Remote (Controlled) Pt. 3

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Remote (Controlled): The Recording Academy’s Guide To Making Your Livestreams Look And Sound Good

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In the third and final installment of the three-part webinar series, musicians and engineers reveal how to make your livestreamed performance shine
Morgan Enos
Membership
Feb 11, 2021 - 1:08 pm

If you’ve been following the Recording Academy Producers and Engineers Wing’s dynamic new virtual webinar series, Remote (Controlled), you now have a solid foundation as to how to record music at home and work remotely with a producer and engineer. (And if you’re new to the series, be sure to catch up before you continue!) With those two videos under your belt, now you’re ready to share a livestream performance that looks and sounds fantastic—not a tinny, blurry nightmare from your bathtub or dining room table. 

For this third and final episode of Remote (Controlled), the P&E Wing pulled out all the stops, congregating musicians, engineers and technologists to help viewers navigate complicated software and make clean, classy, camera-toggling videos to remember.

After a brief introduction from P&E Wing Senior Managing Director Maureen Droney, the clip begins in earnest with a sobering juxtaposition that illustrates our changing musical landscape. A nest of onstage cables gives way to devices now familiar to anyone making online audio content: a condenser mic, an Mbox, a ring light. Then, Greg Carter of Black Fret—an Austin-based membership-based community of art patrons that provides grants for artists—explains how the Zoom-based musical landscape has improved since the pandemic began.

Read More: How Do I Record My Own Music? The Recording Academy's Brand-New "Remote (Controlled)" Series Is Here To Help

With improved technology often comes a hit to the wallet, though. You might be wondering: Doesn’t livestreaming require a litany of fancy tech upgrades? Not necessarily, as the video’s participants point out—and the first software you should reach for is free and open-source.

OBS Studio lets you stream easily on Windows, Mac and Linux. And to guide you through the learning curve, a tutorial for the software appears in this video. Chris Shaw, the committee co-chair of the Texas Chapter of the P&E Wing, is your guide through this process.

But how does livestreaming work when you’re a band, not a solo artist? Meet David and Joseph Dunwell, the guitarist/vocalist and lead singer of English pop-rock outfit The Dunwells. The brothers recall how they had to act quickly and decisively when COVID hit, grabbing equipment from their studio and setting up a livestream directly to their Facebook page. Then, their evolution accelerated when they discovered StreamYard, which allows for cross-platform streaming. 

Afterward, StreamYard’s Head of Marketing Dana Bentz joins a conversation with Shaw and singer/songwriter and Texas Chapter P&E Wing committee co-chair Lisa Morales. The video concludes with a demo from Austin musician Roger Blevins about making those grid-based, "Hollywood Squares"-style, one-man-band videos for a compelling visual experience. As he underlines, you don’t need a $4,000 computer or a cutting-edge smartphone—you just need time, persistence and imagination to make a superb livestream that sticks out from the rest. 

Check out the third episode of Remote (Controlled) above and read a list of the equipment mentioned below.

EQUIPMENT:
Used by Joe Barrelas McGonigel’s Mucky Duck (venue):
OBS software
DSLR
iPad, iPhones, Macbook Pro
Ida PTZ cameras
Avapass controller
Custom-built computer
Midas PRO1 house sound and monitors (matrix out for streaming)

Used by Chris Shaw (OBS Demo)
Webcam: Logitech C920
iPhone 7S
Microphone: AKG 414 UBS
Interface: Behringer UMC204HD

Used by The Dunwells:
StreamYard.com
Behringer UMC22 interface, Beringer UMC404HD interface
AKG studio K240 studio headphones Rode NT1 mic
AKG 214 mic
Taylor acoustic
Fender electric
Surface Go laptop
Macbook Pro laptop

Used by Roger Blevins:
Hardware: Mac MIni, UA Apollo interfaces, Canon M50, Canon T2i, Canon T5i, USB 3.0 HDMI capture card, pedal webcams, MIDI pedal
Software: Ecamm Live, Logic, Loopback, UA Midi Control, MidiPipe

Used by Jon Muq:
iPhone

Options for Streaming:
Zoom, StreamYard, YouTube, Blackmagic, Restream

Streaming Set Up Requirements

1. Bandwidth is the most important thing you need to have good audio and video quality. Plug an ethernet cable from your internet router to your laptop/desktop or perform as close to the wifi router as possible. Ask everyone to stay off the internet during your shows.

