By Angelica Mozol, Social Media Manager
Summer’s over has taken a whole new meaning with the pandemic. It has forced musicians and artists of every level to cancel upcoming plans for the remainder of the year and find creative ways to get their content to their fans.
It’s really odd seeing so many bands and musicians convert to live streaming their performances and personally, it’s something that could never replace the experience of going to an actual concert. This year, three big Los Angeles concerts I was looking forward to were either canceled or the status is still up in the air.
With the closure of venues and bars, bands can’t perform live in front of audiences. But this is a virus that doesn’t affect the digital world, and there are many options available to still reach audiences.
Social media and live-streaming gigs while in quarantine are two such options. The Frights hosted an “At-Home Tour” which consisted of them playing each of their albums on different dates as an alternative that started March. 25. Other artists such as Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Janelle Monae, and many more are performing their songs live on different social media platforms. A complete list of virtual concerts and live streams is featured on Billboard.
Many have taken the lead on their own projects such as Tyler Wood of local Los Angeles band Phlogiston. The three-piece alternative rock-influenced band met in the Bay Area and decided to make a move to Los Angeles to pursue their music career.
“It’s tough out there for a musician, but I’m thankful for social media to help us stay connected to people, “ Wood said. “We can go live and we still have methods to bring art to people. I just wish we could bring it to people in person.”
Wood recently released his own solo album on Spotify,” Big Mad.” under the name “No Interest.”
That’s just one example of how many musicians aren’t allowing the pandemic to slow down the passion they feel for their music.
Some are even using it as an opportunity to rekindle that passion.
Former musician Jonathan Garcia decided to get back into his old sheet music. He used to play drums, keys, and percussion instruments and started learning and adding new techniques to his playing style.
“I’ve always had my drum pad and synth but never really had the time between work, social life, and trying to get back into school,” Garcia said. “I would only be able to play late at night and now that unfortunately, work isn’t in the way, I’ve gotten to learn new techniques, rhythms, try and combine them with old music.”
It’s bittersweet to be a musician right now with all this extra time for your music but unable to play shows or practice with your bandmates. Wood advises to not let that struggle get into your head.
“We have all the time and attention to focus on music,” he said, “[but] you burn off and lose momentum after overthinking and quality diminishes. Take a break, step back, and re-evaluate. No pressure.”
A few things you can do to support musicians:
- Purchase your favorite band’s music and buy their merch.
You get to listen to your favorite band while wearing some cool merch all while supporting them!
- Support Independent record stores.
Although many shops have closed because of the pandemic, you could always buy from in their online stores if available.
- Donating directly to the artist or toa relief fund that supports musicians.
Some musicians have their own donations setup where you can help them and if they don’t, there are relief funds set up by Spotify, Live Nation (this supports live music crew), and Equal Sound. Just to name a few.
And if money is tight, it’s always nice to show your support by streaming their music and sharing it with others.
Now if you’re a musician, some of the links above are possible resources along with:
A non-profit organization based in Memphis for full-time blues musicians whose income had been severely diminished by the current pandemic.
Recently started by the creative arts non-profit organization Artly World to help any musicians, artists, and performers that have been affected due to the closure of venues, cancelation of shows, etc.
A non-profit charity that focuses on providing financial assistance to working musicians and music industry workers in need.
