FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        August 21, 2014                                                                                           Contact: Antoinette Follett (315) 422-4488 ext. 106 afollett@bentley-hall.com                AFM President Blasts NFL Super Bowl Halftime Kickback Scheme New York, NY – In what could be deemed the most colossal pay to play scheme ever, the National Football League (NFL) has reportedly asked potential Super Bowl halftime performers if they would be willing to pay the league to play at its big game. "It's not like the NFL and its Super Bowl organizers don't have any money and can't afford to pay for halftime show performances, it's about the insatiable thirst for profits at the expense of great musical entertainment and those who create it. You can find kickback schemes like this coming from unscrupulous bar and nightclub owners, but for the NFL to descend to such depths would be unconscionable,” said American Federation of Musicians International President Ray Hair. The AFM will bring the matter up for discussion with the AFL-CIO's Department of Professional Employees which includes representatives from all US art and entertainment unions, including the NFL Players Association. Though the NFL doesn't usually pay the performing halftime acts, this seems to be a new low. The NFL has reportedly shortlisted its choices for next year's Super Bowl halftime show to Rihanna, Coldplay and Katie Perry, and was also reported to have requested a portion of post-show tour earnings to secure the booking. A 30-second TV commercial cost $3.8 million and there were 45 minutes of advertisements during the game. The league's annual revenue is more than $9 billion, and Commissioner Roger Goodell says he would like to reach $25 billion by 2027.                                                                                                                                              ABOUT THE AFM--Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 80,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. For more information, contact the main number at (212) 869-1330 or visit the website at www.afm.org. Follow the AFM on Twitter www.twitter.com/the_AFM and Facebook www.facebook.com/afm.org AFM Website | Edit Member Profile | AFM Facebook | AFM Twitter | AFM YouTube

The key thing in the success of a local music scene is the support of musicians of each other and the support of music fans for local bands.

And here is one big secret in creating a local music scene. YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOVE EACH OTHER'S MUSIC. But if you respect the hard work and dedication of your fellow musicians, lend a hand and support each other.

It doesn't matter if you are famous or just starting out. Go to each others' gigs, suspend judgement or the need to make comparisons. If you are already well on your way, no matter what level the musicians or band, at some point in your journey, you were at that very same level....and you needed the support and encouragement of other musicians and music fans. And they obviously gave it to you or you would not have continued on your journey and be where you are now.

And if you are just starting out, go out to support the established musicians.We too need your support and encouragement....and when we see you support us, we are touched and we will remember you when we can do something to help you move ahead.

New artists and musicians struggle and suffer. Unless you are Lady Gaga or Justin Timberlake or in the top 3% of acts, even established musicians struggle even if we don't actually suffer.

And....older musicians, if they were not careful with their money management, can also reach a point in their old age where they suffer and struggle again. Some are legends and I personally know one who died alone in an old aged home in LA after an illustrious career as a great drummer.

As music fans and even radio station programmers, the easy way is just to play what's on the charts, to follow the herd.

But right here, right now in your own home town, there are people who work hard, who are dedicated, some are well-known some are starting out some are mid career, some are in their old age still making great music. We need each other....because the alternative is a depressing cultural desert.

If we call ourselves music lovers, then just make it a point, whether you love or only like or don't really like....just go sometimes, support local musicians, buy a drink or two or pay a door charge to get in, buy an album or a track (legally)....a little bit of support by everyone from every part of society can help lift music and musicians in Singapore.

Don't compare the local artist with a Grammy Award winning artist. You can show your love to both and the fruits of your support and love will allow the Singapore music scene or your own local music scene to flourish, maybe we will see it in our lifetime.

(Thank you George J Choty for sharing that poster that inspired this post)

Some video of performances with myself, Jeremy Monteiro (keys), Christy Smith (bass), Jordan Rivers (guitar), and Eric Hargrove (drums)