Category Archives: Features

Member spotlight: Finneas O’Connell

This week’s member spotlight: FINNEAS O’CONNELL. Singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and actor, he has released several singles and has written and produced music for other artists, including his sister, singer Billie Eilish. As an actor, O’Connell is also known for his roles in the TV series Glee, Modern Family and Aquarius, and in the film Bad Teacher.

Making one of the hottest selling records of all time doesn’t always require a fancy, expensive recording studio. Case in point: the March 2019 release by Billie Eilish, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? In this second episode of AWAL’s SPACES series, we follow O’Connell at the humble family abode where he and Billie have written and produced all of their creations currently redefining pop music:

Weingarten: Your Right to Union Representation

Under Federal and State law, you have the right to Union representation when you are called in for disciplinary review. To get Union representation, however, you must have a reasonable belief that you will be disciplined as a result of the interview, and you MUST REQUEST that your Union representative be present. Continue reading →

Melissa Etheridge to Headline Pride Festival 2019

Melissa Etheridge is one of rock music’s great female icons. An AFM Local 47 member since 1984, the iconic singer-songwriter will headline and close out the 2019 Pride Festival at Marston Point in Balboa Park, San Diego on Sunday, July 14, 2019. Continue reading →

#ListenLA Pride Playlist

June is Pride Month, and our AFM Local 47 musical community is proud to encompass a richly diverse and talented group of LGBTQ+ members and allies.

Our #AFM47 Pride Playlist highlights a mix of prominent artists who belong to the LGBTQ+ community, along with those who are outspoken allies. These songs feature empowered lyrics and danceable rhythms that inspire pride and equality for all! And of course, all of these anthems were recorded union.

“Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter – Anne-Sophie Mutter & John Williams

Available as of May 10, 2019 is “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter for violin and orchestra, adapted and conducted by John Williams himself and recorded with Anne-Sophie Mutter and the 70-strong Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles at the iconic Sony Studios in Los Angeles. Continue reading →

#AFM47 Member Spotlight: Raphael Saadiq

Raphael Saadiq is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer, and member of AFM Local 47 since 2013. He has been a standard bearer for “old school” R&B since his early days as a member of the multiplatinum group Tony! Toni! Toné!

He has also produced songs for such artists as Joss Stone, D’Angelo, TLC, En Vogue, Kelis, Mary J. Blige, Ledisi, Whitney Houston, Solange Knowles and John Legend. Continue reading →

Composer Peter Boyer to Receive Ellis Island Medal of Honor

The Ellis Island Honors Society announces that AFM Local 47 member Peter Boyer will be among the recipients of the 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Continue reading →

Seth MacFarlane gets his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Honorary AFM Local 47 Member Seth MacFarlane received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 23, 2019.

The multi-talented actor/composer/performer/producer is renowned in the musical community for his commitment to live music and musicians, in addition to his generous support of philanthropic causes. He has created some of the most popular content on television and in film today – Family Guy, American Dad!, The Orville, Ted, A Million Ways to Die in the West – all scored with AFM Local 47 musicians.

MacFarlane also works as an activist against climate change, is a supporter of Reading Rainbow, and serves with the Human Rights Campaign.

Safe Jobs are Every Worker’s Right

A message from AFL-CIO:

Nearly 50 years ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality—winning protections that have made jobs safer and saved lives. But our work is not done. Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more suffer injury or illness because of their jobs. Continue reading →

#AFM47 Member Spotlight: Abraham Laboriel

AFM Local 47 Life Member Abraham Laboriel has lived a life surrounded by music.

Born in Mexico City, his parents were Garifuna immigrants from Honduras. His sister is singer Ela Laboriel, and their brother was late rock singer Johnny Laboriel. Abraham is the father of drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and of producer, songwriter, and film composer Mateo Laboriel — both of whom are also proud members of the Los Angeles musicians union. Continue reading →