It is the giving season, which got us thinking. How are DJs and others giving back, and what can we do? DJs such as 3LAU, Steve Aoki and Steve Angello have started foundations to give back, while other DJs such as Calvin Harris and Kaskade have donated their time, money and ideas. Here’s a look at what they’ve put together, and what you can do:
(Shameless plug! This December local companies are working to help the community, and you can too! DMNW, Foundation’s SUBstance Wednesdays and Seattle Children’s Hospital are joining forces to bring children toys and music lovers great prices. The Bass Family Toy Drive featuring Dirtyphonics is happening December 21. Learn here all the ways you can donate, be a part of this great night and enter to win amazing prices!)
As for other big names is dance music, 3LAU started BLUME, which is a not-for-profit dance music label and philanthropic movement.
“Its mission is to unite dance music listeners world-wide around philanthropic causes, raising thousands of dollars for community building charities.”
Steve Aoki has also done a great amount of charitable work. Steve Aoki created the Aoki Foundation, which supports “organizations in the brain science and research areas with a specific focus on regenerative medicine and brain preservation.” The foundation also helps with disaster relief, developmental disabilities and animal-rights, which are all close to Steve Aoki.
Steve Angello created Size Foundation. Size Foundation is based in Switzerland, and was started in 2011.
“The Foundation’s mission and work primarily focus on education as the means to empower children and young adults around the world.”
3LAU, Steve Aoki and Steve Angello’s big names help them spread awareness for their cause, but you too can create awareness while sharing your music. Cadence & Cause was started by a music blogger that wanted to find a way to put music and charitable giving together.
“I was constantly getting contacted to run contests for free tickets, meet & greets, merch bundles, etc. At some point, it just clicked. I realized these all have tremendous value for fans, and that they could be used to fundraise for worthy charities.”
You as a consumer, and as a musician can get involved with Cadence & Cause. Musicians of all scales can get involved, from a small start up, to a headliner. Musicians are able to run a campaign while raising awareness and money for a charity. Charities are chosen carefully and at times by the artist.
Non-musicians can get involved by visiting the website and purchasing songs from a wide range of artists from an assortment of genres. You can also buy merchandise or enter one of the many sweepstakes. Cadence & Cause have worked with many respected DJs such as, Above & Beyond, Pretty Lights, The 1975, and Kaskade. Cadence & Cause recently launched their Benny Benassi campaign.
“ With the holiday season here, I am proud to support Second Chance Toys. Working with them not only means kids in need will get toys to play with, but it also helps support the environment by keeping plastic out of our landfills. Join me in encouraging others to support this great charity, too! ” – Benny Benassi
Another way you can help is by spreading the word. Telling your friends, family and music lovers of all kinds can make a great impact. You can also go to the website and donate. This allows you to give back without having to pick an item or sweepstakes.
To give an example of just how far your attention and money can go:
“Clean water charity, for example. One dollar provides one year of clean drinking water for one person…We display impact in real-time on each campaign page.”
Together as a community we can raise awareness and money. If you happen to have an idea and want someone to run ideas by, Cadence & Causes is happy to help. You can reach out to them on their Twitter, Facebook, or at info@cadenceandcause.com.
What other ways do you see DJs and the dance music community giving back?
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