What is AFM/SAG-AFTRA?

What AFM/SAG-AFTRA Does

  • AFM: American Federation of Musicians, a union protecting instrumentalists and musicians.
  • SAG-AFTRA: Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, representing vocalists and performers.
  • They jointly administer the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund, which distributes non-featured artist royalties (musicians and background vocalists) collected by SoundExchange.


 Why It Matters to Songwriters

  • While songwriters earn from publishing royalties, performing musicians and vocalists earn from their recorded performances through this union.
  • Musicians who play on recordings and vocalists who perform background or supporting vocals may be paid through AFM/SAG-AFTRA funds.
  • This is different from songwriter royalties which come from PROs.


 Benefits for Musicians and Vocalists

  • Contract negotiation and protection.
  • Health and pension benefits.
  • Collective bargaining power.
  • Payment of royalties for sound recording performances.


 Who Should Know About AFM/SAG-AFTRA

  • Session musicians and instrumentalists.
  • Background vocalists and featured vocalists.
  • Artists signed to record labels.
  • Independent artists who hire musicians.


 Pro Tips

  • If you perform on recordings, join the union for better protections.
  • Register with SoundExchange and AFM/SAG-AFTRA to ensure you receive royalties.
  • Understand the difference between musician royalties and songwriter royalties.


Bottom Line:
AFM/SAG-AFTRA safeguards the rights and earnings of musicians and vocalists who perform on recordings, distributing royalties that complement the income songwriters earn from their compositions.

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