Today, the SOS call has gone out. The hard-working people who provide the soundtrack to Australian life need your help, right now. Can you answer it?

In the space of a week, the music industry has come to a standstill, with your favourite festivals, concert, shows and local gigs being cancelled as a result of the spread of COVID-19.

Artists, crew, promoters, venues and more in the industry live from gig to gig, with their revenue going from 100 to zero in under a week. These shows are their lifeblood, so it's time we music lovers rally to help them overcome this difficult time in any way we can.

Launched today, the Sound of Silence is a national initiative from a Music Industry Taskforce that represent our diverse music industry to bring immediate relief for an industry at the existential brink.

Says Howard Freeman of CrewCare, "We need your help to get through this so that when the venue doors and festival gates open again, when the stage lights come on and the fans return, the artists and the legions of workers who support them, are there for you."

The music industry has historically banded together to donate time and money to those in need, as seen recently with bushfire relief efforts - it is always there to lend a helping hand. Now it needs the Australian music-loving public to do the same.

If we don't act now the soundtrack to Aussie life will stop and all we will hear is the sound of silence.

Here's some recommendations from the taskforce on how you can answer the SOS call;

• Visit www.thesoundofsilence.com.au and if you are in a financial position to do so, please donate to Support Act - which is a music charity that provides crisis relief services to artists, roadies and music workers who are directly affected during this time.

• In the absence of touring, merchandise is the most instant investment you can make into any artists career, you can support by visiting any number of the artists stores directly through the store links on the SOS online superstore, or create an equally lasting connection by purchasing the Sound Of Silence, special custom tee designed by Jack Irvine (Billie Eilish, Skeggs) with all proceeds going to Support Act.

• Consider donating your refunds for cancelled shows or a portion of your refund to the venue or Support Act via Sound of Silence (SOS).

• Hang onto your tickets for rescheduled dates. By keeping your ticket, you keep funds in the industry when it is most needed. It also means the artists don't have to start their marketing campaign all over again therefore saving money and resources in promoting the shows.

• Keep streaming and buying Australian music and merchandise - directly from artist websites, through local record stores (online), Bandcamp, Patreon or via your favourite streaming services - Spotify and Apple. (PS - this Friday, March 20th, Bandcamp's share of sales will also go to the artists and labels you choose to support).

• Spread the word - contact your preferred radio station and ask them to play your favourite Aussie artists or write a letter to your local MP.

• Message your favourite musician or venue and offer moral support. Or 'Pay It Forward' and buy a gift voucher for your favorite artist at their favorite rehearsal, recording or production studio.

• If you know any workers affected by the recent event cancellations and postponements, check that they are aware of I Lost My Gig. The latest figures compiled by ilostmygig.net.au (ILMG) continue the alarming trend in lost income for the creative industries. Reported losses now top $200 million reported in just 5 days while reported people directly affected in the industry sits at over 400,000.

• And most importantly, when we are able to gather en masse again and share in the power of the live experience, please buy tickets to gigs and go and see your favourite acts.