As the world races to stop the spread of yet another COVID variant, many in music are beginning to worry about what might happen to live music if the US enters another lockdown.
We have to talk about COVID-19. Regardless of your feelings or beliefs regarding the novel coronavirus, there is no denying that we are still living in a global pandemic. The recent return of live music seems to tease normalcy, but the latest headlines tell a much scarier story.
The most recent COVID variants are the most aggressive yet. Both the Delta variant and far more recent Delta+ are more transmissible and deadly than previous iterations of the virus. Worse yet, everyone is at risk, including the vaccinated and those with antibodies. The spread is out of control, and many believe a fresh round of cultural restrictions is on the horizon.
In this Music Biz update, host James Shotwell tells you everything you need to know about the Delta variant, the battle against COVID-19, and the growing concerns around the industry regarding the future of live music.
Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.
Live music is back! Here are a few things music journalists and photographers should keep in mind before heading out to a show.
Can you believe it? After more than a year away, Live music is back. Concerts are already happening across America and worldwide, with hundreds more being announced every week. Live Nation, one of the most prominent concert promoters on the planet, says they will have twice as many artists touring next year as they did in 2019. That would have worried the industry a few years ago, but today, demand and excitement are at an all-time high. Fans are ready. Artists are prepared. Everyone is itching to get back in the pit and sing along to their favorite songs while surrounded by people who feel the same way they do about music. It’s a beautiful thing.
Music journalists and photographers, many of whom have spent the past year trying everything in their power to make click were the headlines from reviews and live stream announcements, are pretty excited as well. As much as writing about tour announcements and reviewing albums can be a satisfying experience, nothing compares to the thrill of covering a live show. A well-written review or beautifully captured photograph can do more to help members of the media and musicians alike than a dozen album reviews. With competition for consumer attention rising, the music journalism community is in a unique position of influence. The tours and events they cover can make or break someone’s spending decision, and that responsibility is not to be taken lightly.
But there’s a catch.
Since the first post-pandemic shows were announced, messages have circulated on social media calling for an end to guest lists. For those unfamiliar, these lists are used by venues and artists to set aside tickets for select individuals to attend a performance without buying a ticket. Spots are typically reserved for family and friends of the artist or promoter and members of the industry at large.
Here’s an example of the messaging in question:
It seems clear that the message of this tweet is for people who do not have a legitimate reason to request guest list inclusion. Artists and promoters are trying to tell friends that they would prefer they buy a ticket. Honestly, it makes sense. Before the pandemic, an artist had no reason to believe that touring, the primary way most musicians make money, would come to a halt. Artists in 2021 know that live music can disappear anytime. There is no guarantee of another tour. Artists need people to buy tickets so that they can feed themselves and pay their bills. The same goes for promoters. People have spent the last year worrying about where the money would come from, and now they have an answer. Live music is back, which means making money is possible.
Regardless, certain members of the music journalism community have taken these comments personally. But as the old saying goes, “if you think it’s about you, then it probably is.”
We spoke to several publicists and promoters who confirm they have no plans to deny guestlist access to writers and photographers when live music returns. One professional, who is allowing us to use their quotes anonymously, went as far as to say that “concert coverage may be more important than ever this fall. Artists, especially smaller ones, are going to need all the attention their shows can get to move tickets.”
That said, we put together a few rules with the help of the industry at large that music journalists from all walks of life should adhere to as concerts return:
Always say please and thank you. That may seem obvious, but unless you are a significant publication with massive influence, granting you access to an artist and their performance is a gift.
Do not publicly attack artists, labels, promoters, or publicists if you do not receive access. Many factors go into media accreditation consideration. Keep working hard and, in time, you will get the access you seek.
Always deliver on your coverage promises. If you said you would write a review, then you better write something. If you said you wanted to take photographs, then you better publish a gallery. The publicists we spoke to say they will be more closely following the content created in return for guest list inclusion moving forward.
Don’t request access to anything you wouldn’t cover otherwise. If you write for a metal site, for example, then you shouldn’t be requesting access to the Jonas Brothers concert under the guise of being a music journalist.
