Aid for Indie Artists and the Greater Music Community

While this blog every week is always aimed at presenting helpful insights for the aspiring performer – not unlike the “Now Hear This Entertainment” episodes every Wednesday – I also am quick to clarify that this is not a news site.

That being said, we are in a most unique time right now when so (so) much is being done differently.  The changes have been necessitated by the worldwide pandemic, which has affected practically everyone – including the music community.  Thus, this is one time when it’s the socially responsible thing to do when it comes to using this blog to help spread the word about great assistance being made available to those in our industry “with the greatest need,” according to a press release from the Recording Academy.

Back on Episode 270 of “Now Hear This Entertainment” I interviewed Debbie Carroll from MusiCares, a four-star charity that comes under the Recording Academy umbrella established to safeguard the health and well-being of all music people.  I strongly encourage any and all members of the music community who are reading this to take time to listen to that conversation so as to better understand the wide array of (confidential) services that they have available, including preventive, recovery, and emergency programs to address financial, medical, and personal health issues.

Two weeks ago it was announced that the Recording Academy and MusiCares have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events.  “From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events, and the creative community behind it all,” the press release said.

The COVID-19 fund was being set up “to directly support those in the music community with the greatest need.  To establish the fund, both the Recording Academy and MusiCares have contributed an initial donation of $1 million each, totaling $2 million.  Additionally, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities.”

A tremendous initiative for sure, but the news has gotten even better since that March 17th announcement out of Los Angeles.

Last week, leading music streaming and tech companies Amazon Music, Facebook, SiriusXM and Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, and YouTube Music announced that they are contributing to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

That announcement last Tuesday said that, “Since the fund’s establishment last week, MusiCares and the Recording Academy have raised millions more than the initial $2 million to start the COVID-19 Relief Fund, thanks to its esteemed partners, but more is needed.  With this fund, music industry professionals including artists, production crews, technicians, and anyone impacted by the loss of income due to live music event cancelations, can apply for basic living assistance.

“Additionally, the Recording Academy appealed to Congress to further protect musicians, performers, songwriters, and studio professionals such as self-employed gig workers who are impacted by cancellations due to the ongoing pandemic.”

To keep up with the developments surrounding the COVID-19 Relief Fund and/or if you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit www.MusiCares.org.

Talk about the impact of the pandemic on your role in music in our Facebook group.