ASCAP, BMI and SESAC contribute to special fund
Performing Rights Organizations (PROs), including the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), and SESAC have announced 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. 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 musicares.org.
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.
“It’s inspiring to see every sector of the music industry band together during a time of need,” shares Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “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.”
“We’re thrilled to see the continued support from organizations to help all the people who were depending on their next gig to make ends meet,” comments Steve Boom, Chair of MusiCares. “There is still much more work to be done, and we hope that those who have supported us will continue to inspire others to do what’s needed for the music industry during this unprecedented time.”
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.
The PROs join a long list of artists and organizations who have contributed to the fund. The Latin Recording Academy; StubHub; Universal Music Group; Warner Music Group; City National Bank; Bill Silva Entertainment; William, Jeff, and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation; George Harrison’s Material World Foundation; the Michael Jackson Estate; Alicia Keys and She Is The Music; Yoshiki Foundation America; The Country Music Association, CMT, and others have all contributed to the cause.
