Keeping the Tempo with Music Biz

KEEPING THE TEMPO WITH MUSIC BIZ

“The conversation behind openly discussing mental health & wellness is rapidly changing, as we collaborate on solutions for problems we all deal with instead of letting them fester unaddressed in the shadows. The Scars Foundation is one such voice that works to support those struggling with underlying issues of depression, addiction, bullying, abuse, disabilities and beyond through funding and education.

We sat down with Godsmack’s Sully Erna, founder of The Scars Foundation, and Naomi Fabricant, the Foundation’s Executive Director, to discuss the origins and mission of the organization, how Music Biz is collaborating with them to support this mission, our upcoming Music Biz LIVE seminar on mental health, and much more!” - Music Business Association

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#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Join Sully Erna, Music Biz and The Scars Foundation for Music Biz Live: MInd Your Health!

Join Sully Erna, The Scars Foundation and the Music Business Association on WEDS MAY 19 at 4:00PM EST / 1:00PM PST for Music Biz LIVE: Mind Your Health a candid conversation on the music industry’s evolving approach to mental health and wellness! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

The Scars Foundation and Sully Erna donate to Music Drives Us

The Scars Foundation and Sully Erna donate to Ernie Boch Jr's Music Drives Us 501c3 nonprofit.

The Scars Foundation and Sully Erna are proud and honored to support Ernie Boch Jr, and Music Drives Us in the like minded mission of helping save lives and make lives better through the use of music. We applaud Ernie Boch Jr and Music Drives Us for all the amazing work that they have and continue to do, and we look forward to working with them in the near future.

Music Drives Us is a registered 501(c)(3), New England nonprofit organization supplying grants to music programs designed to effect positive change for people of all ages. They seek out organizations and individuals interested in using music as a tool to better the lives of people in all segments of society.

​Since its inception in 2006, Music Drives Us has helped hundreds of individuals, organizations, and schools throughout New England. Each year during our grant cycle, these groups apply for Performance Grants or Organizational Grants. After a thorough review process, MDU selects the applicants who will receive funding. MDU is proud to share that to date, they have donated more than $1,000,000! Music Drives Us looks forward to the continued expansion of our movement in the coming years.

Music Education is the future of the music industry and Music Drives Us strives to support organizations and schools to preserve and grow music programs throughout the six states of New England. Music Drives Us and Ernie Bock Jr. appreciate and applaud all the hard work teachers across the region pour into their classrooms every day.

​Ernie Boch Jr. is a renowned business leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in Massachusetts. In addition to owning a Ferrari franchise, Ernie serves as president and CEO of Subaru of New England. This multi-billion dollar company distributes Subaru vehicles throughout the six New England states.

Boch, a musician himself, also runs his charitable organization, Music Drives Us. This nonprofit organization funds musical opportunities for the under served throughout New England.

For more info visit: musicdrivesus.org

Music Business Association Partners With Scars Foundation and Music Health Alliance to Establish Mental Health Fund

Newly formed fund will help provide struggling Association members with essential mental health services

January 28, 2021 — The Music Business Association (Music Biz) today announces the formation of the Music Business Mental Health Fund, established in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA) and the Scars Foundation. The fund was created to help Association members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic gain access to important mental health services, including screenings and therapy sessions.

“The increased stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have shed more light on something we’ve already come to know: access to mental health services is essential in sustaining our professional success and, more importantly, our individual well-being,” said Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “Our industry has only weathered the lasting effects of this pandemic through collaboration; as such, Music Biz is thrilled to partner with Music Health Alliance and the Scars Foundation to offer these vital services to those in our member community who need them.”

The Music Business Mental Health Fund is open to qualified employees of Music Biz member companies, individual professional members, and people who were furloughed or laid off from a Music Biz member company in 2020. Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance, which provides free healthcare advocacy and support to the nationwide music community, will administer the fund with 100% confidentiality, overseeing applications for assistance and disbursement of funds. For more information on the fund, a full list of qualifications, and access to the application, visit MusicHealthAlliance.com.

