Covid-19 (aka “Bandemic” for many gigging artists) has turned the Live music industry upside down in many ways. However, for many musicians, it has been a source of motivation and creativity in the face of adversity.
Because of “stay-at-home” orders and various “lockdown” scenarios, artists from all walks of the music industry have had to become increasingly resourceful with not only ways to present their talents.
Below are just some of the ways in which artists have had to cope with Covid and thrive musically during these most uncertain of times:
According to a recent MIDiA study in partnership with Amuse, independent artists have generated on average a 32% year over year during the height of the pandemic effectively becoming the fastest-growing segment of the global recorded music business. Nearly 70% took more the opportunity to spend more time writing or making music, 57% created more content for social media while 46% released more music.
In fact, according to that same study, 36% of Indie artists reported working more on collaborations during the lockdown than ever before. The report also mentions that artists need “side hustles” like never before with 28% stating that streaming was their primary source of income. Artists, now more than ever, have had to diversify their skill set and seek more opportunities like publishing, teaching, session work and even sponsorships.
While it seems that the “Live” music scene is all but finished for the foreseeable future, there are many entertainment and production companies that have made significant strides to accommodate the aspect of “Live performances” in their safe and socially distanced venues.
These live music scenarios have succeeded because they are primarily outdoors.
However, with bars, clubs and other venues shut down from California to the Carolina’s the best way to experience “Live” music delivered by your favorite bands is via livestream these day. Here are some sites to check out:
https://livestream.com/watch/browse/music/upcoming
https://www.songkick.com/live-stream-concerts
https://www.jambase.com/livestreams/upcoming
Here are some valuable resources designed to help out independent artists during the “Bandemic”:
https://www.arts.gov/about/nea-on-covid-19/resources-for-artists-and-arts-organizations
https://www.berklee.edu/covid19/relief-and-resources-artists
https://necmusic.edu/resources-musicians-and-artists-affected-covid-19
