We all remember our childhoods and teenage years differently.

Mine were fairly uneventful, all things considered. I grew up in a safe home with supportive parents. I was never hungry. I went to school and later on, with my family’s help, to uni. We often went on holidays, domestically and overseas. I was surrounded by friends. And did most of the wild things kids and teenagers do.

Sadly, not all young people are that lucky. That’s why I root for organisations helping the youth overcome hardships, especially when that involves music.

PART 164 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE

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According to the Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) website, four shocking statistics illustrate the scale of the problem concerning young people in Australia.

• The leading cause of death for the 15-24 age group is suicide.
• Every night, more than 27.5k youngsters end up on the streets with no place to call home.
• Nearly 225,5k children annually are at risk of being harmed, abused or neglected.
• 10% of kids do not participate in education and/or employment.

As a young person, being exposed to any of these issues (let alone all four) can lead to traumatic experiences affecting physical and mental health and determining social circumstances. Sometimes, the only way left to cope with those hardships is to seek refuge in a passion. That passion can be music.

Some kids find consolation connecting with lyrics. Some others write songs themselves. MMAD’s mission is to “inspire [them] to make positive choices, so they can find their place in the world.”  Because, at the end of the day, we all need someone to believe in us.

MMAD is a charity that provides support offline and online in creative ways. In their offering, you’ll find a music soup kitchen, street support group, free youth wellbeing platform, leadership training and educational content development.

It’s worth mentioning that MMAD is also a social enterprise, raising funds for its activities via different means. They have a safe space – a creative venue in Gosford, NSW, which can be booked externally as well. They offer publishing services. There’s a streetwear merch line with T-shirts, tote bags, socks and beanies. And finally, you can book a MMAD-approved performer for your event.

Youth mentoring is a big part of MMAD. The story of D Minor is the best example of a positive ending to a young person’s struggles. This hip-hop/pop artist is one of the charity’s Ambassadors with lived-in experience as a homeless kid. MMAD was his rock at some point. So he’s now giving back to the organisation.

Many more high-profile musicians from Australia and overseas have also backed up the charity. I’m sure you’ll recognise names like Dean Lewis, Yungblud, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, Bliss n Eso or Vera Blue. That group of famous supporters grows every year.

So here comes the obvious question. What can a regular person like you and me do to help MMAD? Luckily, there are ideas for everyone on their website. And here are the six I consider the most fun and the easiest to make happen.

1. Dedicate a song to someone

There’s a saying that goes like this: “For every situation, there’s a suitable line in a song.” Another one states: “Music makes everything better.” And my definite fave one says: “You learn a lot about people when you listen to the songs that mean something to them.” It’s hard to disagree with all three, right?

Artists frequently share stories about fans who connect with their music. I guess there’s nothing better than knowing that someone out there gets you. (And it actually goes for both sides.)

Sometimes, it’s the melody. Sometimes – the lyrics. And sometimes – just the circumstances under which you hear the track for the first time. How many times have you listened to the song and gone, “That’s exactly how I feel”? Even if they are the most obvious statements about love, relationships, break-ups or how messed up the world is.

Music has helped me many times when I was feeling down or lonely. Its therapeutic characteristics are scientifically proven. So what can be better than sharing that special song with someone you care about? Chances are it’s going to make them feel better, too.

That’s the premise behind the National MMAD Day. It is held annually in Australia. In 2023, it falls on Friday, October 20th. But don’t worry! It doesn’t require any big commitment or effort on your side. The only thing you do is dedicate a song to someone in need with the hashtag #ThisSongIsForYou. And I bet you already have tons of tracks saved for that occasion.

2. Collaborate with MMAD

These days, collabs are the way to go. Wouldn’t you agree?

Musicians figured it out a long time ago. Look at how many songs are joint ventures between various artists on this week’s charts and your fave playlists. Because they help amplify the creator’s message and reach new audiences.

But they’re not only reserved for artists. Anybody can collaborate with MMAD, depending on their skill set and resources.

For instance, the organisation is currently in need of creative youth mentors. So if you fit the profile they’re after, hit that ‘Join our Team’ tab.

Or maybe you’re keen on introducing the MMAD program in your local community or workplace? There’s an option for that as well.

You’d be joining heaps of other organisations that have already linked up with the charity on some front. Among the prominent partners, you’ll find Yahoo, APRA AMCOS, iHeart Radio, Universal Music Australia, Deloitte or Network 10.

3. Take a #MMAD4U photo

The 21st century is all about photos. Taking selfies is an obsession nowadays. So why not use it for a good cause?

One of the best ways of letting somebody grieving or hurting know that you care is by extending a little gesture. If you can’t be with them in person, modern-day advancements will help you get the message across.

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A post shared by Dadić (@whosyourdadic)

The instructions are simple in this case as well. Write #MMAD4U on a sheet of paper, your instrument, a T-shirt, or even your arm. And take a selfie with it. Next, post it on your socials.

That’s it! Really, it’s that easy.

4. Make a (different) donation

It’s never easy to talk about money. And trust me, it’s even worse having to ask for it.

But what about cryptocurrency that investors can’t shut up about these days? That’s also how you can donate to MMAD. Cool, hey?

If you’d rather provide the organisation with some tangible things that have something to do with its profile, they also accept new instruments and gear. So if you’ve recently gone on a binge-spending trip to your fave music. shop, MMAD will surely make good use of that “one acoustic guitar too many”.

Time is also a valuable asset nowadays. So if you have skills that can help MMAD amplify their message, like photography, legal training or fundraising expertise, definitely get in touch with them.

5. Submit your content

Let’s face it. We’re all content creators to some extent these days. Whether it’s in art or business, whether it’s a song or blog post, whether it’s to entertain or educate.

For young people, who find themselves in vulnerable positions in life, content can be their best friend or the most vicious foe. So it’s vital to steer them in the direction of things that can provide information, inspiration, hope and a purpose.

Hence, MMAD’s call-out for content submissions.

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A post shared by Musicians Making A Difference (@mmadaustralia)

They suggest approaching it from different angles. For example, it could be an audio, video or written format, like a song, an interview or an article. But it could also be a ticket giveaway, discounts on merch, a free songwriting workshop or entry into a competition.

6. Shout out MMAD

If young people ever listen to anybody, it’s not their parents, teachers or other boring adults. You know it, and I know it.

Kids and teenagers look up to their idols, particularly their fave musical acts. So, artists have a unique opportunity to use their platform to give MMAD a shout-out.

Then, dedicate a song to young people. They’ll love it, guaranteed. And you’ll surely gain yourself new fans. Can you really say no to this win-win situation?

And on that note, here’s my shout-out and a pledge to MMAD.

If any young person under their wings ever needs help with PR and guidance in pitching their music to the press, I’m here to help.

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