We exist in a different musical landscape than we did a few short weeks, or even days, ago. We editors (Greg and Matt) have talked a lot about this over the last few years, but these conversations have only quickened with in lieu of recent events. Our mission is simple but seems much more urgent today:
“EarToTheGround Music features emerging artists primarily in the folk, indie rock, and roots music scenes. The site has album reviews, artist interviews, and artist spotlights featuring a number of lesser-known musicians. It is the purpose of the site to curate the digital music world, helping artists find an audience and music fans find exceptional, high-quality music.“
The artists we work with are more than entertainers, they are friends. We cover those we truly believe in and as we expose them to our readers, they reciprocate with exposing their fans to us. This relationship means the world to us. We have had the privilege to see struggling artists gain notoriety as well as artists across the world gain more exposure. We are motivated by the belief that art matters and great art can change the world, save lives, and generally make life a little more bearable.
In the coming days, we recognize the need within this industry. With many venues closing, festivals like SXSW postponing, and entire tours being cancelled, our hearts are with the artists who are affected. We have already received quite a few stories of those of you who have staked everything on these events and planned full album releases around them and now are uncertain and even scared. The artists we cover are truly “working class”. They struggle to make ends meet because they too believe in art as a revolutionary act. In these times, the need for your voice is amplified. We encourage you to continue to chase after it.
To fans:
We want to encourage you to creatively support great art. The musical climate has changed in recent years, with an even greater financial emphasis on touring and selling band merchandise. We know money is tight, but if you have a few bucks and wish to help, we implore you to do so. It is not just a band tee, it is a vote of confidence in the scene and encourages many to persevere. As artists are isolated and unable to hit the road, find a way to send notes of positivity to those you love. Knowing a lot of the artists we cover, we know that few of them are beyond the need of kindness. They perform for you and live to share a message that resonates. Perhaps it is our time to return the favor.
To artists:
We genuinely love you and wish the best for your career. We hope that this uncertainty only inspires you to keep at it, and maybe even produce your greatest work. While we are on the promotion side of your art, we honestly do not know the extent of what you need. We would encourage you to tell us. If you feel like writing or recording a quick essay on what your experience has been like, we would be happy to post it to our audience. Also, if there are ways to help your community, we would also love to share and partner with those efforts. Our email is: eartothegroundmusicblog@gmail.com or you can submit your music to us at Submithub.com. With us being a modest blog, our funds are limited but we are currently working out different ideas to financially support your projects. Every month we try to give to some cause we believe in around the musical community and will help within our means, whenever we can.
We do not know what is in store for the next few weeks, but we do know that kindness, hope, and great music will always prevail. We are with you.
– Matt Simon and Greg Jones / Ear to the Ground Music
