Hey there,
The end of 2022 is in sight and, with it for many, a very much needed and well-deserved break.
For Listen Up Music, 2022 has been our most difficult year. Battling, like most, through the constant and seemingly never-ending COVID challenges, we finish the year still battling our way back to where we were when the year commenced.
Our community remains our primary focus and, in particular, getting back to supporting it as we have loved doing, since we launched our first event back in 2016.
Fundraising is my own, personal goal. I look forward to bringing renewed energy to this after the festive break.
In the meantime our newsletter has undergone a refresh, and the hope is to bring you a clearer picture of all facets of the charity. Below you'll find news on the four key ares of Listen Up Music: Fundraising, Events, Programs and People.
If you would like to be a sponsor, donate funds, become a member, take part in our mental health program, be involved with our events and/or programs, or would like to be a part of our plans for 2023, you'll find all of these details below.
Warmest regards,
Ali Taylor, CEO/Co-founder of Listen Up Music
Sponsorship
If you, your organisation or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring any of our events or programs, we would love to talk to them.
We have a variety of options available for financial and/or contra agreements.
Membership
If you'd like to become a part of our unique music community, please consider becoming a member of Listen Up Music.
For just $20 per year it gives you access to exclusive member benefits, and helps us to continue our work in the music industry.
Donations
Yesterday was Giving Tuesday, an international day of giving to your chosen charity.
Giving doesn't have to be confined to one day of the year though, and you can make a tax-deductible donation at any time. Donations as little as $20 can fund one music industry professional to receive mental health training.
Merchandise
Our merchandise partnership with our favourite apparel supplier, Faultline, brings you incredibly comfy t-shirts from a label created as a reminder to love your whole self, including your faults.
Our Box Tee’s are designed for everyday wear. Wear it baggy with jeans or fitted with a skirt, just chuck it on and off you go.
The Songwriting Prize
The Songwriting Prize closed the curtain on Year 7 of the competition earlier this month.
After a staggering amount of entries, three beautiful Semi Final events in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and an incredibly uplifting Grand Final, we crowned "I'll Be There" by Timothy Wolf as the winner for 2022.
A huge thank you to all the songwriters who entered this year, everyone that attended our events and made them so special, and to our wonderful prize sponsors: Audio Technica, Bulk Nutrients, Dreamscape Creative Agency, The Hey Mate Project, Real Songwriters of Melbourne, Ski for Life and Studios 301.
The songs, that fit the theme of "Feeling Better" definitely made our attendees feel better and we look forward to opening entries for Year 8, in April 2023
The Production Prize
What about the Producers? After 7 successful years of The Songwriting Prize we want to be able to engage the Producers in our community with their own dedicated production competition.
We look forward to re-launching the competition with a bolstered prize pack, news of an exciting venue for our showcase finale and some extra special judges. Entries will be re-opening soon!
Torch Fest
The many challenges, restrictions, postponements and cancellations of Torch Fest (due to COVID) had a crippling effect on Listen Up Music.
It is a situation that we are doing everything that we can to fight our way out of, tooth and nail.
We hope to be able to bring you good news on the future of the festival, in 2023.
pick:Up - Mental Health program
Our pick:Up program is a modular mental health program designed specifically for those working in the music industry, in any capacity.
Comprising of six modules, tailored to your specific needs by Listen Up Music and our strategic partners, we offer Training, Lived Experience Talks, Tools, Experiences, Mentoring and Counselling.
Available on an organisational, or individual, basis, the program is designed to support people through mental health challenges.
Having run modules of the program for Studios 301, Woolworths Group, Wyatt Group, music industry professionals and the general public, there's something for everyone.
Fill in the EOI form below and we'll be in touch to discuss your organisational and/or individual needs.
Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors are seen as official representatives of the charity and, as such, play an important role in the success of our events and programs.
We look forward to continue our fruitful relationships with them.
Board of Directors
We are currently searching for an experienced Treasurer to join the Board of Directors for Listen Up Music.
All of our Directors play an integral part of the direction of the charity. Please let us know if you would be interested.
