What began as a fun conversation about how to write a song and get it recorded, turned into a major fundraising initiative for the Unison Fund, Canada’s music industry charity.
Troy Kokol and Joni Delaurier of Scarlett Butler wrote “Looking for a Lockdown with You” with some friends (G. Schmidt, T. Schmidt, S. Stevens), and before they knew it, Canadian Country Music Association Hall of Fame inductee Michelle Wright, CCMA Award winners Aaron Goodvin and Duane Steele, and Amber Marshall of CBC’s Heartland went into the recording studio to cut it. The result is a tongue-in-cheek pandemic love song that takes a lighter look at dating in the age of COVID-19.
All of the artists donated their talent and time in addition to Reluctant Cowboy Records who produced the track free of charge. By joining together to support Canada’s music community, the star-studded collaborators hope to raise funds and build awareness while also creating some levity for country music listeners and fans during these challenging times. Beginning TODAY, fans can visit Bandcamp to download the song for $5.00.
100% of the net proceeds from all downloads will go to the Unison Fund in support of the Canadian live music industry.
“We are deep into the global pandemic and there is still very little indication as to when live music will come back,” shares Amanda Power, Unison Fund, Executive Director. “That means more and more musicians and music industry workers are losing job opportunities or canceling tours that they and their crew rely on. The need is unprecedented but reminds us of Unison’s mission and purpose to provide emergency assistance in times of crisis. However, at a time where our services are needed most, the organization is also struggling. Now more than ever, Unison is a critical safety-net for members of the Canadian music industry. I urgently ask you to donate today to help keep Unison alive; play a part in providing Canadian music and entertainment workers and their families with the resources they desperately need so that we can all make it through this pandemic, together.”
For every individual download of Looking for a Lockdown with You (purchased), fans will be entered into a contest to win a personalized video message from Heartland’s Amber Marshall along with a digital code that will allow them to join a private Zoom concert featuring; the new duo Scarlett Butler, Duane Steele, Aaron Goodvin, and CCMA Hall of Fame member Michelle Wright.
The more downloads you purchase, the more chances you have to win. The private Zoom concert will take place at a mutually agreed-upon time. The contest will close at 12:00 a.m. MT on Monday, March 19, 2021, after which time the lucky winner will be chosen and contacted.
“The past year has been tough for the people in Canada’s entertainment industry. Unison provides much-needed support to those needing assistance, and I am proud to support their efforts.” – Michelle Wright
“As a musician trying to make a living in the Arts these days, it is a serious challenge to keep things afloat. Organizations for support, like the Unison Fund, couldn’t be more important than they are right now.” – Duane Steele
“I’m honored to be a part of any project that benefits Unison. The music community needs and definitely appreciates everything they do – especially during these times. Mental health is so important. A big thanks to the people behind Unison.” – Aaron Goodvin
“I think this is an amazing project. Right now so many people are in a low place and this has been a year that’s never ended. I think if we can all come together and find some positivity, that’s what the world needs right now.” – Amber Marshall (star of CBC’s Heartland)
Raising money for the hard-hit live music community, putting a smile on people’s faces during a really rough year AND getting to sing with such incredible talent – win, win, win!” – Scarlett Butler
About Unison Fund: Unison Fund, Canada’s music industry charity, provides counseling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community in times of hardship or difficulties. For over a decade, Unison has been committed to helping producers, engineers, singers/songwriters, musicians, production crews, and thousands more through our financial assistance and counseling, and health solutions programs.
For more information, please visit: www.unisonfund.ca. If you can, please make a donation by visiting www.unisonfund.ca or text the word ‘UNISON’ to 45678 and follow the prompts to donate $10, $20, or $25. Every donation counts. Every donation helps. Let’s keep Canadian music and entertainment ALIVE.