Aussie booker Select Music partners with social justice platform PLUS1

Booking agency Select Music is putting environmental and social justice issues at the forefront of their charter, announcing a partnership with a social platform that donates $1 from purchased show tickets to effective non-profits.

Australia’s largest independent booker is teaming up with PLUS1, founded by former Arcade Fire member Marika Anthony-Shaw, with the mandate to bring social change via musicians and their fans.

Select has already hit the ground running, introducing its artists to the initiative. Tours by the likes of Skegss, Ruby Fields, Pist Idiots, Polish Club, The Beths, Japanese Wallpaper, Montaigne and Stella Donnelly have already raised over $50,000.

“As an independent company, we understand firsthand the power of aligning oneself with meaningful platforms to inspire change,” Select agent Casey O’Shaughnessy told TMN.

“As agents, we recognise our responsibility to deliver a solution for accessible fundraising opportunities that won’t interfere with the artists live touring strategies, and that’s exactly what this partnership with PLUS1 has allowed us to do.

“Essentially, we are putting the power back into the artists hands to champion causes they care about.

“Select Music has always harnessed the positive impact of supporting causes close to our hearts, from donating all profits from our Birthday Festival to Beyond Blue, to fundraising for Girls Rock! and Support Act at various industry events when presented with the opportunity. Hence why this is such a perfect match.”

The money raised so far has gone to charities including Bush Heritage Australia, Adam Goodes’ Go Foundation, Minus18, Aboriginal Legal Services, Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation and Girls Rock!

Worldwide PLUS1 has raised over $5 million for leading social justice organisations ranging from poverty to the environment. International artists on board with the platform include Arcade Fire, The National, CHVRCHES and St. Vincent.

“This partnership didn’t come about with the intention of setting Select Music apart, it’s about delivering a service our acts are looking for in a simple and effective way, so while we are incredibly excited to be the first booking agency in Australia to partner with PLUS1, the real joy is to be able to help our artists make a difference,” said O’Shaughnessy

“We feel very humbled to be the first agency in Australia to partner with the PLUS1 team,” added Select Music CEO Stephen Wade.

“In our current economic environment, the importance of donations reaching their intended charity is more important than ever, and knowing our artists can trust the processes PLUS1 have in place is not only extremely important but also comforting.”

CEO & Founder Marika Anthony-Shaw added; “It’s been incredibly exciting to partner alongside Select Music to continue growing the PLUS1 movement in Australia.

“This partnership represents the potential of our industry as leaders in philanthropy—integrating night after night the support of organisations on the frontlines fighting for social and environmental justice. I look forward to the incredible impact we’ll be able to have together.”

Polish Club’s David Novak explained that being able to raise funds for causes that the band really cares about is a huge deal.

“PLUS1 has enabled us to raise funds for causes that JH and I truly personally care about,” he said.

“Having such direct and straightforward access to organisations that have been vetted by professionals allows us to make a tangible difference without the need to stress about logistics and legitimacy.

“As Select Music partner with PLUS1, we’re excited for this relationship to become stronger and more effective yet.”