2. Video quality Built-in laptop cameras don’t have great resolution. Use a USB HD webcam or phone as it will give much better video quality. Good lighting is important.

3. Configure Audio Settings on Zoom Turn off original sound, choose the input device you are using, suppress background noise to "low," leave echo cancellation on "auto" and select "high fidelity music mode."

4. Backing tracks Use two laptops for best results (see link below for more best practices).

For detailed Zoom instructions, click here.

Remote (Controlled): The Recording Academy’s Guide To Recording Music Remotely With A Producer & Engineer

Remote (Controlled) Pt. 1

Courtesy of The Recording Academy on Facebook

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How Do I Record My Own Music? The Recording Academy's Brand-New "Remote (Controlled)" Series Is Here To Help

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In the first installment of our three-part webinar series, "Remote (Controlled)," studio professionals break down what you'll need to record at home—from preamps to pop filters to the best set of headphones
Morgan Enos
GRAMMYs
Jan 28, 2021 - 3:00 pm

​If you're a budding musician or producer, there will come a day when you realize it's time to step up your game. When you've poured thousands of hours into your craft, substandard audio won't cut it. To transfer your creations to a stranger's ears cleanly, you're going to need quality, affordable gear and a little bit of know-how.

That's where our brand-new "Remote (Controlled)" series is here to help. Launching today, the three-part virtual webinar series from the Recording Academy's Membership team reveals the ins-and-outs of home recording. Our first episode, premiering below, consists of two conversations with our Producers & Engineers Wing members. P&E Senior Managing Director Maureen Droney introduces the series; Washington, D.C. Chapter P&E Committee co-chairs Dan Merceruio and Carolyn Malachi lead the conversations.

In the first half of the hour-long clip, recording engineer Jake Vicious and multi-instrumentalist/producer Asha Santee discuss how to record acoustic percussion instruments, such as Cajon, bongos, and shaker. Helpfully, the pair doesn't bombard the viewer with technical jargon but rather starts with the basics: Get yourself a decent interface, microphone, cables, mic stand, a MIDI keyboard (if you need one) and a DAW (digital audio workstation) such as Logic Pro X or Pro Tools.

Whether you're an absolute beginner or already know a thing or two about recording, the discussion abounds with helpful tips, from measuring mic distance by making a hang-ten symbol to the differences between dynamic and condenser mics. (Bonus: The tips and tricks featured in the video also apply to audio for podcasting.) Because it's a lighthearted chat between friends rather than a dry dissertation, the pair illuminates and clarifies what can be a confusing subject.

"I think it's really awesome for artists to understand what happens with sound and the equipment that they use inside of studios—just so they're aware," Santee remarks at one point while adjusting a noisy condenser mic. "When situations like this happen, we know what to do."

The second half consists of an exchange between singer/songwriter and Howard University student Samiyah Muhammad and producer-engineer Marcus Marshall. While Vicious and Santee are seasoned professionals, Muhammad has a bare-bones setup—VTech headphones, a Blue Yeti USB mic and a MacBook Air loaded up with GarageBand.

Read More: Remote (Controlled): The Recording Academy’s Guide To Making Your Livestreams Look And Sound Good

With a breezy, supportive air, Marshall encourages her to research more advanced DAWs on the market. "I always suggest for people that are getting into recording to kind of try all of them and see which one works best for you," he explains. "For the most part, all of them will get you to your end result. It really just depends on what you like, what you prefer, and what some of the workflows are." Marshall also offers tips about using pop filters, eliminating background noise, and communicating with engineers to avoid headaches during the mixing and mastering processes.

