FAQ | Sonic Guild Austin

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 chapters in Austin and Seattle.
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.

Founded in 2013. First grant class funded in 2014.
Executive Director: Bobby Garza
Community Manager: Andrea Hyland

Membership Coordinator: Kim Brillhart
Artist Liaison: Greg Carter (volunteer)
Alumni Artist Liaison: Laura Burrus (volunteer)
Sonic Guild strengthens Austin'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 Sonic Guild member is an Austin music superfan that believe our local music ecosystem is vital to our community. They contribute $75/month or $750/year to fund artist grants. In exchange, our community members get access to free shows/events as well as a say in who gets funded each year.
Click "Join" at the top of any page, visit the Austin Chapter page and select "Join Sonic Guild Austin," or visit sonicguild.org/membership.
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.
80% is tax deductible. 20% reflects event value.
Yes. Email info@sonicguild.org to arrange.

Artists are paid for showcase performances, with full production support.
Yes. Artists must be part of the season and perform.
Artists may be nominated for grant consideration, including self-nomination during open nomination periods.
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 working within 100 miles of Austin.
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).
Amounts are determined on a yearly basis and vary based on the grant program. In 2025 the Artist Grants were $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.

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.