"This is our way to sing from the cyber balconies to the world in these difficult times. We know what music is for the world and we know how important it is to make sure artists you love are supported so they can keep making the good stuff. It's a symbiotic relationship. Stream your favourites on repeat and help the artist help you" - John Butler
The Cat Empire are initiating Lockdown Get Down, a movement to help musicians increase available income to survive these turbulent times. Lockdown Get Down is aimed at driving music lovers toward streaming more of their favourite artists during the lockdowns that people are facing across the planet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With their current sold out tour of Europe postponed after just four shows, and the subsequent cancellations of both BluesFest Byron Bay and Groovin’ the Moo, The Cat Empire had 17 shows cancellations in just 2 days. This represents over $750,000 of lost income for the band, plus amounting unrecoverable expenses. Uncertain what the future looks like, The Cat Empire know they are not alone with this devastating situation. With all public events cancelled for the foreseeable future, all touring musicians, crews and their extended networks will suffer enormous loss of income over coming months, with the current total declared to #ilostmygig sitting at over $150 million at press time.
“As I made the call to cancel The Cat Empire’s European tour I went to bed dreading the next day. I woke up knowing I had to turn despair into innovation, and not just to help the musicians I work with, but all musicians. So the idea for Lockdown Get Down was born, and brought to life by my team in the 48 hours that followed.” - Correne Wilkie; Director Maven & Muse, Manager The Cat Empire
The Cat Empire team have come up with a simple way that fans can support their favourite artists at the cost of no more than a click.
“After giving so generously to bushfire recovery efforts around Australia recently, we know that people are low on cash reserves to help others. But this idea won’t cost you any more than what you are already paying to listen to music, and if you use a free streaming service, then it won’t cost you at all. However, it is important for our industry to educate music lovers to upgrade to paid subscriptions where manageable, which is significantly more beneficial to musicians than listening for free." - Correne Wilkie
Acknowledging the fear and uncertainty everyone is experiencing right now, The Cat Empire recommend we look after each other, get creative, integrate some inspired new ways to live more lightly on the planet, and try to make the best of this situation by having a Lockdown Get Down at home. With the likelihood that many if not all of us are going to be at home with our laptops, canned food, kids, pets and other loved ones, The Cat Empire propose we let music help us through our days from morning until night. The request is simple: PLEASE STREAM MORE MUSIC
Play your favourite artists non-stop on your preferred streaming service
Consider moving to a paid streaming subscription if that is manageable for you
Create a playlist; name it lockdowngetdown, and share it with your friends
Post your Lockdown Get Down photos and videos with hashtags #lockdowngetdown and #thecatempire so we can see you all rocking out at home.
Play music as you grapple with what to do next, while you cook, in the bathroom while your kids take a bath, on your computer while you work at the kitchen table, let your kids make their own #lockdowngetdown playlists to pump in their bedrooms, and keep the music streaming as you drift off to sleep…
"Our industry is under serious global threat as gatherings in public spaces are not allowed to continue. There are no bail out packages for musicians, or songwriters, sculptors, photographers, creators... And yet, we desperately need the beauty of artists reflected in the world so we can find our way through the dark times.” - Correne Wilkie
Please stream more music.
The Cat Empire, who are the ultimate engineers of musical good times promise it will make you feel better too. Music is scientifically seen to *“decreases levels of the hormone cortisol in your body, counteracting the effects of chronic stress”.
So, start streaming now, feel better yourself, and feel better about helping out musicians in the process by simply listening to more music
FOR THOSE STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW WITH THE STATE OF THE WORLD, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED SOME HELP IN THIS TIME, REACH OUT TO A FAMILY MEMBER OR A FRIEND, OR GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BELOW:
SUPPORT ACT HELPLINE: 1800 959 500
LIFELINE HOTLINE: 13 11 14 or text their helpline on 0477 13 11 14
WITH THANKS TO RIOT HOUSE PUBLICITY