“I have been a member of Music Biz for five years now, and honestly I have never met a group of people more willing and dedicated to helping others in our industry,” said Scars Foundation Executive Director Naomi Fabricant. “There is such a like-minded energy of ‘anything we can do to help is what we are here for,’ and as someone who has been in the music business for many years, I appreciate that more than words can say. Because of this, the SCARS Foundation thought that Music Biz and MHA would be the right partner to help us deliver mental health services to our community.”

“Our daily interaction with music industry professionals through the COVID-19 pandemic has graphically exposed the need for access to mental health services,” said Tatum Allsep, founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance. “Thanks to the foresight of Godsmack’s SCARS Foundation and the Music Biz Association, Music Health Alliance can provide immediate navigation and financial assistance to meet this need and positively impact the mental health of the Music Biz members.”

Sully Erna, lead singer of Godsmack and founder of the Scars Foundation, explains the organization’s name and why it was important to provide this resource for the music industry: “Scars come in all forms. They are both physical and emotional. They’re traumatizing and make us fear what people may think of us. We are ALL imperfect in some way, that’s what makes us perfect and unique! Everyone has something that makes them insecure or embarrassed. Instead of hiding or internalizing them, own them and show them off to the world! Let them empower you so you can be a voice for everyone who can’t be. If we ALL wear our scars loudly and proudly, others will follow. No matter what your scars are — abuse, mental illness, disabilities, bullying, addiction — none of them are defects, but a part of your unique story.”

About the Music Business Association
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) is a not-for-profit membership organization that advances, promotes and invests in the future of the music business by providing a trusted forum where ideas and cooperation flourish. Through events, education and engagement, the Association brings together the full breadth of the industry for unparalleled access to networking, resources and thought leadership. 

About Music Health Alliance
Based in Nashville, Music Health Alliance has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 13,000 music industry members in 48 states across the U.S. and saved the music community more than $63,000,000 nationwide by providing advocacy and access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services. In response to the pandemic, Music Health Alliance’s COVID-19 Relief Plan was created to provide direct support for the immediate needs of music industry professionals and their families during this public health crisis through relief grants, simplified solutions and a comprehensive database of resources. MHA fights so those in our industry never have to feel alone in a health crisis and removes obstacles so patients can receive lifesaving care. Its services are free to any person who has worked in the music industry for three or more years or who has credited contributions to 4 commercially released recordings or videos. Spouses, partners, and children of qualifying individuals may also receive access to the non-profit’s services from birth to end of life. Entirely funded through grants and individual and corporate donations, financial support from the music community is critical to continue Music Health Alliance’s (MHA) advocacy and free services. For every $1 donation, MHA is able to provide $30 in life-saving healthcare resources to Heal The Music. More info at www.musichealthalliance.com.

About the Scars Foundation
Founded by Godsmack frontman and guitarist Sully Erna, the Scars Foundation was established to raise awareness of mental health issues associated with abuse, bullying, addiction, suicide and beyond. The organization also offers resources to help ease the burdens of those who struggle with such issues. 

Media Contacts:

For Music Business Association:
Nicole Hennessey, Vice President — nicole.hennessey@musicbiz.org

For Scars Foundation:
Naomi Fabricant, Executive Director — naomi@scars-foundation.org

For Music Health Alliance:
Cindy Hunt, Monarch Publicity — cindy.hunt@monarchpublicity.com
Joseph Conner, Essential Broadcast Media — joseph@ebmediapr.com

Think Blue: Conversations Outside the Big Box with Guest Sully Erna

Think Blue: Conversations Outside the Big Box with guest Sully Erna

This video was recorded as part of Best Buy’s external speaker series, ‘Think Blue: Conversations Outside the Big Box’ . The program gives employees an opportunity to hear from some of the top innovators, leaders and inspiring individuals in the industry talk about their lives, successes, learnings and more.

Hope you enjoy it! #MentalWellnessMonth

The Scars Foundation Thanks You for an Amazing 2020 !!

