HOW CAN A MUSICIAN SUCCEED DURING THE CURRENTS TIMES OF COVID-19?

Though it can often be difficult for musicians to succeed in general, the new limitations presented by the pandemic make it even more challenging. Success is often a subjective idea. One’s definition of success may be heavily weighted on how much monetary gain is involved, while another’s may be more focused on enjoyment in that activity. Regardless of the definition, success is attributed by achieving one’s goals.

A musician can succeed during this global pandemic by adapting to, and actually finding ways to take advantage of the limitations presented to them. These current times see a great mass of people experiencing a surplus of time unoccupied by work, or social obligations. Musicians must learn to use this to their advantage. Not only can musicians use this time to hone their craft, but also use it to engage all of those seeking music from the safety and comfort of their home and isolation. The opportunities to listen to live music is lacking. Utilizing the social media and live streams to perform is an obvious option. Livestreaming can be done independently, and there are tools for selling tickets and promoting via social media such as TicketSpice.

Riot on the Roof 2020, Vernon, BC.

Riot on the Roof 2020, Vernon, BC. – Vernon Public Art Gallery

There are also opportunities to be livestreamed. For example, I worked at an art gallery during the summer where we hosted a live stream of three bands and paid them much like a gig. Following current CDC guidelines and taking proper safety precautions, there are safe physical options to perform that are easier to monetize.

Being digital also can be seen as a way to collaborate with other musicians while not having to pay travel costs. Organizing a live stream where multiple groups perform can be more enticing for ticket buyers. A live stream can also be recorded and made available for purchase if posted to a website or service such as Vimeo, or it can be uploaded to a streaming site such as YouTube, where it can generate revenue via advertisements. Musicians can also set up donation links where spectators can donate if they wish. If planning a any sort of project or online event, musicians should consider and apply for grants available. Creative BC is a great resource for projects in British Columbia, and I personally saw that they supported a livestreamed concert I attended based in Kelowna, BC.

Aside from performing, musicians with a following may choose to promote and sell merch online, there are many services which handle all processing, BigCartel for example. Additionally, this is the most important time to establish an online presence. Getting music available on popular streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple music, and Bandcamp, is more crucial now than ever. Establishing a website where people can access information about the musicians, their music, their background, is immensely important as well.