Sony Music Publishing unveils wellness programme for songwriters

The initiative was announced in a letter sent by SMP chairperson and CEO Jon Platt to songwriters and composers. “The importance of wellness cannot be overstated and with Songwriter Assistance we look forward to offering a whole new level of care and support,” the letter reads.

The programme will provide 24-hour counselling via hotlines around the globe and ongoing consulting services for emotional health matters such as stress, anxiety, depression as well as family and relationship challenges.

Through Songwriter Assistance, songwriters will have unlimited access to customised resources for dealing with daily responsibilities like researching childcare and eldercare options, co-parenting, budgeting for major life events, and more.

Songwriter Assistance builds on SMP’s Songwriter Forward Legacy Unrecouped Balance Programme, which was introduced last year to create new earning opportunities for legacy songwriters.

“As I mentioned in December, we are continuing to expand our support around the evolving needs of songwriters and composers, and we are not done”, Platt said.

SMP added that the move would ramp up its “efforts to break the stigma around mental health and wellness with its Soundtrack of Mental Health programme”.

Sony Music Publishing senior vice-president of publishing administration Amy Cranford said: “We are passionate about taking care of Sony Music Publishing’s songwriters and composers and providing them with the best level of support. As we continue to expand our services with Songwriters Forward, we are proud to implement SMP’s Songwriter Assistance initiative.”

In September, Sony Music Entertainment (SME) launched its own wellness programme called Artist Assistance. Last year, the Artist Assistance initiative expanded on SME’s Artists Forward, which included the company’s Legacy Unrecouped Balance Programme as its flagship project. The Legacy Unrecouped Balance Programme was extended to songwriters in July.