FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SONIC GUILD SEATTLE FAQ –
ABOUT SONIC GUILD
What is Sonic Guild?
Sonic Guild is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to building community that supports the creation and performance of exceptional local music.
Is Sonic Guild a non-profit?
Yes! Sonic Guild is a registered 501(c)3 organization founded in 2013 and based in Austin, TX with chapters in Washington, and Colorado.
Why are there multiple chapters of Sonic Guild and how do they operate?
Sonic Guild has chapters in Austin, Seattle,and Colorado, each launched by passionate individuals with the support of Austin’s technology, website, and financial services. While each chapter operates its own P&L and fulfills unique roles within its local community, they collaborate with the Austin chapter on digital tools while retaining full autonomy to make independent decisions.
ABOUT SONIC GUILD SEATTLE
When was Sonic Guild Seattle Founded?
Sonic Guild Seattle officially launched in February of 2020 by Executive Director Ben London.
Who is on the Sonic Guild Seattle team?
The team includes Executive Director – Ben London (2019-present), Membership Coordinator – Kim Brillhart (2021-present, part-time), and Marketing & Communications Manager – Kate Van Petten (2022-present, full time – Murdock Trust funded position).
How Does Sonic Guild Support the Seattle Music Community?
Sonic Guild is one of many non-profits working to support musicians, artists and other creatives in different stages of their development in the Seattle metro area and beyond. Through unrestricted grants, free education offerings, and partnership with other orgs, Sonic Guild is a champion for musicians, unlocking opportunities for them and supporting their career development.
MEMBERSHIP
What is a Sonic Guild Seattle Member?
A Sonic Guild Seattle member is a music lover who supports local music in Seattle through recurring donations of $75/month or $750/year (or more) to Sonic Guild Seattle. Members play a vital role in funding annual grants for musicians and free musician education programs, and gaining access to membership benefits, including monthly private shows, tickets to the annual grant celebration, and voting rights to help select grant recipients.
How do you sign up for a membership?
Sign up for a membership at sonicguild.org/membership. Single memberships are $750/year or $75/month. Duo-Memberships are $1500/year or $150/month. We also accept donations of any amount.
If I make a donation am I automatically a member?
No. Members must sign up for a donation of at least $75/month or $750/year at sonicguild.org/membership. All other non-membership donations can be made at sonicguild.org/donate.
How do you login to a member account?
You can login to your account at https://community.sonicguild.org/. If you’re having issues logging in, email us at info@sonicguild.org.
Can I match my membership fees or donations through my company’s charitable matching program?
Yes, you can. Many of our members magnify their support through their companies giving programs. If you have any questions, you can contact info@sonicguild.org
Are memberships tax-deductible?
Yes, The charitable portion of your membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Payment for Membership is considered 80% charitable. The remaining 20% is the fair market value for goods received through attendance at the numerous shows we offer every season. Please contact your tax advisor to clarify in your particular case.
Can I gift a membership?
Yes! We do not currently have an automatic system in place for gifting memberships automatically, but if you email info@sonicguild.org we can help you gift a membership via email or mail.
ARTISTS
How are artists compensated at Sonic Guild Seattle shows?
Artists are guaranteed fair payment through a formal offer provided before the performance, regardless of attendance. Our standard pay starts at $250 for solo performers, with an additional $100 for each extra performer (up to 10). For instance, a 5-piece band receives $650 for a 45-minute set. Additionally, Sonic Guild covers all marketing and venue expenses for these shows.
How are artists compensated for shows Sonic Guild books but does not host?
Sonic Guild applies the same fair pay scale as for our hosted shows to any shows we book. Depending on the partner’s budget or the scale of the event, we may even provide additional compensation when possible.
How can I get involved with Sonic Guild Seattle?
Stay connected by signing up for our email list or following us on social media. You’ll receive regular updates on our work and invitations to free events and educational sessions we host.
SPONSORS
How do I become a sponsor of Sonic Guild?
You can inquire about a sponsorship at info@sonicguild.org
VOLUNTEERS
How can I volunteer with Sonic Guild?
