Resources for musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic

by Chris Robley | March 17, 2020

What can you do as a gigging musician in the face of Coronavirus?

If you’re a gigging musician, you’re probably hurting right now. Your livelihood depends on travel and public events, neither of which are advisable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health experts and governments are encouraging “Social Distancing” (avoiding non-essential contact with larger groups) to fight the spread of the virus.

Weeks ago that meant enormous festivals and conferences were being cancelled — things like SXSW and the ASCAP Experience. But now we’re being asked to avoid even small public gatherings, which means musicians are cancelling house concerts, club appearances, or even playing music at the local coffee shop.

Wherever you are on the spectrum between nonchalance and panic, it’s clear that Coronavirus will drastically reshape the way we live for the next few months at least, and that’s something to take seriously. Gigging musicians have either chosen or been forced to accept a huge financial loss on behalf of the larger public good. There’s no getting around it: That reality absolutely sucks.

While it’s difficult to paint much of a silver lining on the situation, we do want to offer resources, advice, and encouragement where we can, in hopes that your unexpected downtime can be used in other productive and helpful ways.

Also, check out our most recent episode of the DIY Musician Podcast that recaps some of the things below.

Live-streaming concerts

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A post shared by CD Baby (@cdbabymusic) on Mar 20, 2020 at 10:36am PDT

Nothing can replace the live gig experience, but online concerts can be entertaining in their own way.

Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard has decided to go live from his home studio every day for the next few weeks. Thousands of other musicians are doing the same.

If you have a sizable following you could even do a series of private live-streams, one for every tour date you cancelled. If you’re an emerging artist, I’d advise you to make all your live stream broadcasts public just to build on whatever engagement is happening.

Live streaming can also be profitable, so be sure to use a PayPal.me or Venmo link in the video description or comments to encourage donations.

Check out these live-streaming options:

Yes, there are paid platforms for live-streaming, but right now your audience is stuck at home and using the platforms they’re already on — Facebook, Instagram, and so forth. Go where THEY are.

7 things to remember about live-streaming

Just hit the GO LIVE button already — If you’ve never gone live before, you’re probably nervous. You’re gonna suck. You’re gonna sweat. You’re gonna be awkward. So just get on with it. Every time you go live you’ll get better. But you’ll never get better if you never start.
It’s not REALLY a “concert” — Live streaming is more casual and interactive than a concert situation where you’re on stage and the audience is quietly consuming the music. So… be casual and interactive.
You don’t have to stress about production value — Again, this isn’t a concert. Your messy bedroom might be an even more effective background for a live stream than setting up some fancy home studio, because it feels authentic.
Ask a question after the first verse or chorus — When you go live, play a little bit of a song and then engage your audience early-on, prompting them to respond in the comments. This shows engagement, which prompts the platform to share the live stream to more viewers.
Do something eye-catching right from the start — Our eyes are conditioned to ignore live streams where it’s just someone holding a guitar. In 2019 when I was doing a lot of live-streaming, I would start many of my broadcasts holding a stuffed alpaca up to the camera and talking in a very strange voice. As one friend put it, “I had to see what the hell was going on because it looked like you were holding a toilet bowl cleaner.”
Team up — Some platforms allow you to have multiple participants in a broadcast, so you could have a co-bill or mini-festival online.
They don’t all have to be performances — Telling stories, asking questions, being silly, teaching people… there’s lots of other things to do besides playing songs.

Check out episode #231 of the DIY Musician Podcast for a more in-depth discussion about live streaming and the equipment I used to make my live-stream concerts happen.

Show fans how they can support you

Now is NOT the time to worry about “begging” and looking “desperate” as an artist. These are extraordinary circumstances, and you might need help. Your audience is likely to understand and respond when you ask for their assistance.

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A post shared by CD Baby (@cdbabymusic) on Mar 19, 2020 at 12:12pm PDT

When you do ask for help, be specific and give them clear directions and options. Send something like the list below to your fans via email and social media, or share the images in the Instagram carousel above with your audience (they’re downloadable HERE).

Some things that fans can do to support the musicians they love:

Buy a t-shirt, hat, or other merch from the artist’s online store.
Buy a CD/Vinyl/Tape/USB/MP3, whichever music format is most useful. This puts more money in the artist’s pocket than streaming.
Listen to your favorite artists on streaming platforms, since every play is monetized.
Share links to your favorite tracks and create a post or video about why this music means so much to you.
Add a song to your playlist.
Send an encouraging note directly to the artist. That means more than you’ll ever know.
Include their song in your own videos.
If you have design skills, design them a cool shirt or poster that they can sell.
When touring does resume, buy a ticket and help them pack out that venue.
Contribute to their crowdfunding or Patreon.

Check out Instagram’s stickers — and avoid #Covid-19 hashtags?

Facebook and Instagram have partnered with the WHO to help users spread facts and limit misinformation. Here’s what they suggest:

You can share official @DudeWithSign PSA memes

Cultural phenomenon @DudeWithSign partnered with the WHO to create an official PSA meme campaign that you can share with your followers on Feed and/or Stories.

Download or repost images from his feed and share them in your emails / IG posts
Add a swipe up link to: https://www.who.int/

Use NEW IG Stickers and Quiz Effects

Use the new ‘#Thankstohealthheroes’ Sticker, now available in your Stories sticker tray.
Stay tuned for the “Soapy Hands” and “Spread Facts Not Germs” camera effects, with more to come.

Please note: We’re also strongly encouraging you to avoid using COVID-19 hashtags at this time – as these may be used to share misinformation.

