“After more than a decade of online piracy, record-store closings, major-label layoffs and superstar artists abruptly turning independent, the record industry may have finally hit bottom……the lowest weekly total [sales] since Nielsen SoundScan began keeping track in 1991.” — Rolling Stone Magazine
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In the digital environment, combating illegal downloading and file sharing has become an increasingly daunting task. How do songwriters, publishers, artists and industry professionals protect their work and personal livelihood? Save the Music America (STMA) has a mission to protect copyrighted musical works and to educate our youth to download and share music responsibly through PSA awareness and educational programs designed for preserving the Art of Music for future generations to come. STMA is pleased to announce its first benefit fundraiser, "Perspective 2013" Dinner, Auction & Concert to be held Thursday, Dec. 5th from 6 – 10 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at LP Field's Titans Stadium West Club (One Titans Way Nashville, Tenn.). Net proceeds from the event will go to support the STMA programs and future concerts which will make it possible for the foundation to be self-sustaining and continue to raise awareness for issue. The event will not only feature food and entertainment, but promises an evening of new ideas and plans to change the perception that music should be FREE -- industry professionals, artists, music manufacturers, session players alike will speak and contribute to the STMA vision. Speakers will be announced soon. Benefit tickets are limited and available for $200 at nowplayingnashville.com and through savethemusicamerica.org. Price includes drinks, hors d'oeuvres, fine dining, auction, symposium and concert. This event is sponsored in part by NSAI, Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance Solutions, Top Promoter-a division of Hit Labs, Batson Guitar Company and MuZook.
According to a recent article in Rolling Stone, “The record industry has been struggling to 'compete with free' since the late Nineties, when Napster emerged to show music fans a different way to consumer music than buying it on expensive CDs.” The effects of music piracy are taking a huge toll on our industry. To date, piracy is directly accountable for over 12 billion dollars in lost revenue and the loss of 70,000 industry-related jobs, many in Nashville, TN. NSAI reports that over 90% of American songwriters are no longer able to rely on songwriting as their sole source of income. “Until you attack the core of the problem (the social perception that people feel they are entitled to music for free), you will never get a foothold on piracy,” says Mark Dreyer, Executive Director for STMA. “We have identified the problem and we need the support to implement the programs to make it all happen. The solution takes time, money and a lot of industry voices standing together to make the changes needed and the perception can be changed.” Dreyer asks every artist and industry professional to "please, lend your voice and talent in support of this initiative. By joining our team you will help create the movement needed to forever change the future of music. What we cannot do alone we can do together." SMTA is an approved Tennessee 501(c)(3) Foundation incorporated July 8th of 2011. Donations are accepted through the Community Foundation’s Giving Matters web site link: Donate to STMA. To date, STMA has the support of over 80+ artists and industry professionals but still needs the support of everyone to continue its efforts. Additionally, STMA has put forth a number of PSA campaigns to assist in the movement to restore social Internet responsibility and has created empowering messages designed to reach children, teens and adults to encourage people to "Take the Pledge to Download and Share Music Responsibly." SMTA also plans to host a series of concerts where proceeds from fans will go to help support these initiatives to protect the very music that they enjoy. |
