10/19/2026
✨Happy THE MORE YOU KNOW MONDAY! This week, we're learning how independent recording artists can become signatories to the AFM's SRLA (Sound Recording Labor Agreement)!
📍You just need to be working under your own incorporated record label, usually an LLC or a C-corp. Then, you'll pay a one-time $100 fee to the Music Performance Trust Fund to sign the Sound Recording Labor Agreement letter of acceptance. These funds enable the MPTF to provide their concert funding for free public performances.
📍Using either the basic or low budget session scales (with AFM approval), determine the appropriate scale wages for the recording. Calculate the amount of session time used and make pension payments on behalf of yourself and all other artists who appear on the recording, at the rate of 14.09% of total session cost.
*You'll also make a double payment for yourself, as session leader.
📍Make a check out from your corporation to the AFM-EP fund for the pension payments and send Attn: Dean Rolando in the CFM office for forwarding to the fund, accompanied by a B-4 report and w9 forms. If this seems complicated, don't worry, Dean is here to help!
📍Then, every August for 5 years from the date of recording, you'll receive SPECIAL PAYMENTS equal to about 25-35% of the initial pension payment, for a total ROI of 125-175% over the course of 5 years.
📍Which is good bc Dad said he's not giving you $5 to go see another Star War until you empty the dishwasher.
💫The more you know!
