Each day and week that passes with live concerts on hold, recording sessions on pause and life in limbo, music creators face even greater challenges in maintaining a livelihood. The Recording Academy continues to bring resources and information to the music community to help creators navigate the coronavirus crisis and make full use of the support available through the CARES Act, MusiCares, and other critical policy issues.

Senate Returns Focus To COVID-19

On Monday, the Senate reconvened to address upcoming legislative priorities. Fortunately, their to-do list includes drafting additional legislation to combat the financial impact of the coronavirus. The new legislation will serve as a follow-up to their initial $2 trillion stimulus plan, the  Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

And the timing could not be more perfect—according to a study commissioned by the Freelancers Union, creators are struggling to get the aid they need, with 84% of the surveyed creators who have applied for government relief stating that they have yet to receive any assistance. It is clear that lawmakers in Washington need to deliver additional financial relief for music creators.

That’s why the Recording Academy is actively lobbying for increased financial relief for music creators to be included in any additional stimulus package passed by Congress.

Meanwhile, as Congress focuses on drafting a “Phase 4” bill, government agencies are still implementing parts of the CARES Act. After Congress passed additional funding for programs within the CARES Act, the Small Business Administration began accepting new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program last week, providing extended support for music creators.

The bottom line remains: this is complicated legislation, and the creative workforce needs all the help they can get, for sure. If you are in need of assistance navigating these programs, visit the Recording Academy’s CARES Act Helpline.

Recording Academy Participates in the AftA's National Arts Action Summit

Last week, the Americans for the Arts (AftA) held their annual National Arts Action Summit, which was held online due to the current social distancing guidelines, and the Recording Academy was front-and-center to represent music makers. Managing Director of Advocacy & Public Policy Todd Dupler and Director of Government Relations Michael Lewan both represented the Academy on panels during the summit.

Dupler’s panel focused on how the CARES Act has affected the creative economy, while Lewan discussed  how Congress could expand technology policy without negatively harming creators, specifically by passing the aforementioned AM-FM Act to establish a domestic terrestrial performance right for artists.

A recent report from the Americans for the Arts revealed new insight into the impact of the coronavirus crisis on creative professionals. As the crisis continues for everyone, music professionals remain highly vulnerable to its widespread. The Recording Academy is here to help, as is MusiCares. See below for more information on support resources available, and follow GRAMMY Advocacy on Twitter for the latest information regarding policy that affects creators.

To further support music makers during these difficult and uncertain times, the Recording Academy and MusiCares recently established the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

For more information and developments related to the coronavirus, visit the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for ongoing news and updates.

Learn More About What The CARES Act Means For Music Makers