Today is Musicians Making A Difference Day, a national awareness day that aims to reach young people through the power of music. There are over 26,400 reports of child abuse and neglect every year, 27,680 young people homeless on any given night and suicide still the leading cause of death for young people.
Australian youth charity Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) is asking everyone to dedicate a song and positive message on social media with the hashtag #ThisSongIsForYou.
By supporting Musicians Making A Difference Day, more young people in need will have the opportunity to live their potential by connecting to MMAD. Every young person deserves someone who believes in them.
Helping to embrace the day through the power of music are local and global musicians including Birds of Tokyo, Havana Brown, Polish Club, Rest for the Wicked, Gretta Ray, Yorke, Ruby Boots, Shane Nicholson, MMAD Ambassador Chang Po Ching, MMAD Ambassador Thandi Phoenix, Charley, Just A Gent, The Buckleys, Voice winner Bella Taylor Smith, German breakout artist Zoe Wees, UK sensation YUNGBLUD, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic), Matt Goss (Bros), popstar FLETCHER, UK producer Joel Corry, singer/songwriters Calum Scott, Alexander 23, actor and musician Keiynan Lonsdale and more!
A special message to you, this Musicians Making A Difference Day
Chicago native, Alexander 23, dedicates his song Brainstorm. “Brainstorm is about how difficult it can be to communicate how you feel when you’re in a really dark place. Sometimes the words to describe how we feel simply don’t exist and this song is meant to keep you company in those moments.”
Tonight Alive lead singer, Jenna, shares a message of support for young people alongside her dedication, You Get What You Give by The New Radicals saying, “In honour of Musicians Making A Difference Day, I chose the song that makes me think everything is going to be ok. I hope this song brightens your day.”
UK legend and Bros star, Matt Goss, reflects on the loss of his mother and dedicates his song Somewhere To Fall. “It’s a song about finding a safe place to rest your strength, it’s not about weakness, it’s ok to rest. We’ve been through so much of late and personally I believe it’s very important to lift people up and to listen to people and it’s okay to reach out to somebody.”
MMAD Ambassador and The Voice finalist Chang Po Ching, who was born with one eye, dedicates a song that helped him to see how wonderful the world is despite his challenges growing up. “Music helped me see things that I couldn’t see for myself.”
MMAD provides frontline, online and outreach support to young people using the power of music and mentoring initiatives including a national wellbeing platform, street support groups, outreach music programs and music soup kitchen.
MMAD Chairperson, Geraint Davies says, “Around 97% of young people are online and music is a language that we all speak, so what better way to connect with those most in need? MMAD’s programs are lifechanging and they’re free and this day helps to create awareness about what we do so more young people can connect with the support they really need.”
Industry heavyweights including Universal Music Australia, ARN, iHeartRadio, Yahoo, MTV, Spotify, TikTok, Twitch, Pedestrian.TV, Tone Deaf, Rolling Stone, The Industry Observer, Buzzfeed, Kaimera, UnLtd, 10/Viacom, UNDR CTRL, QMS, AIM, Rock Posters, Twitter and APRA AMCOS have thrown their support behind the charity and Musicians Making A Difference Day.
Industry-wide events taking place throughout Musicians Making A Difference Day, include a curated popup station on iHeartRadio, promos voiced by Yumi Stynes running on the KIIS Network and music features on all ARN stations nationally, MTV programming takeover, MMAD themed workplace events, industry music trivia and inspirational live music interviews with host Danny Clayton on @mmadaustralia IGTV Live.
To kick-start song dedications, a track created by young people from the charity has been released thanks to Universal Music Australia, The Grove Studios, and artists Ninajrachi, Thandi Phoenix and Chelsea Warner. The track, titled #ThisSongIsForYou, was inspired by the personal experiences of the young people and was created with a purpose to reach and inspire others going through a challenging time.
A limited-edition tee has also been released thanks to partners Bravado, Gildan and Universal Music Australia. The Keep Your Head Up tee, was created by artist Raymond Lalotoa and inspired by lyrics from the youth anthem. Tees are available now for purchase from the charity’s website. 100% of proceeds go back to the charity.
Young people can access support from Musicians Making A Difference by visiting mmad.org.au
#ThisSongIsForYou @mmadaustralia