In the event you are granted a plus one, use it to expand your coverage. Guestlist spots are limited, and they are not intended to help your friend or significant other access a show. It would be best to use additional guest list spots solely to ensure the best possible coverage—for example, a writer AND a photographer.
If you enjoy the artists performing, consider buying merchandise. Not only will this help the artist continue to pursue their career, but it’s also a show of support for both the artist and their team. It says that you are serious when you say you want the artist to succeed. Artists and publicists know that not every site has any significant level of influence, but when you vocally support musicians and buy their merchandise, it tells the industry that you are actively working to ensure musicians can continue creating the art they aspire to share with the world.
Don’t be a dick to security or venue staff for no reason. Treat everyone the way you wish to be treated.
Don’t post a photo of your press badge or photo pass on social media. It may seem harmless, but someone may steal that image in an attempt to infiltrate another gig or event in the future. At the very least, wait until the tour or event has ended before sharing your pass.
Respect any boundaries set by the artist or their team. If someone says they don’t want to discuss something or be photographed at a particular time, listen to them. No one wants gotcha journalism.
Send links to your coverage to the person who granted you access. Everyone in music is busy, but you can make someone’s job easier by sharing your contact with them rather than making them seek it out. That behavior will also help you develop stronger relationships with publicists, labels, etc.
Don’t fake it. Humans have a unique ability to detect when someone is lying or not presenting the entire truth. Don’t create content you don’t believe in or would not want to consume. Make what is authentic and meaningful to you, and everything else will fall in place.
There are probably 100 other things we could add, but this is enough for now. We’ll see you at the show!
‘Safe In Sound’ compiles expansive yet easily digestible information and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts and delivers it in a form tailored specifically for our industry,” said Sean Lynch, co-chair of NIVA’s Reopening Task Force. “As we return to these vital social environments, we need to make sure it’s done safely and comfortably for artists, staff, and patrons alike. We can’t wait to return to work and provide the live entertainment experience so many have missed.”
The checklist addresses every major issue involved in producing a safe live event, both front of house and back of house.
“While it is always essential to meet state and local legal requirements, that is just the beginning,” said Steve Adelman, Vice President of the Event Safety Alliance. “Every industry professional knows it takes an enormous amount of work to make events look simple. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented countless challenges to safely bringing audiences back to venues, safely getting production staff back to work behind the scenes, and safely returning artists to stages. We have created industry-specific guidance to put life safety first.”
The music industry is hoping for a busy fall tour season, but will concerts return before the leaves change?
Nearly fourteen months have passed since live music came to a halt seemingly overnight. As the battle against the global COVID-19 pandemic rages on, many are still wondering when concerts will return. Some states are testing the waters with socially distant outdoor events, while others are already welcoming full capacity crowds with few if any, COVID-related safety guidelines. Still, most places on Earth don’t have live music in any form, and no one really knows when that will change.
But the music industry is resilient. While theories and criticism abound, many are looking toward the future with full hearts and hopeful eyes. The demand for a return to normalcy is deafening, and many in the industry believe that live music can play a role in helping lure people out of their homes and back into social situations.
In this Music Biz update, host James Shotwell explores how a single announcement ushered in a lot of hope and anticipation for a busy 2021 concert season. He also looks at the potential drawbacks, hold-ups, and worries that come with change.
Speaking at a January conference held by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked about the potential for live entertainment to return in 2021:
“If everything goes right, this will occur sometime in the fall of 2021, so that by the time we get to the early to mid-fall, you can have people feeling safe performing onstage as well as people in the audience,” Fauci said, noting that the return depends upon getting between 70% to 85% of the population vaccinated, according to the New York Times. Along with the vaccination, Fauci said venues and theaters might need to take further safety precautions, particularly if they do not have adequate ventilation.”
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Ten months after live music was silenced, a series of recent news updates paint an optimistic outlook for 2021.
Can you believe that nearly one-full year has passed since live music has filled venues worldwide? As record-setting case counts and deaths related to COVID-19 happen weekly, many people worry it may be a long time before their favorite artists can perform again. We worry about that too, but recent headlines have us thinking the return of concerts may be closer than you think. That is, as long as you’re flexible.
