Rough Trade x Sweet Relief

Supporting musicians and music industry workers in need.

Rough Trade is proud to partner with US-based non-profit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in support of their incredible work helping musicians and music industry professionals with medical and vital living expenses. Formed in 1994 by singer-songwriter Victoria Williams after a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis, Sweet Relief helps artists with insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment and operative procedures, housing costs, food costs, utilities, and other basic necessities.

This new collaboration will give fans a way to support musicians and music industry professionals in need through digital add-ons and checkout donations across Rough Trade’s U.S platform.

In an industry where it feels increasingly impossible to directly support musicians, donating to Sweet Relief is a way to do just that.

“We’re huge fans of Rough Trade and we’re thrilled to partner with them to raise funds for our music community in need. It’s exciting and gratifying to see such a storied and respected company recognise the importance and urgency of our mission, and to step up to help in such a meaningful way. 

We’re looking forward to more creative collaborations designed to help our musicians and music industry workers in need of emergency financial assistance due to a physical or mental health emergency.”

Aric Steinberg, Executive Director of Sweet Relief

“At Rough Trade, music has always been about more than commerce, it’s about community, connection, and the people who dedicate their lives to creating the records that shape our culture.

We’re proud to partner with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and give our customers simple ways to contribute, whether through round-ups, direct donations or future initiatives still to come. Supporting artists and music workers in times of need feels entirely aligned with what Rough Trade has stood for over the past fifty years.”

Stephen Godfroy, Co-Owner at Rough Trade

More About Sweet Relief

Sweet Relief offers vital grants to assist with:

• Medical Expenses: Insurance premiums, prescriptions, and alternative therapies.
• Basic Needs: Housing and food costs during periods of unemployment or disability.
• Mental Health Support: Through partnerships like Music’s Mental Health Fund, which connects eligible workers directly with therapists.

To maximize your impact, Sweet Relief have set up specific funds for you to choose from. Pick the fund that speaks to you and your love of music. Applications for grants and mental health resources are processed directly through the Sweet Relief Application Portal.

Help Sweet Relief continue to help artists in need online at Rough Trade today.