MUSIC UNITES US!
G.I.G. is a live music non-profit created BY musicians FOR musicians and, ALL music lovers!
Amazingly, the average rate for live music at local establishments hasn’t changed since the early 80’s – still hovering at around $100 for a 2-3 hour show. When you include drive time, setup and tear-down, the fee is often below minimum wage.
Our mission is to inspire CHANGE. We do this by partnering with small venues, bars & restaurants across the country to create a new touring network for qualified independent artists. Venue partners pay an affordable annual fee to supplement their current monthly live music programs and our vetted, highly-skilled, original artists get paid a living wage by tax free donations from corporations, sponsors and individuals like you!
Focused on the next generation of world class singer/songwriters, we’re forging a viable pathway from “open mic beginner” to “paid professional” – redefining artist development and creating a legitimate career path for qualified live musicians on their way from local performer to regional and national prominence. There are no shortcuts to 10,000 hours. And we believe that those who have put in the time deserve to make a sustainable living.
So please help us unify artists, venues & communities by donating below!
MEET THE FOUNDER
Taylor Alexander is not your ordinary singer/songwriter. This multifaceted artist is a dynamic force – renowned for his soul-stirring melodies, thought-provoking lyrics and unwavering commitment to making a difference – through music. With a voice that soothes the mind and lyrics that touch the soul, Taylor’s music is a journey through the human experience. From heartfelt ballads to energizing anthems, the Cincinnati native (named after folk legend, James Taylor) tells stories of love, resilience, sorrow and self-discovery – leaving listeners captivated and inspired.
Taylor learned guitar in middle school and began playing college campuses and coffee houses in his late teens. His career gained exposure & momentum in his early 20’s as bandmate to sister Mia Carruthers, the breakout star from MTV’s Taking the Stage in 2009. He has been rising ever since, performing over 1500 live performances from LA’s Globe Theatre and House of Blues to Spotify’s New York City HQ – and several hundred venues in between.
Taylor is the visionary founder of this groundbreaking live music nonprofit organization. He is currently working full-time as live musician in Austin, TX.
In 2020, COVID-19 shut down live music globally. Los Angeles was hit particularly hard. Taylor’s and other musicians way of life had been compromised. Soon thereafter, a chance meeting with Professor Alan Tratner, co-founder of Earth Day & green2gold (World renowned nonprofit incubator) spawned a conversation, inspiration, and ultimately, an idea: GIG!
G.I.G. was founded in April 2022 thanks to Mr. Tratner, fellow musician Justin Haley, the General Manager of Cincinnati nightclub Ghost Baby and Morgan Barnhart, a Cincinnati music lover whose early donation was instrumental in getting things started.
Taylor Alexander’s music is not just about entertainment anymore; it’s a catalyst for change.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
1. Build a public benefit nonprofit organization by live musicians for live musicians. In order to create a new framework, foundation & support system that rightfully employs & empowers the future generations of independent, original live musicians/artists globally.
Establish AND sustain live music’s role in society as a utility.
G.I.G. will utilize all means to communicate, educate and facilitate its missions via multimedia, public service announcement mechanisms, events, publications, social media and innovative approaches of connecting with our focus audiences. G.I.G. will welcome and pursue philanthropic, business and public support for our initiatives and projects, and will operate in a sustainable and socially responsible manner with direction from our governance Board of Directors.
2. Strategically partner with independent chefs, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs (venues) of proven establishments to connect communities through local food and international music/entertainment.
3. Establish a Junior Mentorship Program that incubates amateur, talented individuals with high potential, provides mentorship and “in field” training with veteran members of G.I.G.
4. Create and implement a collegiate recruitment program that travels to universities across the globe. Spreading awareness of the power of live music, the ways we can utilize it + new technology to make a difference in our environment. Additionally, to scout for new talent for our Junior Mentorship and guild membership.
5. Create a model for Student Music Education for K-12 to bring music therapy, music classes + teachers back into the classroom with focus on mental health and frequency, across the globe.
6. Utilize our unique group of talent, passion and performance expertise to engage and assist a vast array of environmentally conscious initiatives globally, in partnership with green2gold.
