Keeping the Tempo with Music Biz

KEEPING THE TEMPO WITH MUSIC BIZ

“The conversation behind openly discussing mental health & wellness is rapidly changing, as we collaborate on solutions for problems we all deal with instead of letting them fester unaddressed in the shadows. The Scars Foundation is one such voice that works to support those struggling with underlying issues of depression, addiction, bullying, abuse, disabilities and beyond through funding and education.

We sat down with Godsmack’s Sully Erna, founder of The Scars Foundation, and Naomi Fabricant, the Foundation’s Executive Director, to discuss the origins and mission of the organization, how Music Biz is collaborating with them to support this mission, our upcoming Music Biz LIVE seminar on mental health, and much more!” - Music Business Association

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#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Join Sully Erna, Music Biz and The Scars Foundation for Music Biz Live: MInd Your Health!

Join Sully Erna, The Scars Foundation and the Music Business Association on WEDS MAY 19 at 4:00PM EST / 1:00PM PST for Music Biz LIVE: Mind Your Health a candid conversation on the music industry’s evolving approach to mental health and wellness! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

The Scars Foundation and Sully Erna donate to Music Drives Us !

The Scars Foundation and Sully Erna donate to Ernie Boch Jr's Music Drives Us 501c3 nonprofit.

The Scars Foundation and Sully Erna are proud and honored to support Ernie Boch Jr, and Music Drives Us in the like minded mission of helping save lives and make lives better through the use of music. We applaud Ernie Boch Jr and Music Drives Us for all the amazing work that they have and continue to do, and we look forward to working with them in the near future.

Music Drives Us is a registered 501(c)(3), New England nonprofit organization supplying grants to music programs designed to effect positive change for people of all ages. They seek out organizations and individuals interested in using music as a tool to better the lives of people in all segments of society.

Since its inception in 2006, Music Drives Us has helped hundreds of individuals, organizations, and schools throughout New England. Each year during our grant cycle, these groups apply for Performance Grants or Organizational Grants. After a thorough review process, MDU selects the applicants who will receive funding. MDU is proud to share that to date, they have donated more than $1,000,000! Music Drives Us looks forward to the continued expansion of our movement in the coming years.

Music Education is the future of the music industry and Music Drives Us strives to support organizations and schools to preserve and grow music programs throughout the six states of New England. Music Drives Us and Ernie Bock Jr. appreciate and applaud all the hard work teachers across the region pour into their classrooms every day.

Ernie Boch Jr. is a renowned business leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in Massachusetts. In addition to owning a Ferrari franchise, Ernie serves as president and CEO of Subaru of New England. This multi-billion dollar company distributes Subaru vehicles throughout the six New England states.

Boch, a musician himself, also runs his charitable organization, Music Drives Us. This nonprofit organization funds musical opportunities for the under served throughout New England.

For more info visit: musicdrivesus.org

NEWLY RESCHEDULED TOUR DATES FOR 2022

The following 2021 shows have officially be rescheduled to new 2022 dates:

NEWARK, NJ: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the WDHA’s Rock the Rock Fest starring Godsmack, has been rescheduled to April 28th, 2022. Fans who have purchased tickets for the concert, should hold on to those tickets and they will be honored for the new date. Those interested in a refund may request one at their original point of purchase until April 5, 2021.

WORCESTER, MA: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the WAAF Big Gig starring Godsmack, has been rescheduled to April 30th, 2022. Fans who have purchased tickets for the concert originally , should hold on to those tickets and they will be honored for the new date. Those interested in a refund may request one at their original point of purchase until April 5, 2021

MINNEAPOLIS, MN: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the 93X Twin City Takeover, starring Godsmack, has been rescheduled to May 7, 2022. Fans who have purchased tickets for the concert should hold on to those tickets and they will be honored for the new date. Those interested in a refund may request one at their original point of purchase until April 5, 2021

Music Business Association Partners With Scars Foundation and Music Health Alliance to Establish Mental Health Fund

Newly formed fund will help provide struggling Association members with essential mental health services

January 28, 2021 — The Music Business Association (Music Biz) today announces the formation of the Music Business Mental Health Fund, established in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA) and the Scars Foundation. The fund was created to help Association members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic gain access to important mental health services, including screenings and therapy sessions.

“The increased stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have shed more light on something we’ve already come to know: access to mental health services is essential in sustaining our professional success and, more importantly, our individual well-being,” said Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “Our industry has only weathered the lasting effects of this pandemic through collaboration; as such, Music Biz is thrilled to partner with Music Health Alliance and the Scars Foundation to offer these vital services to those in our member community who need them.”

The Music Business Mental Health Fund is open to qualified employees of Music Biz member companies, individual professional members, and people who were furloughed or laid off from a Music Biz member company in 2020. Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance, which provides free healthcare advocacy and support to the nationwide music community, will administer the fund with 100% confidentiality, overseeing applications for assistance and disbursement of funds. For more information on the fund, a full list of qualifications, and access to the application, visit MusicHealthAlliance.com.

