With the Canadian music industry under strain and independent venues under threat of extinction due to coronavirus, a coalition of British Columbia music industry figures have teamed up to launch SoundON — a fund for music performances with a special emphasis on promoters and festivals.
On the surface, this planned series of livestreams is fairly similar to other programs across Canada (such as the Alberta Spotlight grant and British Columbia's own Showcase BC), in that it will be paying artists to perform free online concerts. The twist is that SoundON is curated by presenters and festivals — an important cause, given that 90 percent of Canadian indie music venues could be wiped out in the coming months, without government support.
There are expected to be over 100 performances — including concerts, DJ sets and workshops — starting in July 2020. Presenters can apply now at SoundON.ca.
Funding comes from a coalition of public and private organizations, media partners and philanthropic groups. A press release comes with quotes of support from Dan Mangan (whose company Side Door is hosting its own successful livestreams), and representatives from Creative BC, Music BC and the Tourism Vancouver Board.
Learn more at SoundON's website.
On the surface, this planned series of livestreams is fairly similar to other programs across Canada (such as the Alberta Spotlight grant and British Columbia's own Showcase BC), in that it will be paying artists to perform free online concerts. The twist is that SoundON is curated by presenters and festivals — an important cause, given that 90 percent of Canadian indie music venues could be wiped out in the coming months, without government support.
There are expected to be over 100 performances — including concerts, DJ sets and workshops — starting in July 2020. Presenters can apply now at SoundON.ca.
Funding comes from a coalition of public and private organizations, media partners and philanthropic groups. A press release comes with quotes of support from Dan Mangan (whose company Side Door is hosting its own successful livestreams), and representatives from Creative BC, Music BC and the Tourism Vancouver Board.
Learn more at SoundON's website.