to get in communication with us as soon as possible, so that we are not chasing a horse that has already left the barn! We know how to talk to employers so we don’t throw anyone under the bus for simply trying to do the right thing and get a project on the card.

Local 257 staff updates

Lastly, we have had some personnel changes at the office over the past few months, and things are moving forward nicely. Billy Lynn, who I have known for more than 30 years, is our new director of recording, and is already doing a great job. William Sansbury has moved from the front desk to the recording department, and is doing good work back there as well. Michael Minton is new at the front desk, and he has settled into his role as our primary contact with members and anyone who comes into the building. We appreciate everyone who works here, and just like the AFM, we are a team. Our No. 1 goal is to take care of our members and welcome any and all of those who are ready to join the only organization that has been looking out for Nashville musicians for 120 years and counting.