Tag: Coronavirus

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COVID is Killing Live Music (Again)!

music biz covid

With new variants causing a surge in COVID-19 infections, many are beginning to worry about the future of live music (again).

Live music is in jeopardy. We’ve been saying that in one way or another for almost 18 months at this point, but now we have yet another reason. The two latest coronavirus variants, Delta and Lambda, are causing massive spikes and infection rates worldwide. Vaccines help, but they do not prevent infection. Nobody knows what will happen next week, let alone in a month.

Experts and health officials have been warning of COVID-19’s lingering presence for months. The news of live music’s return has run concurrently with warnings about emerging COVID variants and the need for vaccines since at least March. Those vaccinated were expecting smooth sailing as we headed into a jam-packed fall tour season, but that future is a lot more uncertain today.

In his latest Music Biz COVID-19 concert update, host James Shotwell walks viewers through the latest coronavirus headlines, their impact on live music, and how the industry reacts to the latest pandemic developments. He explains how a lack of communication is causing industry-wide anxiety and what can be done to fix it before things worsen. Check it out:

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the music industry, but if there is one thing we know for certain, people who work in entertainment are resilient. No one in this career path believes things will ever go their way. Learning to adapt is part of the job. We cannot know where the rest of 2021 will take us, but we do believe in the power of people working together to solve big problems. If we can communicate with one another, we can do anything.

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Did Facebook and Instagram Ban Music Livestreams? [Video]

After sending shockwaves through the music industry last week, Facebook has clarified its statements regarding “music listening experiences.”

It’s not hard to send the music business into a panic these days. The novel coronavirus has shuttered live music for the foreseeable future, physical media sales are dropping like an anchor, and nobody seems to know when some semblance of “normalcy” will be possible. To make matters worse, everything is online, and each day brings new rules and regulations that dictate how artists can (or cannot) use existing platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to further their careers.

Facebook scared music executives worldwide when it announced plans to crack down on what it labels “music listening experiences.” The new rules, as explained in Facebook’s Music Guidelines, stated: “You may not use videos on our Products to create a music listening experience. The rules go into effect on October 1.

The social media giant made a significant mistake in its announcement. The phrase “music listening experiences” is too vague. The news made many in entertainment worry that the world’s largest online platform would no longer allow live stream concerts and listening events, two promotional tactics that are seen as vital to music marketing success in the COVID age.

After days of outcry and concern, Facebook clarified its statements on Monday, September. The company wrote in its blog:

“We want to encourage musical expression on our platforms while also ensuring that we uphold our agreements with rights holders. These agreements help protect the artists, songwriters, and partners who are the cornerstone of the music community — and we’re grateful for how they’ve enabled the amazing creativity we’ve seen in this time.

“Our partnerships with rights holders have brought people together around music on our platforms. As part of our licensing agreements, there are limitations around the amount of recorded music that can be included in Live broadcasts or videos.

“While the specifics of our licensing agreements are confidential, today we’re sharing some general guidelines to help you plan your videos better: Music in stories and traditional live music performances (e.g., filming an artist or band performing live) are permitted.

“The greater the number of full-length recorded tracks in a video, the more likely it may be limited (more below on what we mean by “limited”).”

They added: “Shorter clips of music are recommended. There should always be a visual component to your video; recorded audio should not be the primary purpose of the video.”

“These guidelines are consistent across live and recorded video on both Facebook and Instagram, and for all types of accounts — i.e. pages, profiles, verified and unverified accounts.

“And although music is launched on our platforms in more than 90 countries, there are places where it is not yet available. So if your video includes recorded music, it may not be available for use in those locations.”

Last weekend, a spokesperson for Facebook also confirmed to NME that although new guidelines will come into effect across the site in October, the music guidelines have been in place for some time and will not affect artists using the site to livestream gigs or share their music.

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Van Morrison calls out COVID “Pseudoscience,” Demands Live Music Return at Full Capacity

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.

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Legislators Introduce “Save Our Stages Act” To Help Independent Venues

The fight is far from over, but there is new hope that independent venues across the United States may soon receive some much needed financial relief.

The battle cry of NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, has been loud and clear since day one: Save our stages. While many sectors of the economy have benefitted from the federal relief programs made available in response to the coronavirus pandemic, indie venues and the people who work in them were left out in the cold. That is, until today.

Earlier today, Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota introduced a new piece of legislation called the “Save Our Stages Act”. It’s a relief bill that aims to provide financial support to music and entertainment venues across the country, particularly those that are in danger of shutting down permanently, reports Rolling Stone.

