Covid-19 Resources

With the world in turmoil as a result of coronavirus, many people are suffering, including much of the global music community.  We’ve compiled a list of some of the most relevant resources available to music people and music businesses in need due to complications caused by Covid-19. From government assistance to various relief funds initiated throughout the industry, we hope you’ll find the below information will be helpful in these uncertain times. We look forward to the day when we can unite again in person around what we love most: music.

Government Support

United States

• Music Covid Relief (provides a good summary of the CARES Act)
• Covid-19 Tax Relief
• Economic Industry Disaster Loans (EIDLs) (for small businesses)
• State-by-State Unemployment Programs

United Kingdom

• UK Government Resources
• UK Music Information to Businesses On Coronavirus - Information compiled by UK Music on Government and funding bodies for businesses affected by coronavirus.
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme FAQs

Australia

• Corona Support and Information for Business - Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses. Information will be updated as available. Register for an intention to claim increased unemployment benefits here.
• Boosting Cash Flow For Employers - The Government is providing temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organizations that employ staff during the economic downturn associated with the coronavirus.
• Job-keeper Payment For Employers And Employees - Under the Job-keeper Payment, businesses impacted by the coronavirus will be able to access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum period of 6 months.

New Zealand

• Creative New Zealand's Emergency Response Package - Creative New Zealand has provided details of its initial $16 million Emergency Response package for New Zealand arts organizations and individuals. Applications open on April 14th and will be distributed to the sector through April 30th, 2020.

Sweden

• Swedish Jazz Organisation's crisis fund for jazz musicians
• Swedish Musicians Union’s crisis fund (for members)

News from PROs

• ASCAP - Music Unites Us, FAQs, Impact of Covid-19 on ASCAP Royalties
• APRA AMCOS - Covid-19 funding resources for creatives: federal, state, and local
• BMI - CARES Act: What it Means for Music Creators, Royalties In The Wake of Covid-19
• GEMA - Covid Emergency Relief Programme for GEMA Members
• PRS - PRS Relief Fund
• SESAC - SESAC Supports The Music Community
• SOCAN - SOCAN’s Daily Covid-19 Updates
• STIM - The Swedish Performing Rights Society’s listing of public support programs

News from DSPs

• Spotify Covid-19 Music Relief
• Soundcloud

Additional Resources

• AIM's Covid-19 Business Guidance for Music SMEs
• Crew Nation - Live Nation’s global relief fund, powered by Music Forward Foundation, for live crews.
• Elton John Aids Foundation Covid-19 Emergency Fund
• MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund - Offering grants of up to $1,000 each to music-industry professionals who need basic living assistance as a result of event cancellations and work losses.
• Sweet Relief Musicians Fund - A donor directed fund for musicians and music industry workers affected by Covid-19. Funds raised will go towards medical expenses, lodging, clothing, food and other vital living expenses to those impacted due to sickness or loss of work.
• WME and Endeavor Impact - Offering grant and loan options for the artists, musicians, and touring personnel that have been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.
• Artist Relief Program
• Facebook Small Business Grants Program

More Information 

• American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) Covid-19 Relief Resources
• A State-by-State Resource Guide for Music Professionals Who Need Help During Coronavirus Crisis (Billboard)
• Resources For Music Businesses And Industry Workers In Need Amidst The Pandemic (NPR)
• How to Help Musicians During the Covid-19 Crisis (Pitchfork) 
• SKAP - The Association of Swedish Music Composer’s guide on ’Creation in Coronatimes'

The information contained in this document is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as business, legal, accounting, financial or other advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Kobalt Music Group is not affiliated with any of the groups referenced in this document (but may be a member of certain organizations referenced herein). The information in this document may not reflect the most current information, as the situation is developing and changing on a daily basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Kobalt Music Group and its affiliates disclaim any and all liability with respect to any actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document.