 It is so hard for me to find the words to express what 2020 has meant to me and for The Scars Foundation. This year has posed so many hurdles that no-one was prepared for. It brings me to tears to think back and realize the amount of support we have been shown, and the kindness of so many. From the very start, Sully and I said that our goals were to tap the breaks on suicide, help make people's lives better, and to do all that we can to save lives. I feel so honored to have been able to help in all those areas... and then some.

The letters that we received from those who got free therapy during April and May were remarkable! Reading through them and realizing the impact that was made to those and the help they were given, was beyond touching. The programs that I have been running with the help of my mental health advisor, Siobhan, have also been such blessings. They are currently growing from small groups, to much larger participation based on the positive outcomes.

As for both Sully and Godsmack, no words can accurately express my gratitude to them for giving me the opportunity to use a skill set and passion to help. With Sully's wisdom and humor, we have exceeded our goals and have set new and even bigger ones for 2021.

From the bottom of our hearts here at the Scars Foundation, we thank you for everything, especially for your continued support. We hope that we've have had a positive impact on each of your lives, and will continue to make a difference together.

Please enjoy the video in this email... as it is a true depiction of both 2020 and The Scars Foundation.

We sincerely hope that you will make a donation before the end of the year. 2021 is going to be EPIC and with your support, we can continue to grow and help many more!

Please visit: scarsfoundation.org/donate

Have a very Happy and Healthy Holidays!

Naomi Fabricant

Executive Director

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SULLY ERNA & FRIENDS; LIVE FROM THE LIVING ROOM MARATHON FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE SCARS FOUNDATION

Sully Erna of GODSMACK has gathered some of rock’s top voices for his SULLY & FRIENDS: LIVE FROM THE LIVING ROOM marathon fundraiser to benefit THE SCARS FOUNDATION, which he founded. The Thursday, August 6 benefit will stream on his YouTube channel and The Scars Foundation’s Facebook page at 8:00 PM (ET)/5:00 PM (PT) and will feature special sets from Godsmack, Aaron Lewis (Staind), Brent & Zach Of Shinedown, Papa Roach, Mike & Adam Of Saint Asonia, Nuno Bettencourt, and Clint Lowery (Sevendust), as well as special performances from Sully Erna accompanied by Chris Lester and Máiréad Nesbitt.

Beyond the livestream (which will feature a live ticker displaying how much money is being raised throughout the event), a 10-day auction will advance the event with a variety of GODSMACK instruments (listed below); bids can be placed here. Proceeds from the live event and auction will benefit THE SCARS FOUNDATION. All donations made through THE SCARS FOUNDATION efforts will go to benefit those programs with a proven track record of effectiveness in addressing mental health issues.

Auction items include:

Four guitars, signed by all the members of Godsmack:

TAKEMINE 12 STRING (BLONDE)
Used to record AVALON and during the Avalon touring cycle

TAKAMINE 12 STRING (RED)
Used to record Godsmack’s song “Serenity” as well as on several Godsmack tours and TV appearances

TAKAMINE TUBE 6 STRING (BIG BODY)
Used to record Sully Erna’s “My Light” and seen on the “Journey To Avalon” video

TAKAMINE 6 STRING CUTAWAY
Sully Erna solo live guitar on Hometown Life tour. Also used to record “A Different Kind Of Tears” and “Don’t Comfort Me”


A custom drum kit:

FIVE PIECE GREEN YAMAHA MAPLE CUSTOM
Drum set Sully used to record the 2000 Godsmack album AWAKE featuring iconic songs such as “Greed,” “Bad Magick” and “Awake”


About:
The Scars Foundation has been established by Sully Erna and Godsmack to help raise awareness of the mental health issues that so many are faced with today.

With the rise of suicides, bullying, addiction, abuse and so many other challenges, The Scars Foundation is dedicated to providing resources and tools to educate and empower people on a global level that struggle with these burdens.

