Universal Music Group shared their details regarding their plan to help artists during the pandemic outbreak, COVID-19.
The label is planning to offer financial assistance to its musicians and songwriters and will directly support the Recording Academy’s relief fund.
While a portion of proceeds from the merch line will go to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.
“ [W]hether it’s a special performance, a new song, a helpful message or something else, UMG is backing numerous artist and songwriter initiatives to help those in need,” the label said.
Ted Kalo, Executive Director of the Artist Rights Alliance, including Rosanne Cash (a member of its board) said that the Universal Music Group initiative:
“This thoughtful, broad-based approach is a model for what is desperately needed. People who create music need reassurance that their income and healthcare aren’t lost. Providing major and sorely needed support to organizations bringing aid to everyone impacted by the virus is also critical. It is just one effort by a single company, but it is a very good start.”
Universal Music Group is also planning to offer assistance to a similar organization, such as Help Musicians U.K, and match the contributions that its U.S. employees donate to qualifying outside charities, including local food banks.
“We have launched All Together Now: Stay Connected, expanding our longstanding philanthropic program to support those in the music community most deeply impacted by the virus in two ways: 1) direct financial support from UMG to organizations such as MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund and Help Musicians UK that provide relief to impacted music workers; and 2) matching the contributions that our U.S. employees donate to qualifying charities.”
For more details: UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19