Golden Robot to give away music to Aussies who get vaccinated against COVID-19

In an effort to encourage Australians to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Golden Robot Records is offering to give away its records for the rest of July to anyone who can offer proof of getting a shot.

The Rock The Vax initiative runs from today to midnight July 31.

So far, only around 9.7% of Aussies are fully vaccinated since February, and – depending on which figures you look at 17% (Guardian) or 27% (Sydney Morning Herald) have had their first dose.

President and founder of Golden Robot Global Entertainment (GRGE), Mark Alexander-Erber, said he had to do something to get things moving.

“It’s costing us hundreds of thousands dollars giving away stock, but I can’t just sit here and watch how Australians are so slow getting their shots,” he said.

Golden Robot is one of eleven labels under GRGE, which has Sydney and Los Angeles as its main offices.

“Music followers overseas have realised the sooner we get vaccinated, the sooner we can get back to normal. If it means giving an incentive to some, so be it.

“Bands need to tour again to sell albums. COVID’s virtually turned us into a singles market, where the industry is forced to release three or four singles before an album.”

Those wanting to take up on the Rock The Vax offer must email [email protected] with their digital certificate from the Medicare app, or proof of vaccination, along with their Golden Robot Records album request and postal address.

Its diverse roster includes Guns N’Roses members Gilby Clarke and Dizzy Reed, Rose Tattoo, LA Guns, Steve Kilbey, David Campbell, Horsehead, The Cherry Dolls, MiSex, Steve Balbi, Toe to Toe, A New Revenge, Destinia, Hayley Jensen, Palace of the King, Reece Mastin and Glenn Shorrock.

Alexander-Erber went on to say that COVID’s impact on GRGE was soft-cushioned because right from the start it had a global periscope.

“When I was still only signing Australian acts, I told them I was only interested in those wanting to achieve more than just airplay on triple j,” he said.

During the pandemic, GRGE’s roster grew to 360, from as wide afield as Sweden, Italy, Croatia, Israel, South America, South Africa, Mexico and Japan.

This year’s signings included Filter, Gunash with Foo Fighters members, Liam Gallagher’s fave new band The Crooks, and Dangereens from Canada whom he regards as “the next Strokes”.

By spring, he will announce two new initiatives – the opening of an office in London and the launch of She Who Rocks Records.

It’s an all-female label for female acts, lead and staffed by females from within the GRGE group.

Female artists from GRGE’s labels will be moved to She Who Rocks, while a number of major names are being courted for it.