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I was just wondering if it would benefit if I was a Union member? I'm a singer/songwriter and would like to sell some material....

Numerous posts and threads on the benefits and draw back of unions my friend.
Look through some of the old threads.
For sure you have the talent.
You just need to get to know the right people.
Best of luck!

Thanks George. I use to be in the union many years ago when I lived in Austin, Texas. It was pretty strong. Have to remember, the Armadillo Club just opened. Along with Austin City Limits. Thanks for the reply.

I dunno if the union is the best way to try to sell your stuff. I like Meanderpaul's method of slipping a CD to a star when they least expect it!

I don't mean to have the union sell my songs, I mean in able to get to the right people in the business, I would think that the top recording stars and their producers,etc. would be unionized.

Unions can help you get a few gigs, sure. From what I've heard, though, they're more apt to help the already established act than the one just starting out.

One day I'll just have to investigate into this subject more than asking a few ppl who've joined. I've never actually talked to a union rep.

Who here has?

Unions won't get you a gig unless you work in the classical setting or a highend sideman. Even then Symphony Orchestra's know who is avalible for hire ... same as producers or they go to a guy like this artical ... thou you still have to be in the union to be placed.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123119918968955349.html

Unions were necessary back in the day when some venues were union and YOU had to be in a union to play there but they don't do much now if your just playing in a band.

Ron

In my playing days, I was always a member.

Unions rule...not that I like thme but they hold tight reigns on music.

God rules, only HE riegns is my music.

Well being a union musician gives you hiring priority over hundreds of musicians that aren't. That's about it. You get to audition for big high dollar corporate gigs and for signed artists on major tours that need a back line, or a fill in spot oh yeah the record companies hire sessions cats from the local to. The scales vary from state to state.
As far as selling your music goes you should become a publishing member of BMI or ASCAP...then you have to figure out a way for them to get your titles to the MAJOR publishers.
Here is how it works:
Big name artists and some lesser known have a team of people that look for material for their artists, record companies do this all the time, they get song writer demos from publishing houses and take what they want and leave the rest. If they like your stuff their people will contact your people.
Then you decide on HOW to proceed...sometimes they want to buy the rights outright, sometimes they want to do a Harry Fox agency deal or mechanical license to use the material, or they buy the whole thing outright.
Hope this helps ya...

BobbyAlan wrote:I was just wondering if it would benefit if I was a Union member? I'm a singer/songwriter and would like to sell some material....

After being in the military, I can honestly say that unions just take away the employer's tyranny and replaces it with the union's.

theres no better evil, just which evil you perfer.

AirViking wrote:

BobbyAlan wrote:I was just wondering if it would benefit if I was a Union member? I'm a singer/songwriter and would like to sell some material....

After being in the military, I can honestly say that unions just take away the employer's tyranny and replaces it with the union's.

theres no better evil, just which evil you perfer.

How so?

Airviking, re-read the beginning of DFDillon's response:
". . . hiring priority over hundreds of musicians that aren't (union) . . . . . . You get to audition for big high dollar corporate gigs and for signed artists on major tours . . . "
.
And - how can you 'honestly' say unions suck?
Have you actually been in a union, or are you forming a conclusion?
.
Maybe being in a union simply doesn't conform to your personal goals?
Just curious . . .

RhythmMan wrote:Airviking, re-read the beginning of DFDillon's response:
". . . hiring priority over hundreds of musicians that aren't (union) . . . . . . You get to audition for big high dollar corporate gigs and for signed artists on major tours . . . "
.
And - how can you 'honestly' say unions suck?
Have you actually be in a union, or are you forming a conclusion?
.
May being in a union simply doesn't conform to your personal goals?
Just curious . . .

have you guys been apart of the airforce? if so you'll see what I mean. You best pray that unions to micromanage things as badly as they do in the airforce to the civilian world. Its probably one of the top reasons Im not re-enlisting. And I think i made it clear in my last post: theres no better evil, just which evil you perfer. I perfer niether, so I act on it.