In the latest Music Biz News update, host James Shotwell looks at four recent news stories related to COVID-19 and live music’s return. He breaks down how each offers hope to music fans everywhere and urges patience with leaders who are doing their best to make vaccinations available to anyone.
Fauci comments on live music’s return.
Speaking at a January conference held by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked about the potential for live entertainment to return in 2021.
“If everything goes right, this will occur sometime in the fall of 2021, so that by the time we get to the early to mid-fall, you can have people feeling safe performing onstage as well as people in the audience,” Fauci said, noting that the return depends upon getting between 70% to 85% of the population vaccinated, according to the New York Times. Along with the vaccination, Fauci said venues and theaters might need to take further safety precautions, particularly if they do not have adequate ventilation.
Outdoor venues will return much sooner.
Live music promoters spent the majority of 2020 trying to find new ways to present live music that are both safe and financially sound. Several methods found success, including pod seating at outdoor venues and concerts held at drive-in theaters. These ideas will continue to be utilized in 2021, with The Caverns in Tennessee and Red Rocks in Colorado already rolling out massive performance schedules.
Miss festivals? Don’t worry; those are coming back (very) soon.
Moon Crush is a brand-new, first of its kind music festival taking place the final weekend in April. The multi-day, socially-distanced event will give fans of Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, and many more artists a chance to see those musicians live in an outdoor setting. Attendees will be staying near the ocean in Florida’s panhandle for the event’s duration, and many safety measures will be in place to prevent sickness. It’s a risky bet for some, but those itching for the festival experience can book their trip now.
Stylish masks are the future of concert fashion.
Razer has unveiled Project Hazel, a new take on N-95 masks that combine safety and comfort to reduce waste, protect people, and make it easier to communicate while adhering to COVID restrictions.
Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.
The last twelve months were an unpredictable rollercoaster that taught us a lot about the music business. 2021 is going to be similarly wild, but we have an idea where it’s headed. Here’s what to expect.
We’ll be the first to admit that 2020 took us by surprise. There were so many twists and turns that nobody saw coming, and most of the predictions we made were wrong. We’re pretty sure it did the same to every other music and business analyst as well, so we don’t take it personally, but it did make us think long and hard before preparing the video you’re about to see.
It’s a wild time to be alive. Between the global pandemic, shuttered music venues, and a release calendar that’s far from reliable, predicting the future is a tricky proposition. Still, we couldn’t let a new year begin without taking a stab at what awaits in the months ahead.
Our music business predictions for 2021 include the return of live music, shifting release schedules, emerging release strategies, new income streams, the continuing importance of TikTok, and more. Join us as Music Biz host James Shotwell peers into his crystal ball and outlines the optimistic possibilities of a unique and exciting year.
Music business predictions found in the video above include:
The return of live music. There is no doubt that fans want to see their favorite artists again, but several things need to happen before its safe for full-scale events to return. As much as we want summer festivals to happen, the data currently available points to fall is the most likely season for concerts to return at scale. Of course, the speed of vaccinations and consumer confidence in their effectiveness will play a large role in determining the future.
TikTok remains the hub of music discovery. Another big lesson from 2020 is that TikTok reigns supreme in the world of music discovery. Both emerging talent and legacy acts can benefit from their music going viral on the popular video-sharing platform. Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram have failed to create a similarly beneficial tool for artists, which leads us to believe TikTok’s influence will continue well into the new year.
Guitars are cool again. After years of promoting the idea that guitar-driven music is dead, the music business is singing a different tune. The success of legacy acts such as Fleetwood Mac and OMC on TikTok is partially responsible for this outlook, as is the impressive success of Machine Gun Kelly’s latest album, Tickets To My Downfall. As the SoundCloud rap era continues to fade, guitars seem positioned for a new age of popularity, and we look forward to seeing the way emerging artists embrace the instrument in 2021.
