Music Through Pandemic: 5 Ways Artists Can Adapt & Continue Performing

This article is written by Charles Vallena, Managing Editor at Guitar Junky.

The COVID19 pandemic is not showing any signs of slowing down. Despite massive vaccination efforts, more virulent new strains keep cropping up. 

While economies remain steadfast amidst the pandemic, performing artists must do what they can to adapt and keep doing the things they love. Here are five ways artists can adapt and continue creating music through the pandemic.

1. Collaborate with Other Artists Remotely

While some world economies are opening up, basic health protocols remain in place. For example, the CDC still recommends observing social distancing measures, handwashing, and wearing masks. These preventive steps are necessary to reduce COVID19 transmissions. Unfortunately, it also makes working with other artists challenging.

The good news is that the pandemic also opened new avenues of connecting without breaking social distancing rules. Using video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom, makes it possible to collaborate with a trombonist from Japan, a violinist from Austria, or a pianist in the UK. Artists never have to leave the safety of their homes because they can always create music with other artists from around the world.

Symphonies, orchestras, rock bands, heavy metal groups, local choirs, and independent artists can meet online for a project. Not only will they continue honing their musical skills, but they also get to contribute to a more altruistic goal. They can use their platform to bring hope to a world already reeling from the effects of the global pandemic.

2. Rediscover Legacy Music with Others

Artists do not only use online platforms for music collaboration. They can also utilize their social media accounts to connect with their followers and fans through their love of music. It is also a more engaging way to give one’s loyal audience a glimpse of the artist’s musical inclinations by listening to old or legacy music together.

Artists can ask other performers to join them in discussing old songs, legacy music, or their respective musical exploits. For example, getting a member of the Eagles and Oasis on the same platform can provide viewers insight into the bands’ adventures in creating their music. 

It would be a blast to see Sir Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen on a social media channel sharing their views about early 20th-century songs or music on streaming platforms written before 1972.

Whatever the case, it would be a no-holds-barred, pub-type conversation among music-loving adults and their fans. Budding artists can take a hint or two from legends, making their music more relevant for more generations. 

3. Write Songs about the Pandemic

According to Glenn McDonald, Spotify’s data analyst, the COVID19 pandemic spurred pandemic-related songs. The streaming platform’s The Sound of the Virus lists 8,314 songs written for and about the pandemic. Topping the list is Ariana Grande’s ‘Stuck with U’ with Twenty One Pilots’ ‘Level of Concern’ and David Bisbal and Aitana’s ‘Si Tu La Quieres’ bringing up the numbers two and three spots.

With health protocols in place, artists can work from their home studios with relative ease. The songs do not have to be as bleak and unforgiving as the virus. It can always be a light take on the issues, giving listeners a welcome reprieve from their pandemic-induced isolation. One can spin or make light governments’ responses to the global health concern or any other perspective the artist may have about the disease.

Writing songs about the pandemic brings artists closer to their listeners, letting them know musicians feel their angst and pain. One can also choose to offer hope instead of despair while doing what one loves the most.

4. Use One’s Musical Talents to Aid in Stopping the Pandemic

As of June 20, 2021, the CDC reports only 45.1% of Americans are fully vaccinated, while 53.3% have had at least a shot of the COVID19 vaccine. Infectious disease experts worry that the latter group is hesitant about getting a second dose, believing, albeit mistakenly, that one dose is enough. There is also the issue of the 1.6% that remain adamant about getting their immunizations.

There are also people who still do not wear face masks or observe social distancing measures. While the American economy is opening, the COVID19 threat remains. That is why everyone must remain vigilant in observing basic safety and health protocols related to COVID19 control.

Artists can use their influence to help healthcare professionals and organizations drive home the point of disease prevention. They can write songs encouraging everyone to observe fundamental health protocols. Artists can also collaborate with others in enjoining their fans and followers to keep safe as the world starts to wake up from this nightmare. It also helps artists continue doing what they love.

5.. Livestream from a Music Venue

Before the pandemic, opera houses, concert halls, bars, and other music venues played host to hordes of loyal fans and adoring guests. Musicians and performing artists never had issues booking a place for an electrifying performance, wowing the crowd with their musical skills.

Unfortunately, the pandemic shut down many of these venues. Without live events, music places lose millions of dollars. People working in these establishments also have to look elsewhere to ensure their survival.

As bleak as it may sound, artists can live stream their performances from any of their favorite music venues. The establishment does not have to open its doors to a live audience. However, it can provide the all-important backdrop for artists to perform, similar to what the NBA did at its Orlando bubble in the 2019-2020 season. 

Artists can also choose to stream their performance live and straight from their homes, like what Frank Turner did. Turner performed a gig on Facebook Watch Party to benefit The Joiners in Southampton. One can do the same, donating the proceeds to a music venue and ensure its survival during this most trying of times. 

Conclusion

The pandemic may have dampened the spirits of many, but never the creativity of musicians and other performing artists. The five ways artists can adapt and continue performing music through the pandemic are evidence of modern musicians’ resilience and perseverance. Together with their passion for music and life, it is an artist’s way of keeping the embers of hope alive.

To keep up with latest news and articles about music, visit Guitar Junky’s blog.

About the Author

Charles Vallena is the author, and editor-in-chief of TheGuitarJunky.com, an online music site dedicated in helping aspiring musicians become real musicians. He provides expert insights, guides, lessons, and reviews on acoustic guitars, digital piano, drums, and other music instruments. Follow Guitar Junky on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Music Through Pandemic: 5 Ways Artists Can Adapt & Continue Performing