Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
I f you're a recording artist signed with a signatory label, you have the collective power of your union supporting you in a variety of ways. In addition to lobbying for legislation that benefits recording artists and ensuring recording artists receive their royalties, SAG-AFTRA negotiates the Sound Recordings Code, which entitles performers to robust wages and working conditions that include, among other things, the first-ever collectively bargained guardrails to ensure ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the music industry. A lot of this work is done by hardworking SAG-AFTRA members. "We're grateful to our member leaders who serve their colleagues in various ways, either on the Sound Recordings Code Negotiating Committee or in other capacities to ensure the union is addressing the unique needs of recording artists," National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said. "Fletcher Sheridan, vice president, recording artists/singers, has invested a great deal of time educating singers and recording artists about their coverage through his participation in our SAG-AFTRA Take 5 videos. We also have an entire music department at our union serving those who work in that part of the industry." How Does SAG-AFTRA Ensure Recording Artists Get Their Royalties? SAG-AFTRA negotiates and enforces the Sound Recordings Code that covers recording artists signed to the major labels, including most of their subsidiaries and some independent labels. Along with policy advocacy and fighting to build power for artists across the music landscape, the union is deeply involved in the industry and works with various groups in support of artists. Crabtree-Ireland serves on the board of SoundExchange, which collects and distributes digital royalties, fees that digital radio services — such as Pandora, SiriusXM, webcasters and cable TV music channels — are required by law to pay featured recording artists. SAG-AFTRA also works closely with the American Federation of Musicians and SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund to distribute the non-featured artist share of those royalties, along with other royalties negotiated on behalf of vocalists and musicians. This fund is jointly trusteed by SAG-AFTRA and the AFM. You May Have Insurance Coverage — Many SAG-AFTRA Recording Artists are Covered by the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan There's something Crabtree-Ireland wishes more recording artists knew: The Sound Recordings Code offers special healthcare eligibility for roster artists on signatory labels because of the unique realities of advances and recoupment for royalty artists. "It doesn't matter if you're just getting started or topping the charts, if you're signed to a royalty agreement with a major label or a signatory indie, you may be entitled to health benefits without realizing it," Crabtree-Ireland explained. The union's agreement with the record labels means if you are on the record labels' roster, your recordings are covered and the label is making healthcare contributions for you. SAG-AFTRA does more than negotiate session rates. We make sure you get healthcare. SAG-AFTRA National Director, Music, Kristina Gorbacsov adds, "Unfortunately many working recording artists don't know they have these benefits and leave them on the table. In fact, recording artists don't even need to have a finished album to begin enjoying these benefits." Ready to learn more? SAG-AFTRA's Music Department is eager to help you. Reach out via email at music@sagaftra.org to find out if the label you're signed to is a signatory label. UNION PROTECTIONS? MUSIC TO OUR EARS! Don't Leave Your Recording Artist Benefits on the Table