“I have been a member of Music Biz for five years now, and honestly I have never met a group of people more willing and dedicated to helping others in our industry,” said Scars Foundation Executive Director Naomi Fabricant. “There is such a like-minded energy of ‘anything we can do to help is what we are here for,’ and as someone who has been in the music business for many years, I appreciate that more than words can say. Because of this, the SCARS Foundation thought that Music Biz and MHA would be the right partner to help us deliver mental health services to our community.”

“Our daily interaction with music industry professionals through the COVID-19 pandemic has graphically exposed the need for access to mental health services,” said Tatum Allsep, founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance. “Thanks to the foresight of Godsmack’s SCARS Foundation and the Music Biz Association, Music Health Alliance can provide immediate navigation and financial assistance to meet this need and positively impact the mental health of the Music Biz members.”

Sully Erna, lead singer of Godsmack and founder of the Scars Foundation, explains the organization’s name and why it was important to provide this resource for the music industry: “Scars come in all forms. They are both physical and emotional. They’re traumatizing and make us fear what people may think of us. We are ALL imperfect in some way, that’s what makes us perfect and unique! Everyone has something that makes them insecure or embarrassed. Instead of hiding or internalizing them, own them and show them off to the world! Let them empower you so you can be a voice for everyone who can’t be. If we ALL wear our scars loudly and proudly, others will follow. No matter what your scars are — abuse, mental illness, disabilities, bullying, addiction — none of them are defects, but a part of your unique story.”

About the Music Business Association
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) is a not-for-profit membership organization that advances, promotes and invests in the future of the music business by providing a trusted forum where ideas and cooperation flourish. Through events, education and engagement, the Association brings together the full breadth of the industry for unparalleled access to networking, resources and thought leadership. 

About Music Health Alliance
Based in Nashville, Music Health Alliance has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 13,000 music industry members in 48 states across the U.S. and saved the music community more than $63,000,000 nationwide by providing advocacy and access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services. In response to the pandemic, Music Health Alliance’s COVID-19 Relief Plan was created to provide direct support for the immediate needs of music industry professionals and their families during this public health crisis through relief grants, simplified solutions and a comprehensive database of resources. MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue Music Health Alliance’s (MHA) advocacy and free services. For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music. More info at www.musichealthalliance.com.

About the Scars Foundation
Founded by Godsmack frontman and guitarist Sully Erna, the Scars Foundation was established to raise awareness of mental health issues associated with abuse, bullying, addiction, suicide and beyond. The organization also offers resources to help ease the burdens of those who struggle with such issues. 

Media Contacts:

For Music Business Association:
Nicole Hennessey, Vice President — nicole.hennessey@musicbiz.org

For Scars Foundation:
Naomi Fabricant, Executive Director — naomi@scars-foundation.org

For Music Health Alliance:
Cindy Hunt, Monarch Publicity — cindy.hunt@monarchpublicity.com
Joseph Conner, Essential Broadcast Media — joseph@ebmediapr.com

The Scars Foundation Thanks You for an Amazing 2020 !

It is so hard for me to find the words to express what 2020 has meant to me and for The Scars Foundation. This year has posed so many hurdles that no-one was prepared for. It brings me to tears to think back and realize the amount of support we have been shown, and the kindness of so many. From the very start, Sully and I said that our goals were to tap the breaks on suicide, help make people's lives better, and to do all that we can to save lives. I feel so honored to have been able to help in all those areas... and then some.

The letters that we received from those who got free therapy during April and May were remarkable! Reading through them and realizing the impact that was made to those and the help they were given, was beyond touching. The programs that I have been running with the help of my mental health advisor, Siobhan, have also been such blessings. They are currently growing from small groups, to much larger participation based on the positive outcomes.

As for both Sully and Godsmack, no words can accurately express my gratitude to them for giving me the opportunity to use a skill set and passion to help. With Sully's wisdom and humor, we have exceeded our goals and have set new and even bigger ones for 2021.

From the bottom of our hearts here at the Scars Foundation, we thank you for everything, especially for your continued support. We hope that we've have had a positive impact on each of your lives, and will continue to make a difference together.

Please enjoy the video in this email... as it is a true depiction of both 2020 and The Scars Foundation.

We sincerely hope that you will make a donation before the end of the year. 2021 is going to be EPIC and with your support, we can continue to grow and help many more!

Please visit: scarsfoundation.org/donate

Have a very Happy and Healthy Holidays!

Naomi Fabricant

Executive Director

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"BULLETPROOF" GOES PLATINUM!

Multi-platinum hard rock titans GODSMACK continue to receive awards and accolades for WHEN LEGENDS RISE (BMG) with the album's first single and #1 rock track "Bulletproof" receiving a Platinum Digital Single Award as of September 24, 2020.

