Songwriter Scholarship
May 3rd, 2010 by Lior ShamirOver the weekend, I was thinking about the many artists out there that don’t have the means to write with others, learn from others, and finance a demo or live showcase.
You see, at We Are Listening, we look at an artist’s musical merit. But we also realize that in order for an artist to demonstrate his full potential, he has to have support and encouragement from family and friends, access to venues and recording facilities, and a little money to travel, record and self-promote.
Many artists simply don’t have the opportunity to be heard, let alone get signed or published. Some come from broken homes, dead-end jobs, and unmanageable debt.
I was thinking that creating a scholarship program where we finance a talented artist based on his or her financial circumstances – not just musical merit – would be an excellent initiative for We Are Listening.
A We Are Listening scholarship program would provide a handful of struggling artists with an opportunity to rise above the noise and ease the harsh realities of their day to day lives.
I’d like to think that it would make a difference.
May 4th, 2010 at 6:11 am
I like the idea! It could really be helpful to young artists especially.
May 4th, 2010 at 6:12 am
Excellent idea. Let’s make it happen. It seems to me that the best source of funding a scholarship endowment are successful musicians/bands/performers who have really made it and would like to “give back” or “pay it forward”. How can we best go about reaching these folks and persuading them of the merits of such an endeavor??
May 4th, 2010 at 6:18 am
I think this is a brilliant idea. Asides from having to pay the nessessary bills it’ the only reason I work, to be able to buy studio time.. To be thrown a bone, so too speak would be awesome… Thanks
May 4th, 2010 at 6:19 am
Best Idea I have heard yet, how would you go ahead with this?
Lior Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Slow and steady… I need to do a lot more thinking around this to make it actionable for everyone involved.
May 4th, 2010 at 6:40 am
I think it could be helpful to give a clever computer student with musical talent, to be given the oppurtunity and at the same time earn it by getting a job with a sound engineer.I think first prize would or should be the oppurtunity to assist in the music bizness,not a free ride to make believe stardom.
Lior Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 10:49 am
I agree. This is not a free meal ticket. It has to be earned and the evaluation process must be rigorous.
May 4th, 2010 at 6:42 am
Great idea Lior! That’s love man! And you will leave behind a legacy of honor for your family. This is what it’s all about.
But the task of selecting the artists, now that’s a monumental task. But what’s life without a good challenge right?
PEACE N RESPECT
May 4th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Hi, great idea.
Anything that can reduce the barriers to good music getting heard, so that artists are judged on their musical merit rather than the size of their promotional efforts, is a good step forward in levelling the playing field.
Good luck, John
May 4th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Yes, this is a great idea.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:18 am
I would like to be heard! I’m a songwriter / singer and would like to be able to record my material. Currently I do not have the resources, or funds, to do it!
Can you help me?
May 4th, 2010 at 9:25 am
This is what the industry needs as there are very talented people that cannot afford to pay out and (self promote which costs money) and demonstrate his/her full potential Many artists simply don’t have the opportunity to be heard, let alone get signed or published. Some come from broken homes, dead-end jobs, and unmanageable debt. This is so true sounds like my life
May 4th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Great idea Iam 62 and live on a pension I have 2 albums of songs to record and I would like a scheme to help all songwriters in the same situation scraping money together to record is a real challenge Best Regards Mike Nind.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:52 am
It’s a wonderful innovation, contributing to your resume as a company that cares. Also a tax write off for contributors.
Lior Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 10:51 am
I didn’t think about the tax implications but, you’re right, that is a benefit, though not my motivation for taking action.
May 4th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
I completely support what you wrote in this blog and well done for coming up with such a brilliant idea
In my country, it very easy to be left out and feel alone in whatever you’re doing, although we are reknowned for organising great parties, well-equipped venues and for offering great fun. However, being a musician, it’s a totally different story and the only thing that can help us learn and get the necessary experience, would be going abroad & settle down in a country where music & its industry are given importance/weight, highlighted and are even celebrated.
May 4th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Oh my gosh yes please!!! Where do I sign up!
May 4th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
I think this is a great idea; i personnaly just don’t get the time to record anything but things will change.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
This seems like a really great idea! Please keep us all updated! Thank you for posting this!
May 5th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Im in just let me know what to do.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:32 am
I believe that this is a wonderful idea,
and one that will offer artists a chance to attain a higher level of achievement in an industry that is cluttered with scams, pitfalls, and shady deals.
I applaud your efforts.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:37 am
I think that is a wonderful idea .I would be the perfect applicant for such a scholarship , and know how difficult it is to achieve success with nothing .
May 5th, 2010 at 2:22 am
What I would have done 25 years ago with a scholarship, giving me the emotional freedom and education to realize my dream of working within the music industry. I don’t think there are too many aspiring songwriters young or old who would disagree with your proposal.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Great idea…
Would there be a way for other We Are Listening
members to donate to the fund? Cash or maybe instruments?
steven
Lior Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 10:52 am
I would love that — a truly community-wide effort!
May 6th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I would love to be part of this opportunity.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
This is a brilliant idea!!!
Only good things will be the outcome of such
a compassionate and insightful project scholarship fund!
Congratulations on epiphany:)
May 9th, 2010 at 11:17 am
This sounds amazing! Please keep us updated!
May 12th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
my name is staxs corleone nd i am a rapper from detroit. i take music very seriously nd no that i got more than wut it takes 2 make it nd is lukn 4 that 1 break.