“Music ♥’s Everybody” is the intriguing message of a new merchandise campaign unveiled by SOCAN Monday, with all proceeds going to the Unison Benevolent Fund, a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community.

The e-commerce site launched (www.kt8merch.com/store/pages/socan) with several pieces of merchandise already modelled by some of SOCAN’s more famous members, who were quick to endorse both Unison and SOCAN as organizations that help music creators, publishers and artists.

Music ♥’s Everybody tweaks the imagination by counter-intuitively turning the tables. Just about everyone loves music, and the idea of every genre and type of music unconditionally loving every person strikes a chord.

“I hope my fans and all fans of music get these cool clothes on for a great cause,” said SOCAN member and Montréal resident Ria Mae, whose song “Clothes Off” – co-written with fellow Haligonian and SOCAN member Classified – was a huge hit this year.

“SOCAN is giving us backing off their shirts,” said Sheila Hamilton, Executive Director of Unison Benevolent Fund. “Contributing all proceeds from sales of their cool merchandise to Unison means that more musicians who might be struggling with health or financial needs will be able to get by.”

“Music is unconditional in its love,” said Andrew Berthoff, SOCAN Chief Communications & Marketing Officer. ” Music ♥’s Everybody is a universal message that we hope all people, regardless of their musical preferences, will want to show off, while helping musicians and music industry professionals in need.”

The first pieces include Music ♥’s Everybody hoodies and shirts, plus some cool “SOCAN 90” gear. Campaign-style buttons are thrown in free with every purchase.

SOCAN worked with the turnkey ecommerce merchandise company Kill The 8 of Toronto to design the products. New items will be introduced regularly. Kill The 8 specializes in creating swag for musicians, including SOCAN members Sam Roberts Band, USS and Lights.

About Unison
The Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit organization that provides counselling, emergency relief, and benefit programs for those in the Canadian music community who face personal or professional challenges due to hardship, illness, or economic difficulties.

About SOCAN
SOCAN connects more than four-million music creators worldwide and more than a quarter-million businesses and individuals in Canada. Nearly 150,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers are its direct members, and more than 130,000 organizations are Licensed To Play music across Canada. With a concerted use of progressive technology and a commitment to lead the global transformation of music rights, with wholly-owned companies Audiam and MediaNet, SOCAN is dedicated to upholding the fundamental truths that music has value and music creators and publishers deserve fair compensation for their work. For more information: www.socan.ca

SOURCE SOCAN