About Fair Trade Music

WHAT

Fair Trade Music is a grassroots campaign of Portland musicians, supported by the Musician's Union Local 99.

Through advocacy, education, and recognition, they are working to

BUILD
a better music scene with a higher level of musicianship and professionalism

EXTEND
the same rights to musicians as those of other workers, and to

FORGE
equal partnerships between clubs and musicians. 

WHY

The current situation in most music clubs is inequitable, unsustainable, and doesn't actually support the creation of great music.
Musicians are expected to bring a majority of the fans not by practicing and preparing, but by doing most of the advertising at their own expense.
They are expected to perform for zero or negative guarantees.
Money fans pay to see them goes to the sound,door, lights, and advertising first - musicians split whatever might be left over and might end up owing money.  Expected to work other jobs, musicians frequently have limited time to fully prepare the music.
Poverty forces many musicians to leave the profession before they reach their potential.
Ultimately, fans are deprived of the best music.

HOW

By building and promoting brand of quality music.

By partnering with clubs to help them thrive - without them, musicians don't thrive.

By promoting honest, open, and robust partnerships between venues and musicians

By helping fans and musicians alike understand the differences between a hobby and a service

By helping venues understand the long-term lasting value of investing in great music to entertain their patrons

WHO

Fair Trade Music is comprised of a diverse group of union and non-union musicians. 

Please see our brochure and FAQ for more information.