Artists Give Back

We talk a lot about how musicians can make a living in today’s music industry, but on this episode we look at the selfless ways artists use their influence. Our guests show that musicians at any stage of their careers can affect sustainable, positive change. Mike McCready, lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, tells us how the band’s Vitalogy Foundation, funded by ticket sales, benefits everything from the environment to the arts. Then we hear from emerging queer punk duo PWR BTTM about how their tour rider is making venues safer and more accessible. Merrill Garbus, the artist behind tUnE-yArDs, explains how one song led to the creation of the Water Fountain fund. We end the show with Coy Bowles of Zac Brown Band, who uses storytelling to change kids’ lives.