Association for Electronic Music:

Uniting an Industry in the Digital Age

Sync Beat Magazine’s Billy Aldea-Martinez sat down with Finlay Johnson, AFEM’s Chief Operating Officer, to understand the organization’s mission and how it is helping to bring more professionalism into the industry.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) stands out as a beacon of collaboration and progress. Now in its 11th year, this independent, not-for-profit trade association has become a pivotal force in shaping the future of electronic music.

AFEM was co-founded by Kurosh Nasseri, a prominent entertainment lawyer specializing in EDM, and Ben Turner, a versatile music industry entrepreneur and artist manager, combining their extensive legal, management, and industry expertise to create a global trade body representing the interests of the electronic music ecosystem.

Finlay Johnson, who has been the COO since 2022, brings a wealth of industry experience to his leadership role.

With over 270 member organizations spanning 27 countries, AFEM represents a diverse crosssection of the industry, from veteran powerhouses to emerging talents. The association’s mission is clear: to connect and represent the common interests of those whose business is electronic music, while preserving the culture and ensuring a vibrant future for the ecosystem.

An Edinburgh native with a background in music industry management and a decade-long tenure as a music agent at WME, Johnson witnessed firsthand the industry’s need for collective support during the pandemic.

“I saw the role that AFEM played in bringing different sectors together for collaborative response and peer support,” Johnson explains. “I appreciated an organization existing for the greater good, supporting all levels of the industry in sharing information and resources.”

AFEM’s scope has expanded significantly since its inception. While initially focused on issues like inaccurate royalty statements and piracy, the association now tackles contemporary challenges such as diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry.

Membership in AFEM offers numerous benefits, including access to private events, discounts to major industry conferences, and the opportunity to directly influence the association’s priorities. Johnson emphasizes that the value of membership extends beyond financial contributions: “Whether you pay nothing, tier one, or tier sixteen, everyone can contribute to our ecosystem.

Membership is about how much energy and time you contribute, not the size of your organization.”

AFEM maintains a strong presence at 20 to 25 industry conferences annually, including prestigious events like the International Music Summit, Berlin Dance Music Event, Brighton Music Conference and Amsterdam Dance Event. These gatherings provide valuable networking opportunities and a platform for members to share insights.

Looking ahead, AFEM is focusing on several key initiatives. The “Respect the Creators” campaign aims to raise awareness about proper attribution in viral posts, while the ongoing “Get Played, Get Paid” campaign encourages accurate reporting of music played in venues. The association is also formulating its position on AI’s role in the industry.

As electronic music continues to evolve in the digital age, AFEM remains committed to fostering a global, inclusive community. “We welcome input from the global majority,” Johnson states, “as more diverse voices lead to a more rounded approach.”

For those interested in joining or learning more about AFEM’s work, the association maintains an active presence on LinkedIn and Instagram, produces informative podcasts, and welcomes direct inquiries via email.

In an industry known for its rapid pace and technological innovation, the Association for Electronic Music stands as a unifying force, ensuring that the beat goes on for electronic music professionals worldwide.

Readers of SyncBeat Magazine are encouraged to visit their website for information and consider becoming members as a way to help the industry evolve.