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Sound of Silence: Australian music industry announce support campaign

In the words of The Police, we're "sending out an SOS"

The music industry is always one of the first to put their hands up and band together to support others in times of crisis, but now they need your help.

Sound of Silence (SOS) is a national campaign initiative from a Music Industry Taskforce made up of radio stations, record labels, tech companies, government bodies, promoters, and organisations that represent our diverse music industry.

The shutdown of most gigs and music festivals worldwide has had a devastating impact on musicians and the network that supports them – from the road and construction crews who help them get on stage, to the promoters who organise the gigs on a local and national level.

From today, we are coming together to try and alleviate the severe haemorrhaging of income that has come with widespread cancellations of festivals, concerts, shows and local gigs.

 

Adam Hyde, Peking Duk

If you are in a position to do so, we are asking music fans to donate to Support Act – an Australian music charity which provides crisis relief services to artists, roadies and music workers who are directly affected. You can find the donation link here.

If you’d like to find out more about all their incredible work Support Act do, head to their website.

There are other ways you can help too:

  • Consider donating your refunds or a portion of your refund from cancelled shows to the venue or Support Act.
  • 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.
  • Message your favourite musician or venue and offer moral support. Or, ‘Pay It Forward’ and buy a gift voucher for your favourite artist at their favourite 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.
  • 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.

Dylan Alcott OAM, Australian tennis player and founder of Ability Fest

The Australian music industry needs you now more than ever. Go to www.thesoundofsilence.com.au to find out more about Sound of Silence and how you can support and donate today.