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The former Talking Heads front man is battling Broadway musicians, the concept of musical theatrical productions on Broadway, and the local musicians’ union over a production that relies on prerecorded music. No live music, Not a musical.

If making a fortune is your goal, a career in music will take you a long way—in the wrong direction. Working in the music industry today is attempting to thrive in a hostile environment. Only the very lucky, well-connected, or well-funded survive.

More than 120 multiemployer pension funds—plans that cover workers who regularly work for different employers, largely in trucking, mining, construction, and entertainment—are considered in danger of insolvency. They cover about 1.3 million workers.

A wave of workers-first rhetoric is sweeping through pop. Can SAG-AFTRA and the AFM capitalize on it? This clearly poses a challenge to these unions. It’s crucial for these organizations to exploit the growing militancy of their potential membership.

Classical musicians aren’t associated with picket lines, but the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is now on strike. We spoke to three strikers about their grueling work, recent attacks on orchestra members’ pensions and salaries, classical music and labor.