Tag Archives: Adam Reifsteck

“MFM Speaks Out” EP 28: Axel Mueller on the Founding of Pro Musik (Germany)

“We need a better way of living for the music scene.”  Axel Mueller

Axel MuellerIn this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews German saxophonist and composer Axel Mueller about his work as a musician and activist which led to co-founding a new union in Germany called Pro Musik that supports freelance musicians. Topics discussed include the challenges gigging musicians face in Germany that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic and the importance of coming together as a community to enact social and political change that uplifts the livelihood of all professional musicians.

Saxophonist & multi-instrumentalist Axel Mueller enjoys a varied career as a composer, arranger, and sideman for top artists in Germany. A graduate of Mannheim University of Music, he started the brass band Blassportgruppe with 9 other wind colleagues and began touring Europe with the cabaret act The Les Clöchards. In addition to touring, Axel plays in the horn section of the TV show Sing mein Song with the band Grosch’s Eleven, now in its 5th season, with artists such as Xavier Naidoo, Roger Cicero, Sarah Connor, Yvonne Catterfeld and Samy Deluxe & South African Sunset. Together with his brass colleagues Johannes Goltz (trombone) and Christoph Moschberger (trumpet), Axel has led the horn section for renowned artists such as Nena, Wolfgang Niedecken, and Mark Forster, which has resulted in 8 Gold and Platinum releases.

Visit Axel Mueller at axelmuellermusic.com

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“MFM Speaks Out” EP 26: Geraldine Anello on Building a Successful Career as a Broadway Musician

“Success in music is not guaranteed, but as long as you are persevering and helping others along the way, you will reach your goals.”

Geraldine AnelloIn this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews conductor and pianist Geraldine Anello about immigrating to the United States from France in her early 20s which ultimately led to a career as a Broadway musician. Topics discussed include how she created an online community and professional development resource called Theatre Music Directors, the issue of gender inequality on Broadway, and finding a new creative outlet as a writer and poet during the pandemic.

Geraldine Anello has conducted Kinky Boots and School of Rock on Broadway, The Fantasticks off-Broadway, and played in the orchestras of Broadway’s School of Rock, Bronx Tale, Aladdin, and On the Town. She has also worked on the Broadway productions SpongeBob the Musical, An American in Paris, On Your Feet, and Matilda. Anello served as music director of We Are the Tigers off-Broadway, and of Renascence for the Transport Group, Finian’s Rainbow at the Irish Repertory Theatre, and Children of Salt at the New York Musical Festival.

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“MFM Speaks Out” EP 24: Roger Blanc on Working as a Musician During a Pandemic

“We’re operating under a significant cloud… it is important to not only take care of yourself but support your fellow musicians in any way that you can.” – Roger Blanc

Roger BlancIn this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews composer, guitarist, and MFM Board member Roger Blanc about navigating today’s music industry landscape, adapting and finding ways to work as a musician during the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of music rights advocacy, and his involvement with MFM.

The following music is featured in this episode:

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“MFM Speaks Out” EP 22: Chris Reza on Activism in the Broadway Music Scene

“Employers benefit from the disorganization of freelance musicians.  But when we come together and have conversations about our working conditions, there is a power that arises which brings about change.” – Chris Reza

In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews multi-instrumentalist Chris Reza about his work in the Broadway music scene and activism while serving as vice-chair of the Broadway Theatre Committee, the liaison between the Broadway Musicians Community and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802.

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“MFM Speaks Out” Podcast EP 18 – William Deresiewicz on How Musicians Can Survive in the Digital Age

“Now is the time to organize…[in the face of the pandemic] as inequality and workers issues get put on the table more, artists need to make sure they are not left out of the conversation.” – William Deresiewicz

William DeresiewiczIn this episode of the MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews William Deresiewicz, a leading critic of the arts and contemporary culture and New York Times bestselling author about his new book, The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech – specifically, what he learned from artists that are managing to make a living today in this digital era, how exploitation and instant gratification have changed our perceptions of art, and the importance of coming together as a community to stop the exploitation of musicians and creatives by Silicon Valley.

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