Recent The Scars Foundation beneficiaries include:
THRIVE BOXING: Scholarships for at risk youth boxing program in New Hampshire

WINTER POLISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS: Swimming Championships for the Disabled 2019

GUITARS4VETS: The Scars Foundation is providing a mental health toolkit for all the veterans that participate in all 110 locations

Partnerships:
Best Buy
School of Rock

Services:
During the month of May/ Mental Health Awareness Month and June/ PTSD Awareness Month, The Scars Foundation provided 12 hours per week for both months of free counseling with master’s level therapists to our Scars Foundation Facebook Group (over 3200 members)

For more information on THE SCARS FOUNDATION, please visit: scarsfoundation.org

Klif Fehr Offers Online Counseling Though June for PTSD Awareness Month!

While we are all working to recognize what “normal” is going to look like during COVID recovery, we are now faced with another devastation... injustice, unrest, disbelief. The Scars Foundation is here to help the Mental Health issues that come with all of these challenges that we are facing.

Licensed therapist Klif Fehr has generously agreed to offer online counseling 2 hours a day through June for PTSD Awareness Month to help as many as he can on behalf of The Scars Foundation, as he did for the month of May. He will be doing one on one, individual sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (times TBD) and group sessions with up to 10 people on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-9:30PM.

Email us at: thescarsfoundation@gmail with some information about yourself and your preference of either a private or a group session. All emails will be reviewed and you will be notified if we can accommodate your request. (Please respectfully do not send fan mail for Godsmack or the band members to this address.)

Know that we care and what we hope for is Peace, Kindness and Love. ❤️ We will continue to work tirelessly to help and support our Scars Family.

#ShowYourScars #ScarsStrong

Lupulin Brewing Company Collabs with The Scars Foundation!

A huge thanks to Lupulin Brewing Company for collaborating with us for Mental Health Awareness Month to brew up this very special Pale Ale to help benefit The Scars Foundation for this months Growlers for Good !

“Recently, we teamed up with Sully Erna of Godsmack and brewed a special collaboration beer, benefiting The Scars Foundation. Original plans were to have Sully visit our brewery to help brew, and to host a small concert with some local rock talent for the release. Covid had other plans, but that wasn't stopping us, the beer must go on!

A classic rendition of a traditional Pale Ale, it's malty with a solid bouquet of resinous cascade hops, a throwback to the good old days. Light and easy-drinking, it's perfect for a warm summer day. Better yet, a portion of all sales of this beer will go to The Scars Foundation!

The Scars Foundation was established by Sully Erna and Godsmack to help raise awareness of the mental health issues that so many are faced with today. With the rise of suicides, bullying, addiction, abuse and so many other challenges (we're looking at you, covid), The Scars Foundation is dedicated to providing resources and tools to educate and empower people on a global level that struggle with these burdens.

Distribution starts next week, and we've got crowlers in the taproom today! “

HOMETOWN SESSIONS: REAL LIFE, BEYOND MUSIC

Tune in every Tues & Thurs at 6PM EST to Sully Erna’s HOMETOWN SESSIONS: Real Life, Beyond Music!

Yes, I have finally gone covid crazy! If you’ve been looking to hang out with someone besides your parents ... here’s your chance!

My new show “Hometown Sessions” will premiere this tues at 6PM from my very own home only on: www.YouTube.com/SullyErna - Be sure to head over there and click “subscribe” to my channel now!

Every Tuesday I will be bringing on celebrity guests, musician friends and talking all things music. You never know, you may even catch some unique live performances from time to time.

Thursdays will be reserved for “real talk” about “real life”, as we invite some of the top experts in to talk about mental health, struggles with addiction, depression, bullying and so much more!

We will even be opening the phone lines to all of you to help answer your questions, share advice, or simply hear your heartfelt stories that will inspire others to come forward and tell theirs.

So join me every Tues & Thurs at 6PM EST! Click “share” and pass this along this to your friends!! - Sully

#hometownsessions #thescarsfoundation #thegiftofmusic

GODSMACK'S UNFORGETTABLE VIDEO SENDS A GREAT MESSAGE!