There are a lot of new albums on the horizon. The ban on live music in response to the COVID-19 pandemic scared labels and artists of all sizes, and for good reasons. Most artists depend on touring to make money, and most record companies rely on their cut of an artist’s touring income (and the exposure concerts generate) to cover expenses. Countless releases are sitting on hard drives because the industry believes touring is an essential component to an album cycle’s monetary success. As live music resumes in 2021, we’re anticipating an avalanche of albums, singles, and EPs recorded over the past 18 months to see the light of day. That, coupled with artists working on material right now, sets up a jam-packed release calendar.
Release strategies are changing. The current backlog of new music, coupled with consumers’ increasingly short attention spans, gives the music industry a chance to move away from traditional release strategies. We’re expecting more artists to emphasize singles over records in the new year, with each track receiving a full-force promotional effort. Songs will see teasers released in advance of the full track, followed by the song premiere, song visualizer, lyric video, and the official music video, not to mention additional snippets and behind-the-scenes content. Artists will make each track an ‘event’ that may or may not build up to a proper album. The risk of releasing ten or more tracks at once only for fans to move on in a matter of weeks is too risky.
Brand partnerships are on the rise. With touring on hold, artists and their teams have gotten creative with revenue streams. 2020 saw a record number of musicians partnering with brands of all sizes for engaging content opportunities, and we feel that trend will continue in the new year.
More artist collaborations. Hip-hop has long understood the power of artist collaborations, but in 2021, other genres will follow suit. Much like brand partnerships, collaborations can bring together music communities to benefit artists and fans alike. More artists than ever are working on new material from home, and without live music, many have more opportunities to experiment with different sounds and ideas. Seeing more collaborations arise from this moment seems inevitable, leading to exciting new music for audiences.
Jobs are coming back, but there is a twist. One side effect of COVID-19’s impact on music was the loss of countless jobs. While some will return as vaccine distribution rises and concerts resume, others are gone forever. We see an industry hiring spree starting by summer, but considering the number of current professionals looking to replace jobs they lost and the overwhelming amount of aspiring workers, competition for each position will be at an all-time high.
We cover all of this and much more at length in the video above. Enjoy!
The Haulix team recently caught a glimpse at live music’s future during a concert with fan pods in rural Tennessee.
We miss concerts. We’re going to assume that you do as well. Nothing else on the planet can provide the same rush that live music offers. Scientists can probably explain why that is, but we believe it’s tied to our history. Humans have been gathering to perform music and celebrate life since the dawn of time. It is a communal event as old as time itself, more or less, and our inability to participate in it has made 2020 a drag.
The music business, of course, is resilient. Some artists and promoters have found success with drive-in events. Critics say that the experience of listening to music inside your car in what is essentially a giant parking lot doesn’t really compare to the excitement of being near fellow humans. It’s a stopgap measure at best, but something is better than nothing when you’re feeling desperate.
One other option exists. Many countries are finding success with socially-distant concerts that utilize a concept known as fan pods. These events place people in groups of two or more, and every group stays in a designated area where only they can enjoy the show. The interaction with other concertgoers is minimal, as are the interactions with venue staff. It’s a bold notion that could provide more opportunities for live music in the future, but it has been slow to catch on in the states.
Recently, Music Biz host James Shotwell traveled to Tennessee to watch an outdoor, socially-distant concert utilizing fan pods to keep people safe. He uses our latest video clip to recount the experience, including the positives and negatives of going to a show using pods to separate attendees. Check it out:
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NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 28: Van Morrison perform during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 2019 50th Anniversary at Fair Grounds Race Course on April 28, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
The “Brown Eyed Girl” songwriter is having a hard time convincing other musicians to join his efforts, but he persists.
Van Morrison is claiming COVID-19 “pseudoscience” is holding back the music industry and wants other musicians to join him in demanding an immediate return to concerts with full capacity audience.
The aging rock icon made his beliefs clear with a recently launched campaign on his official website that claims socially-distanced gigs are not economically viable. “I call on my fellow singers, musicians, writers, producers, promoters, and others in the industry to fight with me on this. Come forward, stand up, fight the pseudo-science and speak up,” he said.
News of Morrison’s position on live music restrictions comes just weeks before he is set to play a series of socially-distanced gigs in France. “This is not a sign of compliance or acceptance of the current state of affairs, this is to get my band up and running and out of the doldrums,” he wrote. “This is also not the answer going forward. We need to be playing to full capacity audiences going forward.”
Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with contaminated surfaces and infected people outside the home. Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19.
The music industry has spent the last six months trying to adjust to the new normal, with many claiming that socially-distant events are not a sustainable business plan. However, since posting his thoughts last Friday, Morrison has not received outspoken support from virtually anyone in the industry.
Even Morrison’s fans are on the fence. After sharing his comments on Facebook, supporters of Morrison were quick to reply. “The science is real,” one wrote. “We love you, Van, but calling pandemic management protocols ‘pseudo-science’ is probably the dumbest and certainly the most dangerous idea you’ve ever put your name to,” wrote another.
Meanwhile, at least one venue in the UK is adapting to the new normal. The Virgin Money Unity Arena opened in August with elevated platforms that allow for fans to enjoy live music while maintaining a safe distance from other concert goers.
Analysts believe live music won’t return in a traditional sense until summer 2021 at the earliest. Live Nation, one of the world’s largest promoters of concerts and entertainment, has canceled the rest of its 2020 performance schedule in the United States. Experts predict Q1 of next year may be canceled as well.
If you hate this news as much as the Van Morrison and everyone else, there are actions to take. You can wear a mask, practice social distancing, and urge others to do the same. You can refrain from gathering in large groups and risking exposure until a vaccine exists. You can protect yourself and others. If that happens, then maybe the music will return sooner than expected.
A new venue in England points to a promising, but different future for live music.
On August 11, a new venue opened in Newcastle, England. The Virgin Money Unity Arena is a 2,500-capacity concert space unlike any other. It’s the world’s first socially-distant venue, and it features 500 concert pods where fans can gather to see their favorite musician perform.
That’s right. People can see live music in large groups again. The performance looks the same as always, with bright lights and loud amplifiers, but the crowd is socially-distancing by design. Some believed such a feat was impossible, or that people wouldn’t be interested, but the Virgin Money Unity Arena’s first show was a total sell-out, and more are happening soon.
Virgin Money Unity Arena has shows planned throughout August and September, but the question remains: What will we do in winter? Countries in the northern hemisphere have two to three months before consumers won’t be willing to stand outside for live music. What happens then? Will more creative venues like the one in Newcastle emerge, or will live music be placed on a seasonal hold? Will people fight for shows, even if science tells us gathering in large groups is bad?
In this Music Biz News update, host James Shotwell discusses the venue and what it may tell us about the future of live music. He also looks ahead and questions whether or not similar spaces will exist when winter inevitably arrives.
The music industry is in dire straits (and we don’t mean the band). COVID-19 has brought countless hardships on artists and professionals alike, but worse things are on the horizon.
There was a time in mid-March when most people believed the fall of 2020 would be normal. The coronavirus, they thought, would be a thing we joked about by the time leaves began to change. Those people were wrong, and every day comes with new evidence that this pandemic will be with us for the foreseeable future.
Recent reports about the music business claim that 90% of all independently owned venues are in trouble. With no federal funding to help cover expenses while live music is on hold, many venues are bleeding cash as they attempt to cover fixed costs (such as rent) without revenue. Some establishments are already going under, like The Satellite in Los Angeles, and hundreds more are likely to follow if the pandemic stretches into September.
The importance of independent venues is impossible to overstate. Virtually all musicians rely on these performances spaces to build their audience as they rise through the industry ranks. Today’s stadium headliners were only club acts using independent venues to travel the country before everyone knew their name. Tomorrow’s big stars aspire to play these spaces in the coming years. Independent venues are, in many ways, the backbone of the entire music business.
NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, has a solution to the current problem. The organization has launched a campaign called #SaveOurStages, which aims to convince legislators that live music deserves relief funding from the federal government. They are asking fans and artists around the world to join in their demands by filling out a simple form on their site: https://www.saveourstages.com/.
In the latest Music Biz, host James Shotwell breaks down the current situation, the potential outcomes, and why it matters that everyone does their part. You can play a role in shaping the future of music. Please help us out. We need you.