According to a press release, the “Save Our Stages Act” will offer six months of financial support to “keep venues afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America.” The legislation is geared towards operators, promoters, and talent reps at primarily small, independent venues.

The specific grant amounts would range in price, being either 45% of a business’ operation costs from the previous year or $12 million in total — whichever is the lesser amount. Venues that are granted money are then allowed to use those funds to pay off “costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic” as well as rent, utilities, mortgages, personal protective equipment, maintenance, administrative costs, taxes, and expenses to meet local and federal social distancing guidelines.

News of the “Save Our Stages Act” comes after a NIVE study revealed that 90% of all independent venues are likely to shudder forever if the pandemic stretches into September. Several venues have already announcing a permanent closing, including The Satellite in Los Angeles. The recent surge of new COVID-19 cases makes the possibility of any shows happening in 2020 highly unlikely, which is why this legislation matters.

You can still do your part to help. Join Haulix and countless others in demanding this legislation pass by filling out the form on NIVA’s website.

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How To Save The Music Business In 5 Minutes or Less

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.

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How Coronavirus Is Changing The Music Business [July 2020]

Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, Music Biz takes a look at where we’re at and where we go from here.

Anyone still betting that they get to attend a concert in the remaining half of 2020 would be wise to cash in their chips and stay home. The coronavirus pandemic is surging throughout the United States, and many parts of the country are seeing their worst case numbers to date. That boom is causing many reopening plans to be placed on hold, if not rolled back altogether, and that does not bode well for live music in the immediate future.

But the impact of COVID-19 on music goes beyond concerts. Thousands of industry professionals are laid off, with many more expected to join the unemployed ranks in the weeks to come. There are also venues on the brink of closure, labels bleeding money due to low album sales, and increasing uncertainty about when things will feel ‘normal’ again. To say the mood of the industry is anxious would be an understatement. People are scared.

That said, there is still hope. Tough times force us to adapt, and that change is often a good thing. The entire industry is currently evolving faster than it has at any other point in the last century. Marketing plans for artists and albums of all sizes are being overhauled to meet the demands of a socially distant world. Elsewhere, new jobs are popping up as the needs of the industry shift. There is a lot to be optimistic about, even if it doesn’t seem that way right now.

So, where we go from here is anyone’s guess. In this episode of Music Biz, host James Shotwell applies our current understanding of the virus and our response to it. He takes this information and uses it to make an informed guess about the future of our industry. Will live music return? Of course! When? Well, that’s a tough question to answer.

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COVID Concerts: The Good, The Bad, and The Irresponsible [VIDEO]

With coronavirus spread reaching record highs in the United States, Music Biz examines two recent performances and what they tell us about the future of concerts.

Here’s something you might not want to hear: Coronavirus isn’t going away. The disease, which first began to spread around the world at the end of 2019, has infected more than ten million people worldwide. Here in the United States, several parts of the country are experiencing record-high daily case rates. Other parts of the world are fairing better, but the point remains: COVID-19 is far from defeated.

As states and countries attempt to navigate reopening after months of lockdown, several places are now allowing live music to resume. There are rules in place to ensure the safety of staff and patrons alike, but recent events have shown that enforcing these policies can be difficult. Even if venues ask patrons to act or behave a certain way, there are little to no laws that require consumers to follow any guidelines.

The last weekend in June will go down in the history books as a time in the world of COVID concerts. Two significant events took place in two different countries, and the fallout from those performances are making headlines around the globe. The first, a reality TV star turned country musician performing in front of nearly 1,000 people in Tennessee as the state sees a surge in new cases, is being shamed by virtually everyone. The second, a so-called “Corona Safe” stadium show in Germany, is being praised as a glimpse at the future of live music.

This week on Music Biz, host James Shotwell examines these two performances and what makes them unique. He explains the criticism behind both events, as well as what the attendance of each show can tell us about how consumers feel about the return of live music.

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The First COVID-Era Music Festival Takes Place In Wisconsin This July [VIDEO]

Static-X is among a number of leading rock and metal bands scheduled to appear during the three-day outdoor music festival.

Coronavirus is still a problem. We shouldn’t have to say that, but every week, people everywhere express their desire to see life return to “normal.” The problem is, normal as we knew it is gone. Even if a vaccine is available in the next week or month, the world is changing, and there is nothing short of another ice age that can turn back the clock.

Some people are accepting of these changes. Others, however, are willing to fight tooth and nail to see regain a sense of control over their existence. People want to go out and see friends, eat at diners, and watch live music. They want to feel a sense of community that Zoom and Skype and other digital streaming platforms cannot duplicate.

