Hands in the shape of a heart representing MusiCares Covid-19 campaign.
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Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI & SESAC Join In Support Of MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

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Established by the Recording Academy and MusiCares, the fund was created to help all music industry workers in need
MusiCares
Apr 15, 2020 - 9:00 am

Performing Rights Organizations, including the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), and SESAC have announced today that they are contributing to create a special fund as part of the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund to support music creators who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's inspiring to see every sector of the music industry band together during a time of need," said Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, in a statement. "With the help of these latest contributions and the generous donations over the past few weeks, we've been able to garner more than $10 million to provide aid for music people across all genres, crafts and disciplines affected by the coronavirus pandemic. That said, the need is still so great and these times remain critical for music people."

While the COVID-19 Relief Fund was created to help all music industry workers in need, the funds collected from the PROs will be focused on helping their respective songwriters, composers and lyricists. Members and affiliates of each contributing PRO are encouraged to apply for a grant through the COVID-19 relief fund via www.musicares.org.

"Songwriters, composers and lyricists are the backbone of the music industry — not only is their craft vital to our creative culture and so many other businesses, they also help to lift up humanity in moments like these," said Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP. "We thank our fellow PROs for joining together with ASCAP to create and support this specially created fund through MusiCares and the Recording Academy that will provide our music writers with the emergency relief grants they need at this difficult time."

Mike O’Neill, President & CEO of BMI, added, "The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund is an important resource for songwriters and composers, who, like so many, have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. BMI is grateful to be able to contribute to this initiative and help in some small way to ease the financial hardship of music creators during this trying time. We are happy to join ASCAP and SESAC in supporting this vital effort and we thank them, the Recording Academy, and MusiCares for helping all of our writers. The creative community is resilient and will continue to inspire the industry as we get through this together."

Since the fund's establishment in March, with initial seed donations of $1 million each by MusiCares and the Recording Academy, millions more have been raised with the support of numerous partners. However, more is needed to meet the growing demand.

"We recognize the profound impact which the COVID-19 pandemic and state mandated shutdowns are having on songwriters as well as the global music community," said John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC. "We’re pleased to be joining with ASCAP and BMI to support MusiCares' expanded funding in support of songwriter and composer applicants. It’s essential that we do all we can to make sure that our creators have the resources they need to navigate this crisis and continue practicing their craft."

The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund was created by the Recording Academy and MusiCares to provide monetary support to music people in need due to the cancellation of income-generating music events and other industry work opportunities. Beyond the fund, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. 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. The Recording Academy and MusiCares will continue to provide resources to those in need.

If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, visit: https://www.grammy.com/MusiCares/CoronavirusReliefFund

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit: musicares.org.  

Hands in the shape of a heart representing MusiCares Covid-19 campaign.
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MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund Update: Top Music Organizations, Charitable Foundations & More Make Major Donations

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The fund provides financial assistance for music creators and industry professionals affected by the coronavirus pandemic
MusiCares
Mar 31, 2020 - 9:00 am

Support continues to mount for the COVID-19 Relief Fund established by the Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable organization MusiCares. Today the organizations announced a group of top music organizations including the Latin Recording Academy, StubHub, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, City National Bank and Bill Silva Entertainment, and charitable foundations and trusts including the William, Jeff, and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation, George Harrison's Material World Foundation, the Michael Jackson Estate, Alicia Keys and She Is The Music and Yoshiki Foundation America. have made significant contributions to the fund.

"It's incredible to see how many within the music industry have continued to show support for COVID-19 Relief Efforts," said Steve Boom, chair of MusiCares. "The impacts of this virus are very real, as many struggle to know where their next rent payment is coming from, or how next week's groceries are going to be paid for. Our fund is there to help meet those needs as much as it can, and every gesture of support counts."

The MusiCares MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund was created to help music people affected by the pandemic due to the cancellation of income-generating music events and other industry work opportunities. Since the fund's establishment two weeks ago with initial seed donations of $1 million each by MusiCares and the Recording Academy, millions more have been raised with the support of numerous partners. However, more is needed to meet the demand.