"Bulletproof" was released February 28, 2018 as the first single from WHEN LEGENDS RISE; the track was previously certified Gold in the U.S. and was also the most-played song at rock radio in 2018. The song shows the band--Sully Erna [vocals, guitar], Tony Rombola [guitar], Robbie Merrill [bass], and Shannon Larkin [drums]--doubling down on their combination of tightly wound riffs, rhythmic fury, naked emotions and pushed-to-the-edge vocals, all fired up with melodic precision and tight songcraft.

"The plan from the beginning of this cycle was to try and step outside our comfort zone and explore new sounds and melodies in hopes of reaching new fans, without alienating our core audience," SULLY ERNA says. "'Bulletproof' really set the tone and paved the way for how well that vision has been executed!"

"Thanks first and foremost to our fans for making this song a smash!" SHANNON LARKIN adds. "That it was received so well motivates us and makes us super proud. Hitting platinum in this day and age is a big deal to us, and a ray of light in this otherwise dreary year of pandemic. Thanks also to Paul [Geary, their manager] and everyone at Shelter Music, all the folks at BMG, John Branigan at WME, and our producer Erik Ron. The team is strong, the future is bright."

"It is indisputable that Godsmack is one of the few truly great core artists at rock radio," says Nick Attaway, VP of Radio Promotion/BMG. "Earning four consecutive #1 singles from their latest release WHEN LEGENDS RISE proves that they are on top of their game. Not only did the first single 'Bulletproof' go platinum, but it will forever be the most played song at rock radio for 2018."

Originally released April 27, 2018 via BMG (their debut on the label), WHEN LEGENDS RISE marked GODSMACK's first album in four years. The smash album earned career milestones for the group: four #1 rock tracks (an accomplishment that makes GODSMACK one of only four rock acts to achieve this), and a record 11th #1 singles in the band's career with the album's fourth single "Unforgettable."

"Unforgettable" follows three previous #1 singles from GODSMACK's critically acclaimed and seventh studio album WHEN LEGENDS RISE: "Under Your Scars," and "When Legends Rise" plus "Bulletproof." WHEN LEGENDS RISE entered the Billboard Top 200 album chart in the top ten (#8), with four #1 placements on other charts: Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Music Albums, Top Independent Albums and Top Alternative Albums.

The American Drive-In Tour Feat. The Voices of Godsmack & Staind LIVE in Person!

For the first time ever, Sully Erna and Aaron Lewis, two of the most acclaimed frontmen in rock, the voices of multiplatinum rock bands Godsmack and Staind, will perform their hits together, side-by-side, in an intimate and unplugged evening on The American Drive-In Tour, kicking off in October. It’s one of the first 2020 drive-in live rock concert tours planned across multiple cities, and promises a once-in-a-lifetime event for fans, featuring a special evening of hits, covers and conversation with Aaron and Sully appearing together on stage.

Godsmack’s Sully Erna said, “Me and Aaron Lewis? Onstage together…acoustic? Do I need to say more? Just don’t miss it! It may never happen again.”

"Sully and I have been friends for 25 years. We’ve been talking about doing something for the last 10 years,” said Staind’s Aaron Lewis. “The time has finally come. I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this to you in such strange times."

Erna is the accomplished founder, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the multiplatinum rock band Godsmack, selling over 20 million records worldwide, enjoying four Grammy nominations and eleven #1 singles at mainstream rock radio. In May, Godsmack’s “Unforgettable” became the fourth #1 rock track from their latest album When Legends Rise (BMG). This accomplishment makes Godsmack one of only four rock acts to reach this milestone. Erna also released his latest solo album Hometown Life in 2016.

Lewis, who fronts and founded the wildly-successful rock group Staind, has sold 17 million albums worldwide and has enjoyed four consecutive top three debuts on Billboard’s Top 200. The single “It’s Been Awhile,” remains the most-played rock song of its decade. His solo material includes the platinum selling hit “Country Boy” and 4 albums of tried-and-true, twang-heavy Outlaw Country tunes, including his most recent album, State I’m In.

Tour producers Danny Wimmer Presents have worked closely with both artists and all venues to create a live concert environment that will bring rock fans back together in unique setups that promote social distancing for a safe experience. The show will feature a barrage of hits, covers, conversation and laughs that will create a true sense of unity for audiences across the country.

“We're eager to get back to what we love, and we’re determined to keep the music alive and keep the rock community strong during these times,” comments DWP President Joe Litvag. “Aaron and Sully on stage together like this is something that none of us have seen before but have always hoped would happen one day. We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

The nationwide trek will follow current local health guidelines for fans’ safety and enjoyment. Some shows will be drive-in events with patrons in or adjacent to their cars, and other shows will feature viewing from socially distanced fan “pods” or tables designed for up to four people.

Tickets for these unique performances go on sale beginning this Tuesday, September 15 at Noon local time at www.aaronandsully.com. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks.