NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 13TH, 2022 – At the beginning of the global pandemic in 2020, Cautious Clay, Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, Sophie Meiers, Claud, Melanie Faye, and HXNS released their charity single “Cheesin’” via JJ Corsini’s label, slowplay, in partnership with Republic Records/Imperial. Since the song’s release, 100 percent of net profits from every stream and download has been donated to MusiCares®, the leading music charity that supports artists and those in the music community affected by what was at first thought to be a momentary disruption in their industry, careers, and everyday lives but has lasted for two years. Today, the artists behind “Cheesin’” proudly announce they have raised over $175,000 for MusiCares.

For a few years before its release, Cautious Clay and his producer friend HXNS had been working on perfecting an idea for a song they had together called “Cheesin’”. The song was always meant to be a fun pop song featuring many peers and friends of Cautious, which he had always hoped would have a charitable contribution tied to its eventual release.

When Corsini heard that the song existed, he knew he had to be a part of it as he launched slowplay at UMG. Corsini shared, “This song was such a no brainer for us. It stands for everything we did as a brand new label...A great pop song, created by some of our favorite new artists around, with a really meaningful and sincere philanthropic mission.”

“When Covid hit in 2020, I had been working on my album, Deadpan Love, but didn’t feel like ‘Cheesin’’ was right for it…but I also felt like I wanted it to go somewhere, so I reached out to JJ and the team at Republic and decided to release it as a benefit for all of the work lost specifically for people in the live music industry…It just felt right for everyone involved. Still Woozy, Claud, Remi, Melanie, HXNS, and Sophie were all stoked about it, and it just ended up being good timing,” said Cautious Clay.

Remi Wolf chimed in saying, “I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since ‘Cheesin’’! It was a pleasure to be a part of this song, and I’m glad it was able to make people happy while giving back at the same time. We’ve all gone through a lot in the past couple years, and I’m proud we were able to make a positive contribution.”

“I’m so happy to see this song that my friends and I wrote together connect with so many people. Two years ago, we made ‘Cheesin’’ to provide some much needed fun and positivity during difficult times. I’m proud that through the MusiCares COVID relief efforts, we played a small part in helping other artists get back on their feet during the pandemic,” said Still Woozy.

The record immediately gained the support of the music industry—a catchy song from an all-star lineup of developing artists with an incredible philanthropic mission behind it was a recipe for success.

Upon release, “Cheesin’” entered Spotify’s Viral Top 50 Chart and received critical acclaim from Zane Lowe, Billboard, MTV, NYLON, Coup De Main, Notion, Dork, Ones To Watch, Indie Shuffle, and many more, as well as widespread support from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and placement on various playlists. Fans can learn more about “Cheesin’,” MusiCares, and the #CHEESIN4CHARITY initiative at cheesin4charity.com.

The MusiCares COVID relief effort was the organization’s largest and longest-running, specific relief effort in their more than 30-year history. Between March 2020 and July 2021, MusiCares' COVID relief efforts reached 38,000 people and their families with over $29M distributed directly back into the hands of those in need, in over 3,500 cities across the country. The relief aid has provided financial support for basic living expenses, as well as physical health, mental health, addiction recovery services, and more.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic started, we could have never foreseen the impact that it would have on members of the music community,” said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “We have seen an increased need for our program’s health and welfare services over the last two years and support from collaborations like ‘Cheesin’’ allowed us to offer COVID-19 relief to music professionals and continue our health and human services to assist with physical and mental health, preventative clinics and so much more.”

The MusiCares COVID relief effort was established to provide monetary support to the
thousands of music creators and industry professionals who were most affected by the
Coronavirus pandemic due to the unprecedented cancelation of music events and work opportunities. For music professionals needing support, from preventative clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, disaster relief, and more, please contact MusiCares at 310.392.3777 or visit www.musicares.org.