Published
Tue, Jan 29, 2013, 02:00
- The AFEM will consist of representatives from labels like Atlantic and Sony and other industry professionals.
Details of the Association For Electronic Music have been announced at this week's Midem conference.
MusicWeek reports that the global trade and lobbying group has been formed with a mission to protect the interests of dance music worldwide, which is an industry now evaluated as making upwards of four billion dollars in profits each year. Disco legend Nile Rodgers will act as the ambassador, while Richie Hawtin's manager, Ben Turner, and veteran industry lawyer Kurosh Nasseri have been appointed as its coordinators.
The nonprofit's board of directors includes label reps from Sony, Atlantic and others, plus the CEO of Beatport, agencies like AM Only and William Morris and other industry members from the realms of broadcasting and promotion. The first two offices will be located in the US and the UK. At the time of the announcement, representatives spoke of the current need for such a group in the electronic music landscape, and the necessity to "protect" interests and artists. Membership in the AFEM will be open to all involved in electronic music.