Each day of lockdown, while necessary, is putting a huge strain on the music industry. Here we take a look at what we can do to help.
Every day we are hearing of tours being canceled due to the impact of COVID-19. There has been speculation as to how long it will be before we get to go to concerts again. Some have suggested it could take up to 18 months, or until we get a vaccine. Yesterday, we heard the devastating news that LA institution Amoeba Music will not be reopening its store on the Sunset Strip. There are so many unknowns, but there is one thing that has become abundantly clear throughout all of this – the music industry is adapting and coming together to support each other to make it through as best as we can.
There are many ways you can help support the music industry if you are in a position to do so. At a time when so many of us are turning to music more than ever to give us an escape, there is something you can do to help support those struggling during the lockdown.
We recently spoke to Frank Turner, who is performing weekly live-streams to help raise money for local music venues in the UK, giving them an injection of money to hopefully prevent them from closing their doors.
We are constantly compiling a list of live-streams put on by musicians, that not only give you your live music fix but also give you the opportunity to “tip” them. Keep checking the list as we are constantly updating it as soon as we hear of any planned events. We recently chatted with Joe Pug, who not only has his weekly live-stream every Sunday evening, but he also is performing private online 30-minute concerts for you and your family.
Another, Loud Hailer favorite is Davy Knowles. Davy has put together “Club Quarantine” where you can purchase items such as a t-shirt, VIP passes to a future show or handwritten lyrics. Once you become a member, you will get access to exclusivities content which includes previously unreleased songs, downloads, and the chance to win your own PRS guitar.
Guitarist Nita Strauss is currently offering guitar lessons. You can sign up for her Rock Guitar Fundamentals course which currently has 50% off. After all, how many of you have wanted to learn or get better at playing the guitar? A lot of us now have more time on our hands, so take the opportunity to do it now.
It’s not just the musicians themselves who are affected by the sudden postponements and cancelation of live shows. The venues, the venue staff, the touring crews, are all in the same boat. Live Nation has put together Crew Nation in order to help out the behind the scenes crew members. Live Nation has initially contributed $5 million to the fund and then will match the next $5 million raised by artists, fans, and employees. You can contribute by either donating or by purchasing merchandise.
Obviously, the music industry is not the only one affected by the current crisis, with many out of work or with reduced salaries. There are also a number of ways to give back to the community, to help out those in need and you should do this where you. However, given that we are a music publication and believe strongly in the importance of music for people’s general well-being, we are looking at what we can do to help those within the music industry. If you are in a position where you are able to help out, no matter how big or small, consider giving a donation to help out your most frequented music venues or buying an experience from your favorite musicians. Think of all of the concerts you would have probably already been to this year if the lockdown hadn’t happened. How much would you have paid for the ticket, the Uber to get there, the extensive bar tab you would have run up while you were there? Can you donate even a fraction of that to those who need it?
