MusiCares
Courtesy PhotoMusiCares has announced the final round of funding for its COVID-19 Relief program, which has distributed $25 million to more than 34,000 music professionals in need since its creation in March 2020.
The fund will conclude upon the distribution of the $2 million raised during MusiCares' recent Music on a Mission virtual fundraiser to 2,000 eligible applicants.
"The pandemic has been devastating to musicians, tour managers, stage crews, and so many others that are involved in making music happen," MusiCares executive director Laura Segura said. "We heard from our community that many are experiencing elevated levels of depression, financial insecurity and low levels of confidence that they could pay for basic living expenses during the pandemic. It is encouraging to know that music people turned to MusiCares in their time of need and we hope they continue to do so as we reacclimate post-pandemic."
The Recording Academy and MusiCares -- its charitable arm providing health, financial, and rehabilitation resources to music workers in times of need -- each made a $1 million base donation to kick off the fund last March. By one month later in April 2020, funds had been depleted.
Now, the fund is once again open to music professionals who have had at least three years of employment in the music industry, or six commercially released recordings or videos. Anyone who has already received assistance from the fund is eligible to apply again.
Once the final funds are distributed, MusiCares says it will continue to support the music community through "existing and new mental health and hardship grant programs and virtual support groups, among other programs."
MusiCares says the grant application will be available here, and those in need of support can also email the organization at musicaresrelief@musicares.org.
Elton John has shared his family’s yearly summer playlist on the latest episode of his Rocket Hour show on Apple Music, with songs chosen together with his husband David Furnish and their sons, Zachary and Elijah.
During his appearance on Apple Music 1, the musician revealed that the family puts every song suggestion to a vote at home, with a track needing at least three votes before making the final cut. The playlist is packed with energetic songs, matching the family’s love for lively and feel good music throughout the summer.
The playlist brings together different generations and musical styles, combining iconic names from previous decades with newer electronic artists and dance music producers.
Among the songs chosen are Stevie Wonder’s "Higher Ground," Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Could You Be Loved," and Tom Petty’s "Runnin' Down A Dream." John also praised Petty’s music, describing the 1989 album Full Moon Fever as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
Zachary and Elijah’s musical tastes are also represented, with the playlist featuring current UK club tracks alongside familiar reggae and pop favorites. John singled out "Free Your Mind," the collaboration between Leeds dance duo Prospa and producer Cloonee, as one song his sons especially enjoy.
The broadcast also features a mix of electronic and crossover sounds, including Peggy Gou and Ayra Starr’s "Wo, man," Jamie xx’s "Baddy On the Floor" featuring Honey Dijon, Barry Can’t Swim’s "Return To Bhibo," and Fisher’s reworking of Bob Sinclar’s "World, Hold On." Other artists included in the selection are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lykke Li, Groove Armada, Kacey Musgraves, Wiz Khalifa, and Role Model.
John noted that the songs played during the radio show are only part of the much larger playlist the family listens to during the summer.
The complete episode of Rocket Hour can be streamed on demand through Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