"Remote (Controlled)" teaches everyday people to explore the tools at their disposal and make what might seem like a tedious act a creative opportunity. "This is great; this is great!" Santee exclaims at one point while pointing a cardioid mic at a pair of bongos. "I already feel empowered and like I'm going to get a better sound this time. Let's give it another shot!"

See below for a resource guide containing every device and system mentioned in this week's episode of "Remote (Controlled)."

Equipment Checklist

  • Microphone(s)
    • e.g. Neumann TLM 103, Sony C100, Manley Reference Cardioid, Peluso 22 251, etc.
    • Budget-friendly Recs: Shure SM58, Aston Spirit, Aston Origin, Rode NT1-A, Blue Microphones, Sennheiser MK
  • Pop Filter (Optional, but highly recommended for recording vocals)
    • Especially for condenser mics
    • e.g. Stedman Proscreen XL
  • Audio Interface 
    • e.g. Universal Audio Apollo Twin, M-Audio Fast Track, etc.
  • Headphones
    • ​Recommended: Closed-back headphones (rather than open-back), especially ones made for studio recording (rather than for listening experience, which may be EQ'd differently)
    • Look to companies like Shure, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, AKG etc.
  • Studio Monitors (Optional)
  • Cables
    • e.g. XLR cables, 1/4-inch cables, etc.
  • DAW (Digital Audio Workstations)
    • ​e.g. Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Presonus Studio One 5 Prime (free), etc.
  • VST Plugins (Optional)
    • ​e.g. Native Instruments Komplete, etc.

Best Practices

  1. Make yourself comfortable in your space: That is how you will get your best work
  2. Find the sound sweet spot in your room. (If possible, have somebody play while you listen around the room for the best sound.)
  3. Know what kind of mic you're using and what it is typically used for; this could affect how you choose to position your mic. (Mic types: Condenser, Cardioid, Omnidirectional, etc.)
  4. Spend time with mic placement: If you don't like what you hear, move the mic—placement is key
  5. Name your tracks before you record
  6. Name your sessions in a way that gives you or somebody else a lot of information (find suggested naming conventions in the Producers & Engineers Wing's "Recommendation for Delivery of Recorded Music Projects") 
  7. Identify and eliminate environmental noise (AC, heater, television, maybe even loud jewelry, etc.) while recording

Room Treatments

  1. The biggest problems in your studio are sources of reflection (parallel walls)
  2. What can help:
    • Foam panels (cost-effective)
    • Diffusers

Delivery

  • Best session notes are detailed
    • Mic/instrument/placement (i.e. "Track 1-TLM 103, Cajon, front")
  • Know your engineer's specifications (what their sample rates are)
  • Send .wav files, don't send MP3s

TRUST YOUR EAR!

  • Do a rough mix so the engineer has a sense of how you want it to sound

Remote (Controlled): The Recording Academy’s Guide To Recording Music Remotely With A Producer & Engineer

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Amythyst Kiah press photo

Amythyst Kiah

Photo: Anna Hedges

 
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Roots Musician Amythyst Kiah: From An Awkward Hobbyist To A GRAMMY-Nominated Professional

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Singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah, who was nominated for Best American Roots Song at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards in 2020, discusses her beginnings and how she found a community in the Recording Academy
Membership
Feb 11, 2021 - 11:40 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its Membership to reflect on their career journeys, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, GRAMMY-nominated roots singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah shares her open letter with GRAMMY.com readers.

I have been a professional musician for 10 years. Over that time, I have had to reframe my relationship with music. What was once a personal escape within the confines of my bedroom now connects me to people all over the world.

As a child, I was riddled with anxiety and uncertainty, but when I would listen to music, I would feel a vastness—a spiritual transcendence that I could not explain. I was at peace. As I got older, I realized that I was, in fact, meditating before I even knew what that was. My suburban family home was full of music; my dad was an audiophile and my mother was happy to indulge him. Because of them, I grew a powerful connection to music and was able to turn to it for comfort when my anxiety was too much.

One of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me (besides life, of course) was my late 80’s Fender acoustic guitar. I was 13 when the social anxiety really started to set in, and playing guitar and writing were the only ways I felt comfortable expressing myself.