You can sign up to volunteer at sonicguild.org/volunteer
What do volunteers do?
Our volunteers can get involved in a variety of roles, including ushering, greeting guests, supporting accessibility needs, assisting with marketing and ticketing, capturing moments through photography, helping with membership initiatives, and more.
THE ANNUAL SONIC GUILD SEATTLE GRANTS
What are the eligibility requirements to get one of the annual Sonic Guild Seattle Grants?
Any musical artist actively working within 100 miles of Seattle is eligible for the annual Sonic Guild grants.
Who decides who gets the annual Sonic Guild Grants?
Artists are nominated by the public through a digital form, with nominations open for two weeks and announced via email and social media at the end of October. Then, the final selection involves a two-stage voting process conducted privately by Sonic Guild members, past grant recipients, and industry advisors.
First Round: Each voter selects up to 10 artists, and the 40 artists with the most votes are announced.
Second Round: Each voter again selects up to 10 artists, and the top 10 artists are chosen based on these votes.
How often are the annual Sonic Guild Seattle Grants Awarded?
Since 2020, Sonic Guild has given out 10 grants to 10 different artists annually in February. The amounts have ranged from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the availability of funds. Since 2020, our grants have always either sustained previous amounts or increased.
When are the Sonic Guild Seattle grants awarded?
In the past, grants were distributed in February via check by mail. Moving forward, the grants will be awarded in-person annually at our Sonic Guild Awards Celebration in February, which started in 2023. If an artist cannot attend the event, their checks will be mailed in February. Artists receiving the grant are not required to perform at the event, but they are always invited to.
Do artists have to give Sonic Guild royalties or ownership for any songs or recordings they create with their grant dollars?
No, grant dollars are unrestricted and Sonic Guild asks for no percentage or ownership in any future earnings from any works, performances or licensing revenue created with grant dollars.
How do artists get chosen to play Sonic Guild Seattle shows?
All Seattle artists are booked through our partners Artist Home, who open submissions annually via form Artist Home Artist Performance Submissions 2024 (google.com). They send out the form via social media, email newsletter, and on their website.
Do artists have to play a Sonic Guild Seattle show to be considered for a grant?
No! Artists do not need to play a Sonic Guild show to be considered for a grant.
Can artists apply for the annual Sonic Guild Seattle grants?
No! Artists do not need to fill out an application for the annual Sonic Guild Seattle grants, they are nominated. However, you can self-nominate during the open public nomination period. They can apply for our current Tour Support pilot grant program.
Do artists have to be members to be considered for a grant?
No! Our membership fund and vote on the grants. Artists do not have to be a member to receive a grant.
Are there any restrictions on how artists use the Sonic Guild Seattle grants?
No! Our artists can use their grants however they see fit, however the grants are taxable income.
PILOT GRANTS
What is the Music’s In Our Blood grant?
The Music’s In Our Blood grant was a one-time pilot program created through generous support from Bloodworks Northwest to honor local musicians in Washington & Oregon who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. Nominations were open to the public, and a panel of three music industry judges selected the top 10 nominees. From there, the public voted to choose the top two winners, each receiving a $2,500 grant. We’re open to feedback on this program, as we hope to continue it in the future. We plan to announce in the summer of 2025 whether the grant will return. If you’d like to share your thoughts, we’d love to hear from you!
What is the Tour Support grant?
The Sonic Guild Tour Support Grant is a pilot program funded by an employee directed grant from Tito’s Vodka to support touring musicians. Artists and bands can receive $150 per eligible tour date, up to 10 dates, for a maximum of $1,500. The grant is open to artists aged 21 or older, actively pursuing a music career, with most members based within 90 miles of Seattle. Eligible tours must include at least three stops spanning 250 miles and fall within designated grant periods: January–April, May–August, or September–December. Applications for the first round open on September 18, 2024, and close on November 1, 2024, with funds available on January 1, 2025. Grants can be used for travel, lodging, meals, equipment, or merch production. Learn more at SonicGuild.org/TourSupport or apply here.
Have another question? Submit your question to info@sonicguild.org