"So many people in our community remain in desperate need and many are living day to day whether they are a gigging musician, sound engineer or event logistics person," said Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "We are thrilled that so many in our community are coming forward to support each other and we are grateful for all the organizations who are standing in the gap for music people in need."

Beyond the initial donations, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. 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. The stimulus package has since passed, and includes key provisions and protections that will benefit countless music industry professionals who are struggling in the wake of Coronavirus.

With the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief 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.

If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, visit: www.grammy.com/musicares/coronavirusrelieffund

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit: musicares.org.  

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Photo: Mustafa Murat Kaynak / Anadolu Agency

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TikTok Donates $2 Million To MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund: "We Want To Help Support The Community That Keeps Us Entertained"

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The donation is part of the social media app's larger charity initiative toward COVID-19 relief efforts, which totals to $375 million
John Ochoa
MusiCares
Apr 9, 2020 - 9:32 am

TikTok, the viral video-sharing social media app, is stepping in to support the artist and creative community that thrives on the platform. Today (April 9), the company donated $2 million to MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund, which provides help to the people and professionals in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of multiple music festivals and events and venue closures.

"At TikTok, creativity is our heartbeat. And music is often part of many forms of self-expression that we see on TikTok; often in the background of hilarious moments, cinematic storylines, and for dropping like it's hot," Corey Sheridan, head of music partnerships and content operations for TikTok US, wrote in a statement. "We know that musicians, artists, and those working in the industry have seen countless gigs canceled because of this pandemic. And we want to help support the community that keeps us entertained. Today we donated $2M to MusiCares®, an organization supporting artists, songwriters, technicians, crew, and other music professionals whose livelihoods have been severely impacted as a result of cancelled performances and work. While we know this won't replace being on tour, we hope it can help working artists and music industry professionals through this challenging time."

Read: Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund

The donation is part of TikTok's larger charity initiative toward COVID-19 relief efforts, which includes $250 million in cash contributions to aid healthcare workers and their needs; diverse communities, including musicians, artists, nurses, educators, and families; and education and creative professionals, including educators, professional experts and nonprofits. 

TikTok is also donating $125 million worth of advertising credits on the platform, which includes $100 million in ad credits for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as well as $25 million in prominent in-feed ad space to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), health sources and local authorities who are informing users on important health issues and practices related to the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. 

Altogether, TikTok's coronavirus aid donations total a whopping $375 million. 

Read: Pickathon's 60 Concerts in 60 Days: Margo Price, Drive-By Truckers, Tank And The Bangas, Ex Hex & More

"COVID-19 is giving all of us a new perspective, and in the face of this unprecedented crisis, we are collectively seeking moments of joy and inspiration," TikTok President Alex Zhu said in a statement. "Sometimes that means dancing and having fun where we can. Sometimes that means experiencing the comfort and warmth that comes through simple human connection in the face of adversity. The TikTok community is uplifting one another, caring for one another, and lending a hand to one another. This may be a serious time, but on TikTok it can still be joyful – and deeply inspiring. 

"We are committed to playing our part in that global outpouring of mutual support and giving. We want to magnify all we are seeing across our community and translate it into concrete relief for those most affected by this crisis."

Since the coronavirus pandemic virtually shut down the global concert and live events industry in early March, TikTok has become a go-to resource for musicians and artists to connect with fans experiencing isolation and social distancing. Several major artists, including Alicia Keys, Megan Thee Stallion, Dolly Parton and many others, have taken to TikTok to host digital at-home concerts and other various online projects. Teens and young users, for their part, are using TikTok to cope with the coronavirus pandemic and to create unique self-isolation content.

TikTok itself has launched its own digital initiatives to help users deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, including the #HappyatHome: Live! livestreaming series and the newly launched Live Sessions series in the U.K.

MusiCares COVID-19 Fund: MCR's Frank Iero, Rita Wilson & Naughty By Nature, Ellie & Drew Holcomb & More Support With Livestreams & Beyond

Hands in the shape of a heart representing MusiCares Covid-19 campaign.
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Major Streaming Services And Tech Companies Join MusiCares In Support Of COVID-19 Relief Fund

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Amazon Music, Facebook, SiriusXM and Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, and YouTube Music announce generous contributions to MusiCares' coronavirus relief fund
MusiCares
Mar 24, 2020 - 9:00 am

In a bold statement of unity within the music industry, leading music streaming and tech companies Amazon Music, Facebook, SiriusXM and Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, and YouTube Music have announced today they are contributing to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund to support music industry workers in need.

