SWEETLIFE
The “Fair Pay for Play” campaign is a group of musicians organized by musicians/management to establish a fair and livable standard of pay for local musicians. Music is a critical part of the culture and Albuquerque’s international reputation as a vibrant center for arts and culture, a magnet for the creative community, and therefore a desirable place to live and work
Many venues opt to take a cut out of the door money to pay their rent and staff, money that traditionally goes to the musicians. “My band…headlined at [a local venue] last year. 245 people paid $10 at the door. This means [the venue] grossed $2450. We were paid $250.”
According to data collected:
* 73.46% of musicians feel that what they're currently being paid is unfair.
* On average, musicians spend an additional 3 hours preparing for their show per hour of performing.
* The average annual income for a musician is $8721.44 - well below the federal poverty level of $10,400.00.
“When a band performs for exposure, they expose themselves to poverty.” - Norm Sylvester
We are asking venue owners in New Mexico to partner with the “Fair Pay for Play” campaign and agree to pay equitable wages to performers. Participation will earn the venue a “Fair Pay for Play” logo to proudly display in a visible location, promotional listings on the “Fair Pay for Play” website directory, and a reputation as a “Fair Pay for Play” Venue.
As our campaign builds, you can support the right of working musicians to receive equitable wages by supporting those venues that have signed on and display the “Fair Pay for Play” logo. Just as fair-trade programs raise the standard of living for otherwise impoverished workers, patronizing “Fair Pay for Play” clubs will help musicians, and help maintain a vibrant music community.
Well paid, happy, healthy musicians enhance the venue's atmosphere, customer satisfaction and revenue, ultimately creating an improved music scene, stronger economy and higher quality of life in New Mexico.
