MMAD Day returns THIS FRIDAY October 25.
http://www.mmad.org.au/donate

MMAD (Musicians Making A Difference) celebrates 10 years of MMAD Day and in the lead up to MMAD Day this Friday, the charity released the emotive campaign track – “Sounds Like Home”.
Listen here https://tinyurl.com/2uf99jp5

Sounds Like Home was written and performed by local Central Coast rising artist and MMAD Ambassador Kalani Artis who turned his own experiences of challenge into powerful and heartfelt lyrics for this year’s campaign track. On “Sounds Like Home”, the self-taught musician fuses his influences from James Bay, Noah Kahan, and Matt Corby offering a unique mix of indie, folk, and soul, that moves the heart to uplift and inspire young people at risk.
Says Kalani about his involvement with MMAD, “I got caught up doing the wrong things as a kid, experimenting, running amuck which led to repercussions. I was diagnosed with psychosis at 14 and didn’t leave my house for two years because I was too paranoid. Luckily I had a guitar gifted to me and I was obsessed. I was introduced to MMAD through a councillor at the time which helped me gain confidence and to believe in myself.
“This song is very special because it can apply to anyone going through challenges. The ultimate message behind the song is what sounds and feels like home to you. I wanted to create a song that could bring comfort and joy to people’s days or situations, and I hope they connect with it in a positive way”
Many at-risk Aussie kids face unimaginable challenges. Homelessness. Family violence. Bullying. Substance abuse. Homophobia. For more than twenty years, Gosford-based Musicians Making A Difference has been supporting these kids to transform their lives through music.

MMAD is a home away from home where they can feel safe enough to work through their trauma. It’s those little touches and moments that make us feel secure and comfortable. But when it comes to making us feel safe, Sound can play a hugely significant role and MMAD has created a place that sounds like home.

“A place where my voice is heard.”
“A place where I don’t have to hide.”
“A place that really listens.”

Dom Brook, Managing Director said “MMAD day is an opportunity to celebrate music in your life, a moment to ask what sounds like home to you. Music means so much to so many people, breaking down barriers and helping people connect and thrive. This MMAD day we are inviting Aussies to get behind MMAD and help us with much needed funds to keep HQ sounding like home to 100’s of Aussie kids.”

President and CEO of Universal Music Australia, Sean Warner said “It is an honour to support our young people and community through the power of music and mentorship together with MMAD, this year’s ‘Sounds Like Home’ campaign is one everyone can get behind, for me it’s about using the power of music to positively impact young people’s lives, supporting, nurturing, and empowering them to appreciate themselves and give them a sense of value and worth, through guidance, mentorship and leadership. Music has the unique ability to inspire, evoke and awaken emotion, and resonate like no other medium, and if we can make them feel ‘at home’ and safe, then we’ve done something meaningful, and encouragingly impacted someone’s future.”

Working with Kalani on the visuals is fellow MMAD participant and Awkwad Music Videographer Alan Valenzuela. “Kalani is a perfect role model and a wonderful representation of the work MMAD does for not only uplifting artistry, but uplifting attitudes, beliefs and values. I’ve worked with plenty of artists with different backgrounds and stories to tell but something that has stuck out with me is his humbleness and eagerness to learn. A trait that will take him far in the industry”.

On working with MMAD, “I had met MMAD just over a year ago and now being privileged to see first hand all the inspiration and hard work they put in for their members is astonishing. To be assisting in some of my favourite things such as music, advocacy for mental health and support and giving local musicians a chance to shine, MMAD embodies all the traits of what I would consider a perfect organisation. To hear the stories of so many people who have interacted with MMAD, to see the passion the MMAD crew has for helping those around them, I feel very lucky to have brought that vision visually for the crew.”

MMAD has created a home for so many people searching for something bigger than themselves and has been building the foundations for young people to achieve their goals.” MMAD has supported vulnerable and at-risk Aussie youth over the past 20 years through programs and events raising needed funds.

This year’s fundraising campaign was created by young people and driven by young people to keep our MMAD Home humming.

With October 25th quickly approaching, we’re reaching out for your invaluable support in our Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) annual campaign, MMAD Day 2024.
MMAD are truly appreciative of their passionate and dedicated partners. Your contribution, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in making a life-saving impact. http://www.mmad.org.au/donate