Beatport recently announced that its 34-hour live stream “ReConnect” in partnership with Twitch, raised more than $180,000 for the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and the AFEM Members’ COVID-19 Hardship Fund. Set up specifically to administer donations from this event to help struggling Association For Electronic Music member companies retain lower earning workers who would otherwise be let go, and to direct funds to individuals within the membership in most need of urgent financial help.
Beginning on Friday, 27 March, this global DJ extravaganza featured a line up from the world of electronic dance music, with artists including Carl Cox, Bonobo, Pete Tong, Nina Kraviz, Griz, RÜFÜS DU SOL, A-Trak, Nicole Moudaber, Chris Liebing, ANNA, Nora En Pure and many other DJs performing from their homes, with the expressed intention of reconnecting the global dance community during this unprecedented pandemic crisis.
Amassing over ‘8.5 million views from more than 150 countries’ across Beatport.com and Beatport’s Twitch and social channels, and over 6,200 donors, this online DJ event provided the platform for music fans to dance away their isolation blues for the very best of causes. In addition to partnering with Twitch, Beatport collaborated with several industry partners including Pioneer DJ, Native Instruments and Denon to give away dozens of music products to viewers.
Robb McDaniels, Beatport’s CEO: “We are deeply grateful for all the talented artists and their teams that made the ReConnect event possible, and equally impressed with the dedication and passion shown by the global electronic music community that tuned in for over 34 hours this past weekend to reconnect with their favourite DJs. The generosity of our entire community, including so many great industry partners that donated products to give away, is what resulted in a large donation to two non-profits that can ensure the health and stability of our world and our industry in the months to come.”
Greg Marshall, General Manager, AFEM (Association For Electronic Music): “A huge THANK YOU to all involved in delivering this epic event and to everyone who made a donation. The phenomenal response from the electronic music community has shown a glimpse of what we can achieve through collective passion for our scene to support, connect and inspire each other with acts of generosity, innovation, love and unity. AFEM will ensure everyone’s generosity reaches those members in most need of urgent financial help and the World Health Organization (WHO) global efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The leading donor was Pioneer DJ with a generous private contribution, as well as many products to giveaway during the livestream. There were also generous donations from Landr and Loopmasters.
As well as providing a 34-hour feast for the ears, Beatport provided track IDs as songs were played on Twitch, so fans could purchase music live, supporting the independent artist and label community directly.
The ReConnect event was powered by Beatport’s Creative Services team, who will be bringing more initiatives, live stream and festival alternatives to the DJ and electronic music communities throughout 2020.
Donations are still being accepted here: https://tiltify.com/@beatport/reconnect
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