In my early 20’s, I learned the history of culture and roots music and started performing old-time string band music at East Tennessee State University. It was during this time that I learned that I was able to affect people with music in the same way that it affected me. With that realization came a responsibility that I wasn't ready for, but I jumped in anyway. I am grateful to my father (my mother has long since passed away) for being there for me as I struggled to tackle my anxieties and fears and transform into a performer.

I am also grateful for the Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country Music program and my professors who believed in what I was doing and gave me the skills needed to become the performer that I am today.

I used to think that I couldn’t have that feeling of peace that I felt as a child while also feeling a sense of community with others. However, after much emotional work on my part as an adult, I learned that there is a way to maintain that sense of peace and inspiration and still be of the world. Being part of a community, working together to forge relationships and help each other create and grow are crucial for us to flourish as individuals.

This is what I aim to do within the Recording Academy. Now that I am (literally) a card-carrying member as of this month, I can only say that the nervous, awkward girl from before would never have imagined this. Musically, I tend to live in a bubble and have not kept up with the current state of music until recently. I am quite green within the music industry and am excited for this incredible opportunity to learn from others.

I look forward to contributing to this community and the fans who love and support our work!

GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a: Creating Music With Your Authenticity And Finding Your Voice

GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a

Kalani Pe'a

Photo: Antonio Agosto

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GRAMMY-Winning Singer/Songwriter And Producer Kalani Pe'a: Creating Music With Your Authenticity And Finding Your Voice

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Two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kalani Pe'a offers advice to fellow indie artists on remaining authentic, engaging with fans online and generating income and grants during the pandemic
Membership
Feb 2, 2021 - 9:41 am

In a brand-new editorial series, the Recording Academy has asked its Membership to reflect on their career journeys, the current state of the music industry and what we can do to collectively and positively move forward in the current social climate. Below, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian singer/songwriter Kalani Pe'a shares his open letter with GRAMMY.com readers. 

When we hear the word "authenticity," we think of traditional, something new or original. We automatically assume the word exemplifies one's creativity—someone who is innovative, unique and different from the rest. I'm all about that and much more. I'm not the typical Hawaiian slack key or 'ukulele artist most people expect me to be. I am a singer who speaks Hawaiian fluently, dressed in sequin blazers and Hawaiian print bowties, singing Hawaiian, contemporary and soul music. I also do Motown in Hawaiian if I had to, because I can as a modern, two-time GRAMMY-winning Hawaiian musician.

As an independent musician who is the co-founder and CEO of Pe'a Records & Entertainment, I am proud to own all of my music. I am my own label, publishing and entertainment company. My husband, Allan B. Cool, is also the co-founder and CEO of our company. We do everything on our own. We own all publishing rights to my music and we operate our own label. I answer to no one other than my husband. 

Allan is also a two-time GRAMMY-winning co-producer on my debut and sophomore albums. I am an independent singer/songwriter who won two GRAMMY awards, making history as the first Native Hawaiian to win a GRAMMY award with my debut album, E Walea, in 2017 in the Best Regional Roots Music category. I made history again winning another GRAMMY award in 2019 with my sophomore album, No 'Ane'i. 

But it's not about the history-making. It's not about the accolades. The awards don't define the true you. Awards shouldn't be able to demonstrate the person you've become. It's about making and creating music, arranging songs, finding a safe spot or space at home and jotting down lyrics and arranging music. The Recording Academy, and winning GRAMMY awards as a Hawaiian, contemporary and soul artist, has given me the opportunity to network and build relationships with thousands of members in the Academy: musicians, songwriters, producers and engineers at the Academy's functions, especially when we celebrate once a year at the GRAMMY Awards in L.A. 

The GRAMMYs gave me a full-time job as a touring musician. I am a devoted member, and I love to listen and network with all types of musicians, music-makers and creators around the world. This pandemic has really affected many of us, where all of our shows and concerts got cancelled. We really had to learn to save or generate income in order to survive. 

The questions came to mind: How are you paying for your mortgage? Other household bills? Food? Or medical bills? If I've lost shows, what do I do next? How will I survive as a multi-GRAMMY-winning, full-time touring musician during this crisis?

I had to plan a "horizon scanning" concept. Meaning, I had to plan out goals for the entire year. Some may be short-term or long-term, but these were goals that help me reflect and embrace what was truly in my reach. I panicked for a bit, but I had to collect my fears, throw them in a bottle and send that bottle away across the ocean and hopefully never see those fears return to me. 

My life as a GRAMMY-winning artist changed forever. I left a full-time teaching job five years ago to live my dreams. During this crisis, I am applying for numerous COVID-19 relief grants and cultural, competitive and music grants to help me stay afloat as a musician. I have applied to grants to help me start my third solo project, coming out later in 2021, so that I have monies to start music video content and other digital marketing content. I don't come from any label. I have to work harder as an indie artist. The struggle is real, but I am doing my best to continue to create music each day. 

I am ready to tour again and sell out shows across Hawai'i, the West and East Coast of the U.S. and Japan. I look forward to performing in Europe in the upcoming years, sharing Hawaiian language and music across the globe. I encourage all music creators to continue finding your voice: Share it through songwriting and arranging new music. Never give up.

I encourage artists to apply for COVID-19 relief funds and grants. If you get denied the first round, never give up on these grants. There are performing arts centers who truly believe in your gift. Share and speak about it. Do grants first then loans as the last resort. When the grants for music are out there, dive into it. Prepare 3-4 hours out of the day to apply for them and also gather your best work as supportive documents. I am also uploading new and old content on all social media platforms every day. 

Whether we're stuck at home, continuously post something on social media about your music. Post a blog, an old pic, some new material, some teasers for upcoming music or projects, a piece of bread or something you drank on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Consistently post any content, whether about music or family, during this pandemic and be engaging with your audience. Do Live feeds and talk about your music creation, sing a song or two. I was honored to have done a few Live performances. 

I am that type of musician that doesn't ask for donations or has a personal Venmo or PayPal. Every musician has their own goals and objectives when it comes to making a living. Some musicians play in bars or hotels on Maui and others are touring musicians like me. What I've done the last few months was host a 30-minute to 1-hour show. The first show was last May where I sang some of my original compositions and I had a donation link that went directly to the Alzheimer's Association. My grandmother, who turned 90 in November, suffers from Alzheimer's disease. I try my best to donate a part of my concert proceeds to the association to take care of our kupuna (elders) and their caregivers. 

My second online show was 1 hour in June, and I gave away prizes. I had local businesses and entrepreneurs, who are makers, creators and bakers of Hawai'i, donate their "art" to me, and I gave it away as prizes. Thousands tuned in and were anxious to win. I did this to build a collaboration with local businesses who are the face of Maui and Hawai'i altogether. I wanted to support the businesses during these trying times. It brought awareness to these local brands in a time like this. Many have moved to all online shopping.

Kalani Pe'a: "Music Saved My Life"

We musicians have bills to pay, so how do we stay relevant? Social media and digital marketing are important resources to stay relevant as a working musician. Get on all platforms, from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok. The audiences and target audiences vary from each platform, but engage with your audience. You have fans all over the world if you're a recording artist. Start a website, update your website or create a Wiki page. On social media, you can post 50 times a day, but consistently share your work. 

We are indie artists. We are our own label. We do everything on our own and we don't have the support like artists do with big labels. We need to be creative and authentic in our own way as indies, as music-makers, creators and shakers of today. Continue creating and making music. Our music is our medicine. The world needs that medicine during this time. Let's heal the world with our creation of music, being ourselves as the music-makers while building "bridges," not "walls" or "cages," around the world. 

Also, know your value. If Live performances on social media is what you're good at, do it. I personally refuse to have a PayPal or Venmo link; however, it's up to you as a musician. Everyone has different goals. Know your value and surround yourself with likeminded and valuable people. If you already sell $100 tickets for your shows, why do a free online concert? 

