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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.  

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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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Joan Jett

Photo: Courtesy of Gibson

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Joan Jett To Perform On "In My Room" & Auction Signed Guitar To Benefit MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

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The rock and roll icon will deliver a special performance on line Friday, Apr. 24, and has autographed her signature Gibson ES 339 to help MusiCares help music people in need
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
Apr 20, 2020 - 1:20 pm

GRAMMY-nominated rock legend Joan Jett delivered two big-time pieces of good news today. She'll be performing on Rolling Stone's "In My Room" IGTV Music Series this Friday, Apr. 24, and she's auctioning off an autographed signature series Gibson ES 339 electric guitar via CharityBuzz to benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Releif Fund. 

GRAMMYs

Limited Gibson Joan Jett ES 339
Photo: Courtesy of Gibson

The signature series guitar comes after nearly two years of touring research and development between Jett and Gibson, resulting in the stunning hollow body, hand-wired, wine red ES 339 up for auction. The guitar will be produced in a very limited run of just 150 guitars worldwide, and you can bid on this very special autographed item starting today through Friday, May 8 at 3:00pm ET via CharityBuzz, where fans will also have the chance to make a charitable donation to support MusiCares.

Established by the Recording Academy and MusiCares, the COVID-19 Releif Fund to help music creators and professionals affected by the Coronavirus crisis. Thanks to support from various artists, organizations and charites, the fund has raised over $10 million so far, but much more is needed.

MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund

Jett's appearance on "In My Room" will add her name to list of artists who have performed including Brian Wilson, Angélique Kidjo, John Fogerty, Nicole Atkins, Yola and Graham Nash. You can catch her set here on Friday, April 24 at 3:00pm ET. 

Earlier this month, Jett and her band The Blackhearts posted an at-home collaborative performance of her hit "I Hate Myself For Loving You," which earned them a nomination for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal at the 31st GRAMMY Awards for 1988.

To place your bid on the Joan Jett autographed signature Gibson ES 339 here.  

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares. 

 

 

 

TikTok logo

TikTok logo

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

Jerry Garcia performs with the Grateful Dead in 1981

Jerry Garcia performs with the Grateful Dead in 1981

Photo: Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images

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Grateful Dead Announce New 'Shakedown Stream' Online Concert Series, Donations Benefitting MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund

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Every Friday, the series will feature archived live performances and concert films and will include interviews with members of the Dead community
John Ochoa
MusiCares
Apr 8, 2020 - 3:09 pm

Legendary psychedelic rock group Grateful Dead have announced a brand-new weekly online concert series: Shakedown Stream, premiering Friday, April 10, at 8 p.m. EST on the act's YouTube channel. The pioneering jam band will contribute donations from the series to MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

The series, which will stream archived live performances and concert films every Friday, will launch with a live screening of Truckin' Up To Buffalo, a live album and concert film documenting the group's legendary Fourth Of July show in 1989 at Rich Stadium in Buffalo, N.Y. The kickoff event will include a live on-camera interview session with Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux and historian Gary Lambert at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST before the screening. 

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

"We've decided to start the streaming video series with the Buffalo '89 show for a couple of primary reasons," Lemieux said in a statement, according to Rolling Stone. "Its excellence is indisputable and is something that we think pretty much everyone will enjoy in the absence of actually being able to see live concerts; and, as a tribute to the many rabid, loyal Dead Heads from the hard-hit tri-state area, which has been affected more than anywhere else in the country. To all of the Dead Heads in New York State and beyond, this one's for you."

As well, the Shakedown Stream sessions will include live interviews with members of the Dead community before or after the show, according to the band's social media channels. Fans can submit questions for the live Q&A session.

In other Dead news, Dead & Company, the Grateful Dead offshoot led by founding member and former guitarist Bob Weir and seven-time GRAMMY winner John Mayer, recently launched One More Saturday Night, their new free weekly "couch tour" series in which they stream past live performances; the band is helping to raise funds for MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund via the series. 

Dead & Company's previously announced U.S. tour is still scheduled to proceed this summer. 

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