Q & Z Expo Center in Ringle, Wisconsin, is ran by promoters who share the frustrations that many have with the current state of the world. They want events to return as well, and they’re doing their best to make that happen with a recently announced three-day event set to take place July 16-18. The so-called ‘mini-fest’ will feature performances from rock and metal bands, including Static-X, Dope, and Blacktop Mojo, to anyone willing to risk getting sick.

In the announcement of the gig, organizers wrote:

“As humans we NEED other human contact. MUSIC in itself is great, but the live streams as I am sure you all know is just not the same we need LIVE , feel it to the bones, run shivers up your spine MUSIC with people around us. Takes us all away on a trip that unless you have felt it you won’t understand.”

The event will host up to 2,000 music fans in a space that traditionally holds 10,000, which should allow for social distancing. Whether or not distancing will be required is not known, nor are any rules related to wearing masks.

In this Music Biz News update, host James Shotwell details the event, the plans to keep people safe, and how the world might not be as ready for live music as the festival organizers seem to believe.

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5 Ways To Bring Back Concerts And Touring [Video]

The ‘New Normal’ is here to stay, so we’re giving you five creative ways to bring back touring as soon as humanly possible.

The spread of COVID-19 has changed the music business in ways we never imagined. Fans and artists alike want things to go back to the way they were before March 2020, but that is a fantasy. The past is dead, and no amount of begging or wishful thinking will resurrect it.

We live in a new reality where the old way of doing things no longer works. We can either complain or adapt, and we at Music Biz believe change is always a positive. Discovering new ways to do things challenges us to be more creative, more inclusive, and more understanding. All of that is something we as a species could use more of right now.

The biggest obstacle the music business faces right now is touring. The vast majority of artists make the bulk of their living by being on the road. There have been no tours for the last three months, and there is only a handful currently scheduled for the fall. Those that are daring to step out and perform again do so with the knowledge their dates may be canceled when the “second wave” of COVID-19 takes the US by storm this fall.

With all the questions and concerns surrounding touring, it’s easy to understand why so few feel comfortable announcing or discussing their plans at this time. Still, the conversations around live music are ongoing, and the fan demand for talent has rarely, if ever, been higher than it is right at this moment.

In this episode of Music Biz, host James Shotwell shares five ways touring can resume in the near future. No solution is perfect. At least one is inarguably terrible. But all these ideas need to be considered and at least attempted if we have any chance of discovering what works best for everyone.

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90% of Independent Venues Could Close in 2020

A new report from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) reinforces the urgent need for government intervention to help save our favorite music concert venues.

While talking heads continue to debate the severity of COVID-19 and states start reopening various businesses, live music largely remains at a standstill. A few states are allowing performances, including Florida and Texas, but nobody is touring, and all venues are operating at a reduced capacity to meet social distancing guidelines. Not a single music professional can confidently say when live music as we know it will return. That uncertainty is putting the vast majority of independent venues at risk of closing before the year ends.

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which represents 2,000 members in all 50 states, found that 90% of its members say they will be forced to cease operations permanently if the shutdown lasts six months or longer, and there’s no federal support provided.

For the record, as of this week, the US is already three months into its lockdown period.

NIVA was formed in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which forced venues everywhere to cease operations overnight. Thousands of events were canceled or postponed and staffs were laid off, but the fixed costs of operating venues (such as rent) continue.

NIVA is calling on Congress to adjust the existing Paycheck Protection Program so that it caters to the needs of independent venues. Specifically, the NIVA is seeking the equivalent of six months’ worth of payroll, benefits, and fixed operating costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, taxes, and insurance that still need to be covered, even when venues are not permitted to be open.

The organization is also asking Congress for loan forgiveness and tax credits specifically related to ticket refunds, employee retention, and safe workplace initiatives, as well as the expansion of the PPP to cover salary and insurance benefits for part-time employees, which make up a large percentage of venue staff.

A bi-partisan group of 150 members of Congress recently sent letters to Senate and House leaders expressing their support for NIVA’s requests.

Readers can do their part in supporting NIVA and its members by visiting the organization’s Take Action page. With a few clicks, anyone can easily send a message to our leaders in Washington DC demanding assistance.

Just a few NIVA members:

  • 9:30 Club in D.C.
  • First Avenue in Minneapolis
  • Chicago Independent Venue League
  • World Cafe Live in Philadelphia
  • Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee
  • Red River Cultural District in Austin
  • Exit/In in Nashville.

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