Toronto, ON-based MELANIE recently unveiled her new initiative, Masks for Music, a fundraising sale in support of Spotify’s COVID-19 Music Relief Project and the Unison Benevolent Fund.
“One of the communities that has been most impacted by COVID-19 is the one I’m a part of: Artists and musicians,” Melanie says. “With tours, live shows, and festivals cancelled — not to mention collaborative studio and writing sessions on hold and creative productions delayed — musicians and artists who were already struggling to make ends meet or access important resources are in need of even more assistance.
We have an ambitious fundraising goal,” she adds, noting the campaign’s aim to raise $10,000 in the span of three weeks time. “Spotify Canada has pledged to match any donations made to Unison dollar for dollar, up to a collective $10 Million, so any money raised will be doubled!”
And so goes the genesis behind MELANIE?’s Masks for Music Campaign, featuring stunningly crafted, 100% cotton non-medical grade masks complete with filter pockets and her signature M?
“We have created about 200 custom masks, and each of them are for sale with a minimum donation of $10,” she says. “We’ve also partnered with 18 local companies in the GTA to reward our donations above $100 with a number of goods and services. There’s everything from personal training to clothing, jewelry… Even fresh, handmade pasta!”
The effort is almost there, exceeding 70% of its initial goal, as of late last week.
Businesses featured include Alexandra-Jo Hastings, Bad Taste, Broken Cage Gallery, Cherry Gardens, Essentials by Temi, Greenhouse Juice Co., Jolene Melissa Officinalis Apothecary & Hand Dyed Goods, Laylow Bar, Lokey Cozy, Madison Makepeace, Noodle Perfect, Paulyy Fitness, Ripe X Homegrown Juices, Sam & Lance, Spin Master, Stitch n’ Bitch Apparel, Terra Media Design, and Your Clothes Friend.
“The Unison Benevolent Fund’s work is incredibly important, with or without a pandemic,” Melanie considers. “In times of darkness and despair, we have seen the light that shines through when people and communities come together.
We want to be a part of that story.”
Want to know more? Check out the GoFundMe here!
While you’re at it, find out more about MELANIE via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi I’m MELANIE? Singer/Songwriter/Artist blues-rock artist from Toronto!
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
My music is blues/rock but I also write for multiple people in other genres like dance and electronic, and indie/acoustic! My writing style can vary depending on the day, my mood and who I’m writing with. I can write a song any way really! I don’t have a formula!
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
Sunday, May 31, I performed in an online music festival called Homebody in the company of some amazing Canadian acts. Allan Rayman and The Reklaws are headlining, and I’m honoured to be a part of it. All of the proceeds went to charity and music development funds in Canada.
Energetic! Like everything I do. But you’ll have to come check me out to see.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
My next single ‘Be Careful with my Heart’ which is a soft tempo blues rock song and is one of my favourites I’ve ever written. It’s such a simple expression of something we all feel and I never get tired of listening to it.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
One of my all-time faves happens to be from Toronto, Allan Rayman!