"The music community is in great need so The Recording Academy greatly appreciates the collective support and emergency aid that this coalition of music industry and tech leaders has provided," said Harvey Mason jr, Recording Academy Interim President/CEO. "We hope these partnerships inspire other organizations to stand behind the music community in this time of great uncertainty. We continue to encourage our peers to embrace the collaborative power of music and to support impacted industry professionals in both trying and good times."

The COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to provide monetary support to the thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have been most affected by the Coronavirus pandemic due to the unprecedented cancellation of music events and work opportunities. 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.

Beyond the initial donations, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. 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. Further updates and announcements regarding additional partnerships will be announced in the coming days.

If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, visit: https://www.grammy.com/MusiCares/CoronavirusReliefFund

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit: musicares.org.  

 

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Photo: Madison Lavern/Unsplash

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11 Meditation Apps To Help You Get Calm & Centered During Quarantine & Beyond

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With more time at home and a lot of craziness in the outside world, it's a great to build healthy habits—here's some apps to help you find a meditation practice that works for you
Ana Monroy Yglesias
MusiCares
Apr 7, 2020 - 5:23 pm

With the normal flow of life upended for most of us at the moment, you may be finding yourself with more time on your hands and perhaps a bit more stress or anxiety, given all the new uncertainty in our lives and the world around us. One of the silver-linings of quarantine is a lot of our routines and habits are getting a big-old reset. If you are looking for tools to help you stay calm during these crazy times, and new habits to bring into your life, meditation may be a good place to start.

There are a lot of styles and approaches to meditation, but the basics involve building awareness around your breath and checking in with your mind and body. It can involve music, can be guided by a meditation teacher and can even involve visuals. There are plenty of mobile apps out there to help you find a style that works best for you, as well as a guide you towards a less-stressful daily flow. Read on to learn what 13 popular meditation apps can offer you, and at what price (many offer free trials to give you an idea if you want to commit).

1. Calm (iOS & Android apps)

One-week free trial as well as limited-access free version; Premium costs $70/year

Calm is currently the top-rated app in the Health & Fitness category in the Apple App Store and is loved by its many users for its themed daily meditations, sleep stories and calming music library. Much of the meditations, which are typically about 10 minutes, are guided by meditation teacher/musician/writer Tamara Levitt, who brings inspiring quotes and real-world lessons into each session. In addition to the rotating daily meditation, the app offers many more on-demand meditations around practical themes like confidence, soothing pain, reducing anxiety and even training your mind with with Lebron James. For help relaxing and falling asleep, calming music collections from Moby, Sigur Rós, Sam Smith add flair to a packed library of nature sounds and celebrity-narrated bedtime stories. The sleep stories are great for all ages; Calm also offers meditations tailored for kids and teens, if you have young ones at home.

2. Headspace (iOS & Android apps)

One-week free trial as well as limited-access free version; Plus costs $70/year or $13/month

With cute animations and tailored meditations to your goals, Headspace is another hugely popular meditation app. Similar to Calm, they also offer meditations centered around themes like reducing anxiety and stress, as well as sleep-focused stories, meditations and music. The biggest difference between the two apps seem to be the approach, with Headspace being more goal-oriented and less rooted in Eastern philosophies like Buddhism. They also offer a special section for kids.

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3. INSCAPE (iOS app)

One-week free trial; $10/month or $59/year

As explained by Oprah Magazine, the Inscape Studio in New York City is filled with "sound and smellscapes designed to instantly transport its members to tranquility," with the app bringing their ethos to your home. In addition to offering guided meditations and sleep offerings personalized to your needs, Oprah Mag highlights their unique playlists, with short, melodic meditations to address "Tinder Troubles," "Overcoming Your Fears" or to get into a productive "Study Chill" mode.

