SaskMusic distributes $55K through Emergency Financial Relief Fund

In response to pandemic ramifications on our industry, we launched the EFRF in March, with an intake deadline of March 30. We received requests for approximately $111,000 in assistance to help cover losses from mid-March through the end of April, with a cap of $1000 per application. We are pleased to have been able to provide over $55,000 in support to musicians, music teachers, sound and lighting technicians and others. These numbers, of course, reflect only a small portion of lost revenue for our industry members during this very challenging time.

The EFRF is an unprecedented initiative for SaskMusic. Although we have no new intake announcements at this time, we will continue to accept donations to the fund and may be able to extend additional funding if further fund donations are received. 
We have also gathered a list of additional resources to our industry on our website at https://www.saskmusic.org/news/covid-19. While our offices will remain physically closed for the interim, our staff and mentors remain available for questions and consults at this time, and we encourage you to reach out if you need any assistance.

Please tune in for our Open House live streaming concerts happening every Tuessday, Thursday, and Sunday on our Facebook page, through April and May.

Are You Offering Online Music Lessons?

We are looking to collect a list of teachers providing lessons. We know many of you have transitioned to providing Skype/Whatsapp/Zoom etc lessons and we’d like to know if you are accepting new students. Please email lorenakelly@saskmusic.org with a description of your services including instrument(s) taught, musical styles, level of instructions, how the general public can reach you, and any other pertinent information. A photo or logo would be very helpful as well. Information will be posted on our website.

If you're interested in taking online lessons, check out the list of instructors we've collected so far! Online Music Lessons 

Are You Doing A Streaming Concert? Let Us Know!

We are also looking to help promote your upcoming streaming concerts/release parties, and to help provide this information for media. Please tag your social posts with #LiveStreamSask; you can also send details directly to lorenakelly@saskmusic.org (graphics appreciated!). The more notice you can provide us with the better, with some media outlets preparing "coming up this week" announcements!

Join a panel of experts as they discuss and outline how to make your livestreams look and sound as professional as possible. Whether you are a novice who wants to learn the basics, or a seasoned presenter seeking to improve your online offerings, this informative webinar will provide you with advice, insight, and the tools you need to take your livestream to the next level.

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Featured Career Tracks Mentor: Dan Hawie

Dan Hawie is a Toronto-based Project Manager / A&R at Last Gang Records. He also handles all Canadian operations for Dualtone Records. He has worked with several Grammy and JUNO-nominated artists over the past decade, and is currently overseeing record cycles for The Lumineers, Chromeo, Rhye, Holy Fuck, Mt. Joy, Operators, Loving and more. Prior to joining Last Gang/Dualtone, Dan worked as a Marketing Manager for a number of years at Dine Alone Records.

Dan joins the Career Tracks program to provide consultation and assistance with questions concerning: Indie labels, building your team, all levels of marketing, album release strategy, navigating streaming and best practices, social media presence, publicity, press releases, bios, EPKs, public and community radio, commercial radio, brand strategy, etc.

Career Tracks offers confidential, one-on-one assistance to artists and music professionals. SaskMusic members can meet with our team to discuss career plans, marketing strategies, touring, songwriting and copyright, funding and grant applications, demo critiques/reviews, industry trends, or other relevant music topics.

To book a consult with Dan or to read more about our mentors, click HERE

The monthly Songwriters groups are currently meeting online via Zoom. Please check out their Facebook groups for more information about the next meeting.

Saskatoon group info: https://www.facebook.com/saskatoonsongwriters/

Regina group info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/258208420940008/

Side Door is offering an opportunity for artists to set up private, ticketed streaming events as a means to generate revenue. They are also waiving any commission fees for the month of April, ensuring all ticket sales go directly back to the performers. To create your online show with Side Door, browse shows, and read live stream tips, click HERE

The call for artists to apply for M POUR MONTRÉAL/M FOR MONTREAL has been extended until June 1! M for Montreal takes place from Nov. 18 - 21, 2020. It's an opportunity to perform in front of more than 200 music industry professionals from around the world, eager to make discoveries and new connections.

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