FAQ | Sonic Guild Seattle

ABOUT SONIC GUILD (ALL CHAPTERS)

Sonic Guild is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to building community that supports the creation and performance of exceptional local music.
Yes. Sonic Guild is a registered 501(c)3 organization founded in 2013 and based in Austin, Texas, with a chapter in Washington and programs in Colorado.
Sonic Guild has chapters in Austin and Seattle. Each chapter operates independently with its own leadership and budget, while sharing tools, systems, and infrastructure. Chapters collaborate where helpful but make decisions locally to best serve their music communities.

Sonic Guild Seattle launched in February 2020.
CEO: Ben London
Marketing & Communications Director: K. Van Petten

Grants Manager: Shelby Earl

Membership Coordinator: Kim Brillhart
Sonic Guild strengthens Seattle's music community by investing directly in independent musicians through grants, paid performance opportunities, professional development, and programs that connect artists with new audiences and one another.

A member is a music supporter (other orgs might call them a donor) contributing $75/month or $750/year (or more), helping fund artist grants and programs while gaining access to private shows, events, and voting rights.
Click "Join" at the top of any page, or visit the Seattle Chapter page and select "Join Sonic Guild Seattle." You can also contact us directly at info@sonicguild.org.
No. Membership requires a recurring donation at the set levels.
Yes. Many members increase impact through employer programs. If you have specific questions about company matching programs, you can contact us at info@sonicguild.org.
Yes. Email info@sonicguild.org to arrange.

Sonic Guild uses a favored nations pay scale based on number of performers. Minimum $250 for solo artists, plus $100 per additional member (up to 10). All shows are paid regardless of attendance. Sonic Guild asks for no radius clauses or exclusivity for these performers.
Same pay model, with potential increases depending on scale and scope of the performance.
Sonic Guild partners with Artist Home to book their monthly showcases.
No. Performing a live show for Sonic Guild is not a requirement for grant consideration.
There is no formal application for Sonic Guild's annual Artist Grants. Artists are nominated, including self-nomination during open periods. You can apply for Sonic Guild Tour Support and Producers Grants which open at different windows throughout the year. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on these opportunities.
No. There is no requirement for musicians to be Sonic Guild members to qualify for any of our grant programs.
This depends on which grant you are receiving. For example, the Producers Grant is tied to specific project expenses, whereas Artist and Tour Support Grants are unrestricted. All grants are considered taxable income.

Artists living and working within 100 miles of Seattle.
Public nomination → two rounds of community voting.
Artist Grants annually (typically February). Tour Support Grants triannually (typically February, May, and September). Producers Grant annually (typically July).
Artist Grants are $10,000, Producers Grant $7500, Tour Support Grant $150 a show (for up to 10 shows).
No. Sonic Guild asks for no ownership of musicians' work. Artists retain full rights.

This is a community-impact grant in partnership with Bloodworks Northwest supporting artists making a difference locally.
Provides $150 per tour date (up to 10 dates) to support touring costs like travel, lodging, and merch.
Provides $7,500 to working producers, enabling them to create new work with artists who could not otherwise afford professional production.

Email info@sonicguild.org to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Event support, guest experience, marketing, photography, and more.
Sonic Guild loves partnering with other companies, organizations, and governmental orgs to work together to support musicians in our community. Email info@sonicguild.org to connect.