sos2020pgh

The Vault Recording Studio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More Than 60 Pittsburgh Musicians Record Song to Benefit Save Our Stages.
Music to bring awareness and much needed funds to shuddered live concert industry.

December 24, 2020, Pittsburgh, Pa. – Local area musicians record original song “SOS 2020” (Save Our Stages 2020) to raise awareness, money and incite action all to benefit Pittsburgh music venues affected by the Pandemic. With nearly ten Pittsburgh venues closing in 2020 and 90% of venue owners suggesting they run the risk of significant financial hardship or closure in the coming months, this industry was widely overlooked by stimulus programs.

SOS 2020 was written by Eric Rodger (Royal Honey). “SOS 2020 is intended to share the sense of frustration and concern I have for all Pittsburgh music venues, performers, promoters and support staff directly affected by this pandemic. I wanted to do something that put into action a way to help people now.” says Rodger. Produced by Anthony (Rocky) Lamonde (The Borstal Boys) and recorded and mixed by Bob McCutcheon at The Vault Recording Studio, the project quickly grew to include more than 27 local bands and more than 60 artists. It is an all-star line-up of local musicians recorded over several weeks (with members from Rusted Root, The Granati Brothers, A Common Crown and the Legendary Hucklebucks). The corresponding music video was shot and edited by Alexis Salinas (Alexis Art X Design) with website designed by Bill Domiano from Build the Scene. SOS 2020 launches on January 8, 2021, with the song available for purchase on iTunes and streaming on all major platforms. Proceeds from the sale of the music will also be matched, dollar for dollar up to $2,000, with a contribution from The Ryan McCutcheon Rhythm19 Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation.

While we celebrate passage of the bi-partisan Save Our Stages Act in the recent COVID-19 relief bill, it’s uncertain exactly when federal funding will be dispersed, as it is a new program that could take weeks or months to administer and implement. During this critical time, the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund aims to serve as a lifeline for independently owned venues and promoters at the highest risk of going under while awaiting federal aid. The NIVA Emergency Relief Fund, with The Giving Back Fund as its 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor, continues to raise money to assist those at greatest risk of permanently going under as we wait for the grants to be issued. Supporters can go to www.sos2020pgh.org to donate and learn more about NIVA and participating SOS 2020 musicians. Venues and promoters that are not currently members of NIVA, may apply for membership at http://nivassoc.org/join. Alongside NIVA, we continue to advocate at the federal, state and local levels to #SaveOurStages

“We know there are many needs in the city right now for relief, we just want to ensure that the talented musicians and hardworking venue owners and their staffs are taken care-of now and in the future. We’re family.” said Rodger.

ERIC RODGER

Rodger is the lead guitarist of Pittsburgh-based band, Royal Honey. Currently residing in Canonsburg, he was a graduate of Norwin High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He has played in bands and toured around the country since the late 80’s opening up for acts like Faster Pussycat, Kix and Y & T. Royal Honey has been on The Vault Recording label since 2018.

ABOUT NIVA

NIVA’s mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues and promoters throughout the United States. These entertainment hubs are critical to their local economies and tax bases as employers, tourism destinations, and revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. Independent venues exist in every state across the country; they were the first to be closed, they will be the last to open. The economic recovery process will extend past just reopening the front doors, requiring solutions unique to the industry. www.nivassoc.org

ABOUT THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND

In October, the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund was launched to raise money for our most vulnerable venues, and keep them afloat while we wait on Congress. The fund is administered by The Giving Back Fund; a separate non-profit that will collect the money and oversee the application process for venues to receive grants from the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund.

ABOUT THE RYAN MCCUTCHEON RHYTHM19 FUND

In September of 2017, Ryan McCutcheon, 19, was killed in a tragic automobile accident while returning to his college campus after a long day assisting high school drum students at a local band festival. The Rhythm19 Fund was established by his family through The Pittsburgh Foundation to keep his spirit alive through music. The mission of The Rhythm19 Fund is to honor Ryan’s memory by providing access to art and music and by support music education for children and youth. www.pittsburghfoundation.org/ryan-mccutcheon-rhythm19-fund

ABOUT THE VAULT

Established in 2017, The Vault hosts a world-class recording studio, record label, and community outreach programs through charitable work. Our primary objective is to provide access to a state-of-the-art facility and a talented team dedicated to building communities and supporting artists. With a vintage NEVE 8058 as the centerpiece and the gear and space to complement it, The Vault is already home to award winning artists and producers. With six-time Grammy award winning Producer/Engineer Jimmy Hoyson as the Chief Engineer, The Vault is dedicated to providing the highest quality service to our clients. www.thevaultrecording.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Jenni Schlieper
Flying Scooter Productions
412-916-7495
Jennifer@flyingscooterproductions.com