As the world looks toward reopening, reviving, and returning to a new normal, it’s clear that each industry will be on a different trajectory and timeline. One that’s been hardest hit and will be among the longest to recover is the music industry. From live shows to producing sessions and in-person lessons, almost every aspect of the music business has come to a screeching halt — and many livelihoods along with it. Luckily, there are ways we can help support this art and all that it means to our communities.
How to support music now
- Tune in to livestream concerts — Local acts and global musicians alike have put on virtual performances to keep the music flowing. Some free, some donations based, and some at a modest price. This might be the closest fans can get to the “real thing” for a while, so embrace what might be a new norm by giving them an engaged audience!
- Hire virtual performances — Along the lines of livestream concerts, some bands and ensembles are able to put on private virtual performances, whether it’s for a Zoom video wedding or an intimate gathering. Let us know if this is something you’re interested in, and we’d be happy to set something up from afar!
- Take online music lessons — Many musicians or studios offer virtual or video lessons as well, like us! What better time to learn?
- Help save independent music venues — With the absence of touring artists, venues will also continue to suffer and unfortunately close their doors. Join Save Our Stages in showing your support in the interim.
- Purchase merch and albums — Record sales and even t-shirt purchases go a long way in keeping some musicians on their feet with both finances and morale.
- Continue to share and stream music — Now more than ever, music binds and buoys us. Keep on listening and share your favorite sounds with friends to keep the art alive and well.
For the longer term
We’re all uncertain of what this industry, live music, and the careers that sustain them will look like for the rest of this year and into the next. Here are a few ideas of how we can shape their survival:
- If presented with the opportunity, we encourage booking live bands (or even starting with solos or duos!) for events, bars, and restaurants — not only to support musicians, but also enliven in-person settings once again.
- Live concerts may be at fractional capacity upon starting, so for some, fears of proximity may be mitigated and physical attendance can be safe and sought after.
- Online music lessons will eventually be able to transition back to in person, so take advantage of available teaching schedules before they begin to fill back up!
So much of our daily lives and personal routines revolve around music: it consoles, it energizes, it brings back memories. Let’s do our part to champion this art and industry that are so inherently embedded in our culture and communities — however we can.