The Senate recently passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which will allow professionals in the music industry, from songwriters to engineers and roadies, to be eligible for federal grants and loan programs, as confirmed by advocacy organizations such as Songwriters of North America (SONA) and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) on Wednesday. 

The stimulus bill functions as a preservation effort for the economy in a time when millions of jobs and businesses are at risk. It would provide payments of $1200 to most American adults and $500 to children, and direct $350 billion towards small businesses. A $500 billion program would be created to benefit businesses, states, and local operations, as well as billions put towards hospitals and unemployment insurance.

During the creation of the bill, a number of music industry affiliated groups, such as those mentioned above and the National Music Publishers Association, worked closely alongside congressional leaders to ensure that “sole-proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed” were included in the federal grant and loan programs within the bill. 

In addition to grant and loan inclusions, some individuals within this category may also qualify for unemployment under certain provisions of this bill. This is notable, as most industry creative related occupations do not qualify for unemployment. However, under the new bill, self-employed small business owners, including songwriters and other music professionals, could begin to receive financial aid starting next month potentially. Music industry workers, as well as anyone else who falls under this category, will be able to apply for immediate financial assistance to address income lost over the past few weeks and anticipated income lost throughout the remainder of the year. 

Michelle Lewis, Executive Director of SONA, stated, “We are grateful to Members of Congress for understanding that songwriters, composers and many others who make a living within the music industry are small business owners. This will make much-needed relief in the form of small business loans and grants available to all who need it.”

SONA will provide resources for songwriters interested in applying for these grants and loans on its website http://www.wearesona.com.