Fender companions Australia’s Assist Act music charity to assist musicians
Fender hopes to provide much-needed support to Australian musicians, street crews and industrial workers affected by the pandemic
Fender Music Australia Pty Ltd (FMA) has announced a partnership with the Australian music charity. Support law Raise funds for music industry professionals whose livelihoods are impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
The brand is offering the chance to win one of four Fender guitars signed by some of Australia's most respected artists, as well as a limited edition # SupportLiveMusic guitar strap. She hopes to provide much-needed support to Australian musicians, street crews and industrial workers who have been hit by the pandemic.
"With thousands of Australian artists, crew members and other music professionals who have lost their livelihoods by canceling concerts, festivals, tours and live shows, Fender prides itself on helping the industry in need," said Mark Amory, general manager of Fender Music Australia.
“Support Act is an incredibly important charity and the Australian music community needs your help now more than ever. Musicians have always given generous help to a good cause by organizing benefit concerts and other charitable events. We believe it is imperative that you return the favor and support the music community that needs help, ”he said.
Fender has donated three Stratocaster guitars from their popular Player series and a lead series model guitar to Support Act for the Australian guitar raffle, signed by local music heroes including Cold Chisel, The Hoodoo Gurus and Violent Soho.
A guitar also includes custom artwork hand-painted by Daniel Johns (Solo Artist, The Dissociatives, Dreams, Silver Chair). Fans can purchase raffle tickets through Givergy for just AUD 5 / £ 2.75. Fender's profits go to the Support Act Relief Fund.
“For most of us, making music is a love job and we do it without a safety net. We don't get sick pay, penalties, paid vacation, or retirement benefits, and most people make a living gig to gig, ”said Dave Faulkner of the Hoodoo Gurus.
"With the shutdown of live music due to COVID-19, there has been an unprecedented demand for help from the Support Act and its resources are being strained well beyond its limit," he said.
Fender also released a limited edition # SupportLiveMusic guitar strap that includes the popular hashtag and comes in five eye-catching colors, including black and white, red and white, yellow and green, and pink and black. The guitar straps (RRP A $ 35 / £ 19.22) are available to purchase from a selection of Fender Australian dealers. All Fender profits will be donated to the Support Act.
Support Act is Australia's only charity that provides artists, crew members and musicians with crisis relief services resulting from illness, injury, mental health issues or any other crisis that affects their ability to work in music. So far, losses across the industry have been well over A $ 350m / £ 192m.
Founded in 1997, the company has set itself the goal of giving members of the music industry some breathing space to get them back on track. Your support levels include assistance with rent or mortgage payments, medical bills, funeral expenses, and credit card debt. Support Act also offers a Wellbeing Helpline – a free, confidential, 24-hour counseling service for anyone working in Australian music and needing to talk about every aspect of their mental health.
You can access it at 1-800-959-500. Qualified counselors can also help with job insecurity, financial management, grief counseling, alcohol and substance addiction, homelessness, creative disputes, and relationship breakdown.
“Support Act is excited to partner with industry leader Fender to raise funds for the music industry during this current crisis. COVID-19 has decimated the Australian live music industry and burdened everyone involved – from artists to managers, crew, production, promoters, venues and many others, "said Clive Miller, CEO of the Support Act.
“The recovery phase will be difficult and an uncertain time frame. The proceeds from Fender's fundraising campaigns through the sale of Support Act branded guitar straps and the raffle of signed Fender guitars will go a long way in helping aid the Australian music industry's crises, ”he said.
