It’s no secret, the hard-working people who provide the soundtrack to Australian life need your help, right now.
Sound Of Silence (SOS) is a national initiative from a Music Industry Taskforce (including the likes of APRA AMCOS, ARIA, Chugg Entertainment, Frontier Touring, Live Nation, Moshtix, Secret Sounds, Music Victoria, among others) that represent our diverse music industry to bring immediate relief for an industry at the existential brink.
The music industry has historically banded together to donate time and money to those in need, as seen recently with bushfire relief efforts – it is always there to lend a helping hand. Now it needs the Australian music-loving public to do the same.
In the hope of alleviate the severe hemorrhaging of income that has come with widespread cancellations of festivals, concerts, shows and local gigs (it’s currently reported to be $200 million), the industry have come up with a number of ways that music fans and the general population can help.
“Artist crew and music workers are facing a bleak and uncertain future and are also some of the most vulnerable with regards to mental wellbeing,” says Clive Miller, CEO of Support Act. “Please help us to support our music workers through this difficult period and help them be in a position to bounce back louder and prouder than ever once the pandemic has passed.”
So, how can you help?
First up, you can visit www.thesoundofsilence.com.au and if you are in a financial position to do so, donate to Support Act – which is a music charity that provides crisis relief services to artists, roadies and music workers who are directly affected during this time.
In the absence of touring, merchandise is the most instant investment you can make into any artists career, you can support by visiting any number of the artists stores directly through the store links on the SOS online superstore, or create an equally lasting connection by purchasing the Sound Of Silence, special custom tee designed by Jack Irvine (Billie Eilish, Skeggs) with all proceeds going to Support Act.
Consider donating your refunds for cancelled shows or a portion of your refund to the venue or Support Act via Sound of Silence (SOS), or you can hang onto your tickets for rescheduled dates. By keeping your ticket, you keep funds in the industry when it is most needed. It also means the artists don’t have to start their marketing campaign all over again therefore saving money and resources in promoting the shows.
Keep streaming and buying Australian music and merchandise – directly from artist websites, through local record stores (online), Bandcamp, Patreon or via your favourite streaming services – Spotify and Apple.
Spread the word – contact your preferred radio station and ask them to play your favourite Aussie artists or write a letter to your local MP.
Don’t forget to reach out to your favourite musician or venue and offer moral support. Or ‘Pay It Forward’ and buy a gift voucher for your favorite artist at their favorite rehearsal, recording or production studio.
If you know any workers affected by the recent event cancellations and postponements, check that they are aware of I Lost My Gig. The latest figures compiled by ilostmygig.net.au (ILMG) continue the alarming trend in lost income for the creative industries. Reported losses now top $200 million reported in just 5 days while reported people directly affected in the industry sits at over 400,000.
And most importantly, when we are able to gather en masse again and share in the power of the live experience, please buy tickets to gigs and go and see your favourite acts.
If we don’t act now the soundtrack to Aussie life will stop and all we will hear is the sound of silence.
