Today is Giving Tuesday. Held annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, the day of generosity has been celebrated globally for the last 12 years.
2020 has not been easy for anyone, but it has been especially difficult for our favorite artists and friends in the music industry. Shows and festivals aren’t coming back any time soon, venues are struggling to keep their doors open, and the light at the end of the tunnel – while it remains – is dim.
If you are looking for ways to support the industry, or you are looking for support as a part of the industry, this article is for you.
Here are just some of the ways you can give back to the community that has given us so much on this Giving Tuesday.
Donate to Local Venues.
Without shows, local venues are struggling to stay on their feet. We’ve seen the tragic closure of classic venues such as the U Street Music Hall in D.C., and many more need our help.
Even sending a few bucks to local venues – like The Riot Room in KC or The Westcott Theater in Syracuse – helps them out while COVID keeps their doors closed.
Share mental health resources for the music industry, like Backline’s support groups or the Association for Electronic Music Artist’s Mental Health Guide.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Backline has established a virtual support group that meets via Zoom.
The Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) launched a mental health guide for people working in the electronic music industry. The guide aims to educate, provide practical support, and further destigmatize the subject of mental health and addiction.
You can also check out this state-by-state COVID Resource Guide from Billboard and share initiatives from your community.
Directly Support Artists, Crews, and Venue Workers.
There are so many ways to support music industry folk directly this Giving Tuesday. Buy some merch. Stream their music on repeat. Watch their Twitch stream. Donate to their Venmo/PayPal/CashApp. Heck, send them a message and ask if you can buy them lunch! This simple gesture could mean more than you know.
While we encourage you to give directly and locally, here are some national music industry non-profits you can support.
MusiCares
MusiCares is the Recording Academy’s philanthropic arm, providing financial assistance, addiction recovery, and health services for the music industry.
Unfortunately, this pandemic has economically devastated the business of music but has equally, if not more, devastated the community’s health and safety. Support will be prioritized to those who are experiencing a medical, dental, mental health, insurance, substance abuse, or eviction crisis.
MusiCares
If you or an artist you know if struggling, email MusiCaresrelief@musicares.org with a brief explanation of their need. To learn more about MusiCares, click here.
Crew Nation
Crew members are the backbone of the live music industry. You can support them through this temporary intermission by giving to Crew Nation, a function of Live Nation.
There’s a matching incentive to give to this fund – Live Nation contributed an initial $5 million to the fund, then matching the next $5 million given by artists, fans and employees dollar for dollar.
If you are someone who makes more than 50% of their normal income from being an artist crew member, live music crew member, or venue crew member, you could be eligible for a one-time $1,000 grant from this initiative. Learn more and apply here.
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Sweet Relief has created a fund specifically for artists who are experiencing medical or financial burdens during the Coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about how you can provide support here.
Most importantly…
Be there for your friends. Music industry or not, we need each other. Sure – the world is a scary place right now, but our communities are still here.
Be kind to each other. Send and spread love and light. The world would not be the same without you.
We will make it out of this together.
And if you’re looking for new music to stream this Giving Tuesday? Keep up with our weekly Spotify Playlist, Fresh Hunts. It’s updated every Friday with all the latest releases. Whether your favorite artists, some old-school, or underground…we just want you to hear it.
