If You DO Have to Put Your Hand Out…

As far back as Episode 2 of “Now Hear This Entertainment” when singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Alyssa Jacey talked about donating money regularly to combat Alzheimer’s there have been guests who have told me about charitable efforts that they are actively involved in.  It’s great to see people who give back and show their gratitude for the opportunities that they get on the stage by getting involved in activities off the stage.

Heck, fast forward from that second-ever episode to the beginning of last year and in the space of four weeks there were two different guests talking about projects that were anything but a new album coming out.  Love and a .38 bass player Justin Emord talked on Episode 218 about the work that he does with the NAMM Foundation.  Then on Episode 221 Los Angeles-based singer, composer, trumpeter, and producer David Longoria talked about an initiative that he was involved with that took place across the country – at the White House!

I’m pleased to say that the list goes on because I know there are so many others that I’ve talked to in the five-plus years of NHTE who are also involved in this type of outreach.

But what about those who are silent and too challenged to, for example, pay a major medical bill, to be able to focus on getting out and donating time because they really need it to find a way out of their hole?  Or what about the songwriters who are happy to be able to earn a percentage because of the talent that they contributed, yet only last year finally got a notable raise?  How did that come to be?

Call it excitement or just seeing the importance of it all, but I’m writing two days before an episode of “Now Hear This Entertainment” comes out rather than wait until after it’s available because this Wednesday’s edition has real significance.  No, it’s not a milestone episode number, nor is it an anniversary for NHTE.

Episode 270 will be out in less than 48 hours and features two conversations that the music industry needs to make time to listen to.  Yes, it’s exciting to talk about the GRAMMY Awards, but the work that the Recording Academy is doing – here’s that phrase again – off the stage is true labor for the love of those they serve.

You will hear that program's vice president Debbie Carroll talk about MusiCares, which can provide assistance to folks who are in real dire straits – which she defines in our interview and their website details as well – so that singers, songwriters, producers, engineers, managers, recording studio owners and more can gain access to resources when it seems as though there are addiction, medical, financial, and other challenges that are having a severe impact on life in general and not just the aspect of the music business that they’re in.

Then, Daryl Friedman from the Advocacy division of the Recording Academy talks with me, yes, about the Music Modernization Act that they helped get passed into law last year, but also about GRAMMYs on the Hill that takes place this Wednesday as well as District Advocate Day that will happen in October, and just generally being that advocate in our nation’s capital that individuals like those of you who read this blog and listen to NHTE every week wonder who’s making sure your concerns have a voice in Washington, DC.

Put “listen to NHTE 270” on the calendar in your phone right now for Wednesday.  Or, make it easy and click over to this page and tap on the link for your preferred listening platform and just subscribe to the show so that you get the episode downloaded automatically (this and every week).  The Recording Academy is working for you.  This is an opportunity to hear how they are as well as where you fit in – and can get involved!

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