Think of strategies on how to earn your income during this pandemic. Will you create an online ticketing show? Will you have a donation link set up and sell merchandise online? Or will you help other local businesses thrive by doing gift giveaways during your little online show? 

Be the voice during this pandemic. Continue making music. Focus on value. Be authentic. Never change your sound. Never allow anyone to define your success as an indie artist and be you. 

Learn more about Kalani Pe'a and his music.

For info on grant-writing for musicians and COVID-19 relief funds for artists and musicians, visit Kalani Pe'a's official Facebook page.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Membership.

Producer & Engineer Gena Johnson: How To Create Total Harmony In A Recording Session

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Photo by: Giuseppe Greco/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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Resources for Music Creators & Professionals Affected By COVID-19: Asia, Europe & The U.K.

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The Recording Academy is committed to sharing resources to the global community of music creators and professionals affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic
GRAMMYs
Mar 23, 2020 - 5:11 pm

In the current coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, music creators and many of the professionals who support them have been greatly affected. The Recording Academy is committed to creating, amplifying, and sharing resources that will provide some form of comfort.

While The Academy’s MusiCares has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund available as a safety net for music creators in need, below you will find resources available to those in the music community who live in Asia, Europe and United Kingdom.
 

GRAMMYs

ASIA

Hong Kong Arts Development Council
The organization has increased its support for the Arts & Cultural Sector to HK$55 million to help relieve the financial burden of the arts sector during this difficult period. Information on how to apply is on the org’s website.

Singapore Sets up Funding for Arts and Culture Sector amid COVID-19 Outbreak 
About S$1.6 million will be set aside for the arts and culture sector as part of support for the community amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and to prepare the sector for “post-disease recovery.”

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EUROPE

BELGIUM

Flanders Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Self-employed persons and assistants in the main occupation and assisting spouses who have to stop their activity due to the corona virus can receive financial benefits.

Wallonia-Brussels Federation
Information on aid for artists negatively impacted by event and job cancellations and/or postponements related to COVID-19.

FINLAND

Finnish Foundations and Ministry Provide Millions In Emergency Aid For Cultural Sector in Distress
A number of large Finnish foundations, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) are working together to grant swift assistance to arts and culture professionals who have been hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak. Funding totaling approximately EUR 1.5 million will be apportioned during April via the Arts Promotion Centre (Taike). Foundations will also grant significant sums in aid through their own channels.

FRANCE

Institut Français COVID-19 Resources
This French institute, that promotes French culture abroad, while promoting artistic exchanges and dialogue between cultures, has compiled several available resources for French artists and those employed in cultural sectors.

French Government’s Measures for Temporary Workers and Employees in the Cultural Sector
Muriel Pénicaud, Minister of Labor, and Franck Riester, Minister of Culture, have announced exceptional measures to support intermittent workers and employees in the cultural sector in the context of the health crisis.

Pays de la Loire Region Coronavirus Emergency Plan
This €50 million plan would be devoted to supporting the local economy --- €25 million in immediately available credits in the form of existing support systems and €25 million in new measures and credits, including €2 million in support of cultural and sports associations. The Pays de la Loire covers the area to the south of Brittany and Normandy, along the lower stretches of the river Loire.

French Government Containment System Certifications
On March 16, 2020, the French Government decided to take measures to minimize contact and travel. “A containment system has been in place since Tuesday, March 17 at 12:00 p.m., for a minimum of fifteen days. Travel is prohibited except in the following cases and only if you have a certificate for: 1.) Move from home to work when telework is not possible 2.) Make essential purchases in authorized local shops 3.) Go to a health professional 4.) Travel for child care or to help vulnerable people, or for a compelling family reason, duly justified, on the strict condition of respecting barrier gestures 5.) Exercise only on an individual basis, around the home and without any gathering. Violations of these rules without a certificate will be punished with a fine of 135 euros.”

GERMANY

GEMA Corona Aid Fund
The German performance rights organization has created a $43 million fund for composers, lyricists, music publishers and songwriter members negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on how one is personally affected, members can apply for transitional aid of up to EUR 5,000.