4. Insight Timer (iOS & Android apps & online platform)

Many free meditations, plus one-week free trial for MemberPlus, which costs $60/year

Insight Timer has an extensive free offering (40,000 free meditations!) and gives its users access to guided meditations and deep-dive mindfulness courses from mindfulness teachers around the world, like Elizabeth Gilbert and davidji. The platform also offers an extensive calming music collection, including mantras and recordings from musicians around the world as well. You can follow the people whose offerings you love and find content aimed at beginners, kids, for sleep and more, meaning it's easy to find exactly what you need.

5. Meditation Studio (iOS & Android apps)

Some free meditations; Premium (iOS only) is $50/year or $8/month. Limited Android app is $4 (one-time cost)

Meditation Studio is all about ensuring your meditations are exactly what you need, with themed collections and customizable open-ended ones. For the latter, you choose your duration, background music and the sounds that will open and close the unguided sit. The extensive collections are grouped by practical themes like eating ("Mindful Eating Practice" and "Love Your Body"), calm ("Releasing Anxiety" and "Slow Down") and creativity ("Fire Your Inner Critic" and "Make Space").

6. Mesmerize – Visual Meditation (iOS app)

Free three-day trial; $60/year

Mesmerize offers something totally different from the rest of the apps—trippy, kaleidoscope-esqe visuals to sooth you and meditate with. As their website explains, their approach is based in the Focused-Attention meditation technique. Like many of the other apps we've mentioned, they offer guided meditations for stress, sleep and more, but instead of closing your eyes, you keep them open and softly focused on the paired visuals. Citing scientific research, they claim this method helps with cognitive performance and other brain functions. The app also offers "psycho-acoustic music" tailored to relaxation.

7. Oprah & Deepak's 21-Day Meditation Experience (iOS & Android apps & online platform)

Current series is free; past courses are available for purchase

A powerhouse inspiration and mindfulness team, Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra have been offering 21-day mediation courses for years now. With their mobile apps and online platform, they offer free access to several series a year for those who follow along. If you miss it or want to dive into one of their past offerings, they offer each for purchase á la carte, for yourself or as a gift. Their current offering, which you can join for free now, is incredibly timely, called Finding Hope in Uncertain Times. Each day comes with an audio mediation clip, opened by Oprah and led by Chopra, paired with journal prompts to help you dive into the daily theme and mantra.

8. Shine (iOS & Android apps)

One-week free trial plus limited free content; Premium costs $54/year

Shine is female-founded app is aimed at helping users manage and reduce stress and anxiety. The "Daily Shine" serves up short, tailored meditations and paired in-app journal prompts to check in with yourself and add some calm each day. In addition to more on-demand meditations, the premium version allows you to look back at your journals and check-ins to track your moods and connects users with a community to support each other through the journey. Shine is also offering a free coronavirus anxiety toolkit online.

9. Simple Habit (iOS & Android apps)

One-week free trial, plus some free content, $12 monthly, $90 annually

Simple Habit, was created by Silicon Valley's Yunha Kim for people who are "too busy" to meditate. With meditations ranging from one to 20 minutes, this app focusing on quick breathers to help you find a moment of stillness and breathing in your packed schedule. The meditations, the majority of which are just five minutes, are broken up into practical topics like reducing work anxiety, one minute breaks, falling asleep and even moving on after a breakup.

10. Smiling Mind (iOS app & online platform)

FREE

Not only is Smiling Mind completely free (they're an Aussie non-profit org), it is designed by psychologists and educators with "evidence-based" meditations tailored for kids and schools as well as adults and workplaces. They have recently launched the "Thrive Inside" program to help combat the stresses many of us are facing specific to the coronavirus quarantine.

11. Ten Percent Happier (iOS & Android apps)

One-week free trial, plus limited free content, Membership is $100/year

The Ten Percent Happier app was created by Dan Harris, who wrote a New York Times Best-selling book with the same name six years ago. The app, like the book, hopes to show people that meditation can be for everyone, even those who "get fidgety just thinking about it," as their website explains. The app connects you with world-renown meditation leaders like Anushka Fernandopulle and Sharon Salzberg, to teach you how to meditate.  In response to the COVID-19 crisis, they are also offering the Free Coronavirus Sanity Guide, as well as free app access for health care professionals—to share with anyone who could benefit.

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