Subject: A Call for Unity in the NYC Live Club Music Scene
Dear Independent NYC Club Musician Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to you as a fellow musician and volunteer, motivated by a shared commitment to our industry. The live club music scene is currently facing significant challenges, and I believe it is crucial for us to address the growing divide among us.
In recent years, our relationships have suffered, and I have witnessed firsthand the strain that this crisis has placed on our community. The camaraderie we once enjoyed has diminished, largely due to the decline in paying gigs. As we look around the city, we see an increase in open jams and open mics, which often lead to a pay-to-play model that ultimately undermines our opportunities and fosters unhealthy competition.
These events are hosted in what I refer to as "Churn'N'Burn" clubs—venues that, at one time, held the potential for meaningful gigs. If we remain unorganized, history shows us the challenges we face will only intensify. I first raised these concerns with AFM Local 802 organizers over a decade ago, and the situation has only become more urgent.
Now is the time for us to unite in solidarity for a common purpose: to revitalize and make the NYC live club music industry profitable once again. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and supportive environment for all musicians.