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  • the AMP— POSTED Issue 66

the AMP— POSTED Issue 66

Author

PAUL SAUNDERS
January 18, 2025

"Just behind the immeasurable loss of life is the loss of the proof of life. I don’t practice prayer but tonight I will say one for everyone who no longer has these items. It’s not about the art and the collectibles. It’s the photos, the letters, the class rings, the eyeglasses and the things we keep to remind us that those we loved were here. May those who have lost so much find some semblance of hope and support from their family and friends.”
— John Mayer, sending a message to victims of the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County,

What's Been Posted In Your .comUnity Group this Week.

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Here's the list of posts in your New Music Lives™ Facebook .ComUnity this week.

• 5 Things Amateur Songwriters Worry About (That Pros Don't!)  from songtown.com— In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi•hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson cover five things amateur writers often worry about that prevent them from becoming better writers.

• If I Press Vinyl, Will I Make My Money Back? from blog.discmakers.com— Indie artists often ask: "If I spend $1000 to press vinyl, will I make my money back?" We'll discuss what vinyl costs and what your profit margins will be.

• 15 Songs That Showcase the Evolution of Country Music from americansongwriter.com— Country music is a genre that has been evolutionary since its onset. From oral tradition to mega stars, country has lived many lives.

LA Fires: How to Help Musicians in Need

The recent Los Angeles fires have devastated the music community, with thousands of musicians and industry professionals affected. Here are the primary ways you can help. Tapping the links will take you to their website.

Direct Aid Organizations

MusiCares Emergency Relief 
• Pledged $1 million to support affected music professionals
• Providing immediate assistance for displaced individuals
• Offering both short•term emergency aid and longer•term recovery support
• Accepting donations to expand their support efforts

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund 
• Dedicated fund for LA County music professionals
• Covers equipment loss, medical bills, and living expenses
• Direct financial assistance to affected musicians
• 100% of donations go to fire relief

The 100 Percenters Relief Fund
• Immediate grants up to $2,500 for housing and essentials
• Larger grants up to $10,000 for equipment replacement
• Mental health support grants up to $2,000
• Focused on professional songwriters, producers, and artists

Equipment Replacement & Studio Space

Guitar Center 
• Offering instrument replacement assistance
• Supporting musicians who lost gear in the fires

Seahorse Sound Studios
• Providing free storage for evacuated musicians' gear
• Downtown LA location

Good Boy Records 
• Offering free studio time in Studio City
• Supporting displaced musicians

Industry Support Initiatives

Sound Royalties Wildfire Relief Program 
• No•cost royalty advances up to $50,000
• Available to qualified applicants in designated emergency zones
• No personal guarantees required
• Applications open through March 31, 2025

ASCAP Emergency Relief 
• $1 million distribution to affected songwriters and composers
• Eligibility: Members who lost homes/studios or were evacuated

Upcoming Benefit Events

FireAid Benefit Concert 
• January 30th at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum
• Features major artists including Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Multiple broadcast channels
• All proceeds go to relief efforts

Mental Health Support

Backline 
• Free mental health services for music industry professionals
• 24/7 support available via Disaster Distress Hotline: 1•800•985•5990
• Case management for long•term support

Music Health Alliance Mental Health Fund 
• Providing outpatient mental health resources
• Focused on qualified music industry professionals

Additional Resources:

• Entertainment Community Fund
• The Black Music Action Coalition Relief Fund
• Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund (for disabled creatives)
• NAMM Relief Fund

For immediate assistance or to make a donation, visit MusiCares.org or contact any of the listed organizations directly. Every contribution helps support our music community during this crucial time.

... and here's the more...

• Free AI Task Delegation Playbook from hubspot.com— This bundle of templates is designed for individuals like you to streamline task delegation and enhance productivity through AI technology.

• Connect Regularly With Your Artist Team from uptoeleven.com— As your business grows, it may be harder to do everything yourself, and that's a good problem to have!

• LA Fire Relief for Musicians, Music Professionals: Updated 1.16.25 from hypebot.com— Hypebot’s continuously updated a list of LA Fire resources for musicians and music professionals updated 1.16.25.There are also numerous examples of people and organizations trying to help.

• Jorge Brea: Trends that will shape the Music Business in 2025 from hypebot.com— Discover the future of the music business in 2025. Learn about the top trends and technologies that will shape the industry.

Thanks for reading. Give us your feedback.

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