The havoc wrecked by the Covid-19 pandemic has been wider and unprecedented, and the music world has been no exception. While online streaming and consumption have seen a significant rise, music-makers are still bearing the brunt of the pandemic. Many artists receive considerable tiny revenues from the streaming sites. And, with the measures put in place to control the virus such as the ban of public gatherings and festivals, the prospects have increasingly thinned for the music artists.

However, around the world, people have turned to their favorite tunes to help them navigate the downturns of the crisis. From global megastar broadcasts to balcony singing challenges, music has offered relief to the disruption. Music lovers have turned to digital solutions to experience their favorite artists, and the music-makers have also embraced the digital approach to making and sharing their craft. Here is how artists have been responding to the crisis.

Making Music About the Crisis

Music artists understand that their craft has often created a sense of participation and belonging-something that was needed in 2020. Music is the antidote to the sense of isolation and alienation especially in times of social distancing and stay-at-home measures to control the pandemic. The uncertainty and panic from the isolation measures have called music artists to provide some social balm for enhancing social connection and rev up the community spirit. Music has helped soothe anxieties. Artists have continued to churn out great music to help reassure each other and remind everyone of the sense of belonging.

Distance Collaboration

Music artists have found a way around the ban on tours and concerts by having online collaborations- all for a worthy cause. Renowned artists have collaborated with other big names to raise money for charity and frontline workers.

These collaborations have brought together communities and nations circumventing the physical restrictions imposed. They have provided the listeners with a much-needed way of dealing with the effects of lockdowns and have helped enhance the artists’ creativity. Local choirs to symphony orchestras have all stood together through online collaborations to maintain the sense of belonging that music brought and continues to nurture.

Live Streams

Live streams are not unique to the pandemic era. They go back as far as the invention of online Livestream platforms in 2007. However, in the current crisis and lockdowns posing a threat to revenue streams of artists, live streams have taken over as the go-to method of giving the fans the experience. Live streams have allowed artists to distribute their music online and hold concerts. It has helped bridge the gap. They have allowed fans to attend events virtually in areas that have strict public gathering measures. However, some areas have done a better job in managing the pandemic like Auckland. Be sure to check what Auckland events are coming up to experience the joy of live music experience. The pandemic might have changed certain aspects of society but some aspects like concerts will and should remain.

Rediscovering Old Music

Music artists have used their collective experience in bringing the old times back. And, with the established platforms such as social media, they have been able to share and rediscover the old music with the fans. Some celebrated names like Tim Burgress have used Twitter to host listening parties. This has allowed artists to reach a wider audience and spread their craft far and wider.

Every performance on these social media platforms offers the fans a chance to directly interact with the artists and reminisce the good old times. And, people listen to these oldies all from the comfort of their couch. Music artists have adapted quite remarkably, and so have we all.

Public Service Announcements

Not many releases have a publicity coup like the era of Rolling Stones, or Michael Jackson especially not when people are in crisis. But, with the latest communications channels capable of reaching millions, music artists have continued to break records. One way artists have done so is using their social media platforms to make public announcements not just regarding their music but echoing health directives as well. Also, artists are using these public announcement platforms to perform their songs and reach their fans. Proceeds from most of the performances go to charity.

All over the world, music artists have crafted ways to circumvent and rise to the unique challenges that came with the Covid-19 pandemic. They have continued to provide emotional and cultural resources to the populations. And, they have mitigated the effects of lost revenue through virtual concerts and live streams. More than ever, they have come together to protect their livelihoods and help the public through the crisis.