The Luxembourg Government – COVID-19 Efforts
The Ministry of The Economy has established a website and hotline for information and recommendations for businesses

Queer Relief (Berlin) 
Created by the queer community in Berlin, this application was created to help offer support for those who are vulnerable to COVID-19. Applicants who are on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, womxn, sex workers, refugees, and other marginalized individuals (i.e. BiPoC) will receive priority.

Petition: Help for Freelancer and Artists during the Corona Shutdown
This petition seeks to urge Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz immediate financial help for freelancers and people from the creative scene, for example in the form of “1.) Non-bureaucratic bridging money, for example in the form of a temporary (unconditional) basic income 2.) Aid fund to quickly compensate for lost income, e.g. connected to the artists' social security fund (but expressly NOT limited to its members, since all freelancers are equally affected) and 3.) A short-time work benefit, in which the net income from the last available tax assessment is based on a monthly support payment by the tax offices.”

ITALY

Petition: Appeal for Urgent Support For Show Business Workers
Fondazione Centro Studi Doc has set up this Change.org petition advocating Italy’s President and government to extend immediate emergency relief to the artistic community

POLAND

Poland’s Culture Promotion Fund
Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage is offering social assistance from The Culture Promotion Fund can be obtained by artists who are in a difficult financial situation.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need To Do
The UK Government has set up a webpage offering information on financial support, school and business closures, small business support, and health related updates.

UK Tax Helpline for Businesses
New Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) helpline launched to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Help Musicians Health and Welfare Support
Help Musicians’ Health and Welfare team offers structured support to professional musicians in times of personal crisis. Their approach is “person-centered; building tailored support around an individual’s specific needs.” Help Musicians is unable to replace lost earnings. But they are able to provide financial support in cases of significant financial hardship as well as signposting for debt/welfare-related issues. The organization also provides financial assistance for health interventions and access to music specialist health assessments for performance-related health issues. Applicants who live in the United Kingdom who have savings that do not exceed £16,000 (rare exceptions may be made; for example, the limit is a higher £20,000 for retirees) should apply.

Music Venue Trust
Emergency legal advice for music venues. The organization allows every venue in the country to access free legal and expert advice on licensing, planning, development, noise, and even tenancy issues.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Musicians
Incorporated Society of Musicians has compiled an online resource hub for performers, music professionals, private and employed music teachers.

Musicians’ Union Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice
Find advice and read latest news on Coronavirus for musicians

Association of Independent Promoters
The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) is a new not for profit trade association bringing together independent promoters from across the UK. Our aim is to represent, empower and provide a vital support network to promoters.

Petition: UK Government to offer economic assistance to the events industry during COVID-19
For the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.

Petition: Temporary Income Protection Fund
This Change.org petition is asking the government to create a Temporary Income Protection Fund to support freelancers through the Coronavirus crisis. The idea is for a time-limited, targeted injection of funds to keep businesses afloat over the coming months and cover basic income costs like food and rent.

Scottish Government COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The Scottish government has announced a £350m fund for councils, charities, businesses and community groups. Roughly £45 million will be added to the existing Scottish Welfare Fund which makes community grants and crisis grants to those in immediate need. In addition, £20 million will be allocated to a Third Sector Resilience Fund, £40 million to the Supporting Communities Fund to support the rapidly growing and inspiring community efforts at a local level; £70m will be allocated to a Food Fund and £50 million will be given to the Wellbeing Fund which will help charities and others who require additional capacity to work with at-risk people.

Ireland Artist Emergency Relief Fund
The Civic Theatre in Dublin has created this fund to provide financial relief to Irish artists experiencing lost income related to COVID-19. Small grants of up to €500 will be paid rapidly on a first-come, first-served basis to affected artists and groups.
 

GENERAL RESOURCES

MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events. From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events, and the creative community behind it all. Administered through MusiCares, the COVID-19 Fund will be used to directly support those in the music community with the greatest need. To establish the fund, both the Recording Academy and MusiCares have contributed an initial donation of $1 million each, totaling $2 million. Additionally, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. Further updates and announcements will be made in the coming days.