Godsmack’s video for “Unforgettable” is really important to all of us. We are excited to finally share it with you all ! Let’s spread some positivity - the world needs music !!! Watch it below!

Godsmack Unforgettable 2020

“Godsmack’s new music video takes more than 400 middle school students on the journey of their life!” Please spread these 2 hashtags and let’s start raising the spirits of the world thru music! #unforgettable2020 #thegiftofmusic2020

Godsmack feat. Local Music Students in Their Next Video!

As music programs continue to be at risk at schools across the country, Godsmack is looking to support local music students in New Hampshire by involving them in the filming of their latest single “Unforgettable”, from our current album WHEN LEGENDS RISE, with two events later this week. First up, Sully Erna will speak to middle school students on Friday, February 14 about his life, the challenges, blending in, how music saved him, and encouraging the young musicians to continue to pursue their dreams. The following day, Saturday February 15, we'll invite 300+ students to join us to take part in a performance of Godsmack’s new single “Unforgettable” at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH.

Previously, the band had orchestrated 20 students from the Gilbert H. Hood Middle School to join them in the studio during the recording of “Unforgettable” and provide vocals on the song’s chorus. These same students were also invited to perform the song live on-stage with Godsmack at their show in Gilford, NH on August 22, 2018 at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. Now, they will showcase 300 middle schoolers from the same school in their music video. Look for the “Unforgettable” video to be released in the coming weeks! 🤘

Sully Erna Brings an Early Christmas for 3 Lucky Kids!

This past weekend, Sully Erna announced on behalf of The Scars Foundation a $12,500 donation to the Inner-City Youth Boxing Program at Thrive Boxing & Fitness in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

“The Scars Foundation was established to raise money and bring awareness on a global level to mental health issues. We are battling everything from addiction to severe depression, bullying, suicide prevention and more,” said Erna, founder of The Scars Foundation.

“I’ve seen the positive impact Coach Julio Peña at Thrive Boxing has on his young students with my own eyes, and I feel that not only does his work help develop these young athletes into better athletes, but it teaches these kids how to be better mentors themselves for the next generation of kids that will need the same guidance in choosing the right paths in life” says Erna.

With the generous donations from UFC’s President Dana White, Executive Director Jim Wahlberg of The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, and the fund raising event, “Scars For Scars” put on this past summer by Peter Czymbor’s Boston Boxing Promotions, the money was donated to gift 3 young students a one-year scholarship to Thrive Boxing Gym in Londonderry NH, along with a portion of the funds to help upgrade the gyms older equipment.

“While this summer’s past pro-boxing event we did in conjunction with The Scars Foundation was fun and exciting for everyone, at the end of the day the event was to raise money. It is so appropriate and fitting with the spirit of both The Scars Foundation and Boston Boxing Promotions to see a donation being made to this inner-city youth boxing and fitness program that’ll help youth members with both physical fitness and life lessons. I’m sure we’ll see some good athletes created as a result of this program, but more importantly, youth who will grow up to be productive citizens,” said Boston Boxing Promotions President Peter Czymbor.

The Scars Foundation has been established by Sully Erna and Godsmack to help raise awareness of the mental health issues that so many are faced with today. With the rise of suicides, bullying, addiction, abuse and so many other challenges, The Scars Foundation is dedicated to providing resources and tools to educate and empower people on a global level that struggle with these burdens.

Sully Joins Gibson for Guitars for Vets

Gibson has partnered with Guitars For Vets to bring the power of music to returning U.S. military veterans. They donated 48 guitars, 19,000 string sets as well as pledge their continued support to Guitars For Vets. This program provides veterans with guitars and a forum to learn how to play which is in line with the new Gibson Gives mission.

Gibson artist Sully Erna of Godsmack presented the gift to U.S. Veterans Henry Thomas, Pete Nugris , Brandon Branham and Patrick Nettesheim Co-Founder of Guitars For Vets. Watch the video here:

Godsmack's "Under Your Scars" Video

To ANYONE that has ever felt alone... Godsmack’s NEW video for "Under Your Scars" is out NOW! Watch it below: