Music creators working for themselves are the smallest of small businesses, yet many have not yet fully benefitted from the promising $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law by President Trump late last month. But since its passage, many Federal and State agencies have struggled to consistently implement these newly funded programs.
For instance, the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program – where musicians, engineers, mixers and other creative professionals engaged in an independent contractor capacity could apply to receive loans and grants – quickly ran out of money last week after distributing $349 billion in emergency loans. On Tuesday, the Senate approved an additional $484 billion relief package to restart the PPP and other necessary programs that also needed more financial support—the House is expected to follow suit before the end of the week, and President Trump has already signaled he will sign the new funding into law. Music makers now have an additional tool to help understand and apply for these programs aimed at easing the financial burden of COVID-19…
CARES Act Hotline
The Recording Academy announced its "CARES Act Hotline" to provide aid to creators in need. In coordination with Greenberg Traurig law firm, the Academy is opening the line to provide music makers with the tools to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 related programs. Everyone’s situation is unique, and accessing government benefits and new programs can be challenging, but the Academy is here to help get creators the aid that they need.
If you are a Recording Academy member in need of assistance, please fill out our helpline and continue to monitor our social channels for any new updates.
Additionally, the Academy will be holding regular webinars during the pandemic to answer some of your questions.
The new Recording Academy CARES Act Hotline is the latest in the organization’s ongoing efforts to keep creators informed during the pandemic. Each day, the Academy posts Questions & Answers on Twitter, and creators can always find information regarding the CARES Act and its funding at MusicCovidRelief.com.
CA Assembly Bill 5 Amended
Good news for the music community arrived from the West Coast late last week, as the California Assembly has announced that it will be updating Assembly Bill 5 in order to better protect music creators. Originally intended to add protections for gig workers, the bill would’ve fundamentally changed the landscape for music creators in California, requiring them to be treated as employees and threatening to create barriers for studios, production companies and venues to hire them.
In a time where many music creators are in desperate need for financial relief and assistance, this change will allow musicians to quickly get back to work once normalcy returns after the COVID-19 crisis.
Giving Back & Seeking Help
To further support music makers during these difficult and uncertain times, the Recording Academy and MusiCares recently established the COVID-19 Relief Fund.
If you are an artist or music professional who has been impacted by this unprecedented circumstance and are in need of assistance, please visit our MusiCares page to learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy.
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.
