London, UK, 7th February 2023 Twitch and Merlin are celebrating Valentine’s Day by raising money for a great cause through a livestreamed charity “relay raid” on February 14 starting at 11:30 am ET. The “Sour Hearts Valentine’s Day Streamtacular” will feature back-to-back performances from artists represented by Merlin members and Twitch streamers. Throughout the event, viewers will be automatically directed to each performance and can donate to MusiCares®, the leading music charity, by clicking the link provided in the livestream.
The Streamtacular relay raid will bring together some of the most popular artists currently streaming on Twitch. The event will feature streamed performances from artists represented by Merlin members, including Bishu (Monstercat), Devin Morrison (Stones Throw), Dolo Tonight (Epitaph), John B (IDOL), Sunflower Bean (Mom + Pop), Tails (bitbird), and Toxic Avenger (IDOL).
Sour Hearts Valentine’s Day Streamtacular Lineup:
Jacques – 11:30 am EST
Toxic Avenger – 12:00 pm EST
John B – 12:30 pm EST
ResurrectionFern – 1:00 pm EST
Dolo Tonight – 1:30 pm EST
MeganLenius – 2:00 pm EST
ClosureClub – 2:30 pm EST
Devin Morrison – 3:00 pm EST
DATSUNN – 3:30 pm EST
Sunflower Bean – 4:00 pm EST
DavidFrankDrums – 4:30 pm EST
Tails – 5:00 pm EST
Raquel – 5:30 pm EST
Bishu – 6:00 pm EST
MusiCares is the leading music charity, providing a safety net to support the health and wellness of the music community across a spectrum of needs. The organization provides mental health and addiction recovery services, health services and financial assistance, support for basic living expenses, support following unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief.
“Stones Throw and our artists are incredibly excited to take part in yet another livestream charity event presented by Merlin and Twitch,” said Jason McGuire, GM at Stones Throw Records. “This is an excellent opportunity for those in the music industry to help each other out — along with some Valentine’s Day love and support from fans!”
The Streamtacular is presented by Twitch and Merlin, the independent’s digital music licensing partner. It marks the second collaborative event between Twitch and Merlin. The first event – a hip hop relay raid – took place last August. The events were built upon the partnership between Twitch and Merlin announced in February 2022 — one that recognized the power of independent artists and their impact within the Twitch community, opened up dedicated support for Merlin members and their artists to grow their audience bases, and unlocked unique marketing opportunities.
About Twitch
Launched in 2011, Twitch is an interactive live streaming service and global community that comes together every day to create unique, live, and unpredictable experiences from the interactions of millions. It brings the joy of co-op to everything, from casual gaming and world-class esports to anime marathons, music, and art streams. Twitch also hosts TwitchCon, the biggest community event of the year, where tens of thousands of people come together to celebrate and connect with others who share their interests and passions. We’re always live at Twitch. Stay up to date on all things Twitch on Twitter and on our Blog.
About Merlin
Merlin is the independent’s digital music licensing partner. We’ve negotiated premium deals with Apple, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, YouTube, and 40 other innovative platforms around the world. Our global membership is from 68 countries around the world, representing 15% of the recorded music market. We are independent record labels, distributors, label services companies, and other rightsholders. Merlin operates for the benefit of its members, without investors looking for an exit, and is funded entirely by our low 1.5% admin fee. Merlin helps the world’s leading independents to own their digital business through world-class deals and white-glove support.
Merlin’s membership includes independents such as Altafonte, Amuse, Armada Music, AudioSalad, Beggars Group, CD Baby and Downtown Music (including FUGA), Cinq Music Group, Dim Mak, DistroKid, Domino, Epitaph Records, Foundation Media, Freeme Digital, IDOL, Kontor New Media, Mad Decent, MNRK Music Group, Monstercat, Mushroom Music, Ninja Tune, ONErpm, [PIAS], Pony Canyon, Redeye, Secret City, Secretly, Symphonic Distribution, Sub Pop, Vydia, and hundreds more.
Find out more at www.merlinnetwork.org.
About MusiCares
MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. For more information please visit: www.musicares.org.
