RBCxMusic launches new series to support Canadian musicians and recording artists during pandemic

First Up with RBCxMusic will provide artists with $1,000 stipend and mentorship opportunities

TORONTO, May 20, 2020 /CNW/ -Today, RBC announced a new virtual performance series, First Up with RBCxMusic that will support and promote emerging Canadian recording artists and musicians through the challenging circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians and recording artists who traditionally rely on income from paid performances continue to experience financial hardship with the suspension of live events. According to a recent survey by Music Canada and Connect Music Licensing, nearly half of artists reported they have lost more than 75% of their income since the crisis.

Applications for First Up with RBCxMusic are now open, and beginning in June, the program will spotlight emerging artists from across Canada who represent a variety of musical genres to celebrate the vast musical talent we have in our country.

RBCxMusic will select more than 100 artists to participate in the program in 2020. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 stipend to perform a 30-minute virtual set hosted on the artist's personal Instagram channel, with media and promotional support from RBCxMusic. A schedule of each week's musical performances will be shared at the beginning of the week on the RBCxMusic Instagram Channel, with performances taking place Thursday through Sunday evenings.

In addition to receiving funding and promotional support, recipients will have access to mentorship and networking opportunities with renowned Canadian artists through RBC's partnership with Live Nation Canada.

"With live events and paid performances currently on pause, the creative community is in need of support now more than ever," said Matt McGlynn, Vice-President, Brand Marketing, RBC. "First Up with RBCxMusic hopes to help fill that void, so emerging musicians and recording artists can continue to hone their craft, perform for fans and ultimately, progress their young careers."

First Up with RBCxMusic is open to Canadian recording artists and musicians between the ages 18 and 35, who are in the early stages of their career and seek primary income from their music. Submissions should include a brief biography, song sample, artist imagery and Instagram handle. RBCxMusic will be accepting applications for round one starting today.

RBC has a long-standing commitment to supporting emerging creatives, demonstrated through programs such as the Music Video Production (MVP) Project and the RBC Emerging Artists Project. At RBC we believe the arts play an important role in creating strong and vibrant communities, and in fostering creativity and innovation. Dedicated to supporting the careers and development of emerging artists, RBC offers funding, mentorship and training, as well as networking opportunities. Since 2015, over 13,000 alumni have been supported by the RBC Emerging Artists Project, through the RBC Foundation's donations totaling over $8 million each year to hundreds of arts organizations across Canada.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 85,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.

SOURCE RBC

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