The Music Industry Isn’t Just About Music
by Kristin Jorge
Being a musician does not mean that that is all an individual is. Musicians can sometimes be actors, students, politicians etc. Yet, they are also some of the most prominent promoters of charities and environmental issues because they are famous and are listened to by millions of fans around the world. It is always the responsibility of those in power to make sure important issues and beneficial information is passed down to the masses. The masses are the individuals who can actually implement changes, but the leaders, such as musicians, have the suggestions that get heard because they are the ones with money, connections, and fame.
Many music artists have specific charities that they donate money to and help raise funds for. These charities are usually chosen because of some relevance to the individual’s personal life or just because he believes strongly in the cause he is supporting. Some artists prefer to promote environmental issues in the vein of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth instead of the typical charities. The difference between the public and the musicians who support issues is that even the smallest action or statement made by a musician gets heard. Many individuals openly discuss their ideals and convictions, but even just a mention that a band uses vegetable oil to fuel its buses instead of gasoline makes a huge difference in the fight against indifference. Both public and private actions by musicians to benefit charities are needed to further the causes.
The world has seen many charity events over the past couple of years alone. This is a change from the standard telethons that seem to be used quite often. Whether the charity events are actually for a cause or to garner money for a corporation is another story. One such charity event in which musicians participated is the Musicare Foundation. The Musicare Foundation provides numerous opportunities for music development and music related issues, such as lack of funding for music in schools, to be brought to light. Most recently, in December 2006 through January 2007, Musicare hosted an event where various musicians and some actors provided leather goods (belts, jackets, guitar straps etc.) to be made into specialty watches that were then sold across the U.S. to gather money for their cause. The Musicare Foundation is an organization that raises money to educate the music community about substance abuse issues. Besides its frequent auctions, sometimes in connection with the Grammy Foundation, and charity events, Musicare offers “online videos and addiction recovery resources” to further expand the knowledge of the public.
Another major charity fundraising event that took place was React Now, hosted by MTV in 2005. This event had musicians from all genres come together to perform. Through music downloads of the performances and telethon-like donations, money was raised to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This form of promotion and money raising was very productive not only due to its embrace of music downloads but also because the wide variety of participating artists allowed for an expanded fan base to watch and donate.
It is through these venues and many others that the public learns about current environmental, political or even medical issues that need support from the masses. In simple terms, little things performed by big people further big results. Since the early days of music, individuals like Frank Sinatra have been involved in more than just music. I would like to hope not only that this will continue, but that it also makes a difference in the changing world we find ourselves in today. However, the burden can not lay solely on the musicians and public figures. They have the responsibility to begin the discussion, but the ordinary citizens of the world have the responsibility to implement goals and further the development of charity and world protection. Now, if this sounds preachy or egotistical it is only because this issue is important and needs to be ingrained in the minds of anyone who reads this. I am trying to do my part, however small it may be.
