Covid-19 - Advice, Support, Initiatives +++
We are living in unprecedented times - there’s no denying that. The rise of Covid-19 has sent the world into disarray and uncertainty. We wanted to take this opportunity to remind people to pull together and that unity and solidarity will beat this virus. We want to extend our love and thoughts to all those working on the frontlines, people in all the emergency services, all the care workers and everyone working in all our shops and pharmacies. Thank you.
Here, we are sharing some links to important websites and resources where you can find out information on Covid-19. In addition we wanted to take this opportunity to share positive stories & initiatives that are being carried out.
SMIA (SCOTTISH MUSIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION)
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) are currently gathering information from as many music businesses and music practitioners working in Scotland as possible in relation to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. All information received by the SMIA will be used to represent industry concerns to Government and to ensure that Scotland’s music industry is adequately supported during this time of crisis.
Please click here to complete the survey
The Musicians’ Union are extremely active and committed to regularly updating not just members but the wider general public. Offering a wide range of support services including finanicial advice, mental health support and a daily update service which is free to sign up for. See below for extremely useful links.
Contact your MU Regional Office for urgent advice on contracts, cancellations, payments, and your rights at work → https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Contact-Us
Sign up for our daily no fear, no fuss advice updates → https://musiciansunion.info/p/2QJ-FY0/coronavirus-updates
Answer some quick questions about the impact of COVID-19 on your work to help us lobby Government for proper support → https://musiciansunion.typeform.com/to/AEn0oN
Write to your MP calling for proper support including a universal basic income and sick pay that really is for all
→ https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/…/MU-Calls-on-Government-…
We’ve also put together a list of specialist mental health support for musicians → https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/…/Mental-Health-Support-f…
VENUE SUPPORT
You’ll be hard pressed to find a music, entertainment venue across the UK which is not effected by Covid-19. These terribly uncertain times call for us as a community to support (if we can) our local venues. These establishments are incredibly important to the hospitality, events, music and creative scenes. Venues such as The Hug & Pint, Sneaky Pete’s and others have initiated Crowdfunding campaigns in a bid to survive the Corona crisis. In addition, a bunch of music venues are now offering food delivery services - check out what’s happening if your local area.
Now, more than ever - we want to encourage people to get online and purchase music. Services like Bandcamp & iTunes are critical, giving artists a return on their songs which betters 0.0004p per play. If you are able to, please consider purchasing a track or a piece of merchandise. Today (Friday 20th), Bandcamp are waiving their fees, meaning more money going direct to those that need it - the artist.
TENEMENT TV
A trusted platform for discovering hot new bands in Scotland, Tenement TV are running a new series ‘In Isolation With…’ In the first of a new TTV TALKS series to keep you entertained and connected to the music you love, Tenement TV chat quarantine, planning for the future and more with Vlure. Also check out TTV’s Isolation Playlist on Spotify here.
BROADCAST PODCAST
One of Glasgow’s favourite venues announced The Broadcast Podcast. Sauchiehall Street’s Broadcast announced the new podcasts which will feature live music performances, interviews, and more, with funds raised being shared among the artists and tech staff! The first episode is due to air next week with a call going out to anyone who’s able to support to donate at Patreon here
Any bands wanting to take part, send an email to logan@broadcastglasgow.com
The most recognisable name in dance music - Defected Records are bringing the club to living rooms all over the world with their 13 hour live stream Virtual Festival set to kick off today (Friday 20th) at 12pm (GMT). The dance marathon will feature sets from The Shapeshifters, Dan Shake, Monki, Sam Devine and close with Defected head honcho Simon Dunsmore. Virtual Festival goers are encouraged to engage and send images, videos of their festival experience to @defectedrecords and use the hashtag #VirtualFestival
Aside from the creative industries, there’s a fantastic effort across going on to help support those who are vulnerable. Glasgow’s Black Rooster Peri Peri & Bloc are just some of the businesses offering free meals to all NHS staff. Retail giant TK Maxx announced yesterday the closing of all its UK & Irish stores, not before donating all food within stores to food banks, care homes, hospitals, NHS staff and other vulnerable groups. ‘Bikes For Refugees’ - a Glasgow charity initiative who’ve repurposed their directive and are now delivering food packages to asylum seekers who are self-isolating. Electric Shores PR founder Jenn Nimmo Smith is currently working with the Scottish Government & Technology Care team to bring forward an initiative which would give access to those in care homes with video call equipment to keep in close contact with family & friends.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Local Government - https://www.local.gov.uk/coronavirus-information-councils
Age UK - https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/coronavirus/coronavirus/
Music Gateway Resources Page - https://www.musicgateway.com/blog/music-news/list-of-resources-for-creatives-during-covid-19-coronavirus-outbreak
PLEASE KEEP SAFE, FOLLOW ADVICE AND LOOK AFTER ONE ANOTHER