Be thrifty (most touring musicians have got this down already)

This is a strange one for me to be offering as “advice” at a time when so many people are hoarding, rationing, or both. But I mention in just as a bit of encouragement.

Lots of touring musicians I know are used to working with tight budgets.

Yes, right now those musicians are facing quite a bit of financial instability. At the same time they’re some of the best-equipped people I know to face that challenge.

Not that it makes it any easier, but being practiced at limiting your expenses can serve you well through these times. So, ya know, carry on.

Experiment with Moog and Korg synthesizer apps — for FREE

Moog and Korg have released some of their apps for free, knowing that plenty of musicians are stuck at home with unexpected downtime.

Crowdfunding or Patreon

You’re probably worried about disappointing your audience if you cancel gigs. But certainly most of your fans will understand, especially as the scope of the spread of Coronavirus becomes more clear.

Crowdfunding has become a common way to support a particular creative project, but it could just as easily be used to to support a favorite artist through uncertain times. Check out Bandzoogle’s commission-free crowdfunding solution, ongoing patronage platform Patreon, or project-based platforms like Kickstarter.

Consult your union or local music organizations

Groups like AFM can be great sources of information and assistance. They’re also supporting government action to assist entertainment workers.

Get free legal advice from a VLA

If you need any legal help right now due to broken contracts, cancelled tours, or anything else, consult your nearest Volunteer Lawyers for the Artists organization.

Research small business relief funds

Your town or city might have a program to assist local businesses in times of need. Call your town hall or chamber of commerce.

Take your community online

Conversations at the merch table or drinks at the bar afterwards are, again, irreplaceable forms of fan engagement while touring. But the Internet gives you OTHER ways of engaging that might not necessarily have as deep or personal an impact, but that can go further in terms of reach and volume in a time of “Social Distancing”:

Host a Twitter listening party where everyone starts playing your latest album at a predetermined time. Then you post a bunch of pre-written tweets about the music and converse with fans.
Start a TikTok dance or lip-sync competition. If some of your fans are choosing to stay home more often these days, they might love the chance to practice a dance and get their bodies moving.
Write a pandemic song. I did (because we need a little humor during all the madness)!

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A post shared by Chris Robley (@chrisrobley) on Mar 13, 2020 at 9:38am PDT

Get creative

If you’re not hitting the road, maybe it’s time to record your next album or shoot your next video. If there’s a big project you can do from home that you were initially putting off because of concert commitments, now your calendar is freed up.

Of course now you might also have to adjust HOW you’d tackle that project on a budget or for free.

Rest and reset

Been a while since you just slowed down? Maybe the best way to use your time is to NOT use it in terms of music productivity. Read a book, catch up on sleep, cook more meals.

Advance your skillset

Need any continuing education credits? Want to finally watch those videos about music marketing? Enroll in an online course. Watch YouTube tutorials. This can be a time of learning.

Take some freelance gigs unrelated to music performance

Can you do temporary remote work in other areas? You probably have skills that someone needs (digital marketing, design, mixing, etc.) Take some of those jobs, but be aware of the reality that most musicians probably can’t pay “full price” right now.

Create a healthy WFH routine

Working from home presents some interesting challenges, now more than ever. Here are my top ten tips for people who are new to telecommuting.

Move your body

As long as you’re keeping a distance from people, you can still get outside and workout. It’s extra important right now for health and sanity. If you’re stuck inside, take some Vitamin D and visit free sites like Do Yoga with Me.

Check out MusiCares and other COVID-19 relief funds

MusiCares, a Grammy organization dedicated to musicians’ physical health and mental wellness, is currently managing a COVID-19 relief fund for musicians. Here is how to apply.

Here are some other organizations that are helping out right now (list courtesy of No Depression):

And another list courtesy of She Shreds:

I Lost My Gig (for locals affected by SXSW cancellation)

Fort Worth Artist & Service Worker Relief Fund

Visit THIS amazing list of resources

Our friends at Folk Alliance have put together another impressive and growing list of resources and assistance funds for musicians during this pandemic. Check it every few days for updates.

International resources: If you’re in Canada…

… check out this directory of resources for musicians.

As well as these resources for Canadian artists, writers and media workers during COVID-19 shutdowns.

SOCAN announced emergency royalty advances to songwriters whose ability to sustain their income has been compromised by the impact of the crisis on the music industry.

New Zealand…

COVID-19 Resources for NZ Music/Film Production Industry Pals.

If you’re in the UK…

The Musicians Union has great news and advice, including this announcement.

The BBC has also posted several articles about artists livestreaming shows.

The Arts Council of Wales published this article.

Help Musicians UK published an article with numerous resources for musicians to get assistance with their physical and mental health.

If you’re in the EU:

France

Germany

#WIRBLEIBENZUHAUSE”-FESTIVAL

Freirad

RTL.de

Tiroler Tageszeitung

Italy

Firenzetoday

Norway

Music Norway articles on funding and creative tips for artists.

Attend a webinar on sustaining health and community during the Coronavirus crisis

If you want to hear from some experts from the music community and take part in a discussion about how musicians can stay healthy and support one another, go to this webinar on March 18th.

Celebrate the small kindnesses

In these strange times when we’re all waiting for big solutions, it’s important to shine a light on the smaller acts of kindness that connect us — so we feel encouraged to do what we can.

Here’s just one of many examples: Ron Olesko was offering free 30-second radio ad spots on Folk Music Notebook for genre-appropriate musicians who had to cancel tours.

I’m sure there are thousands of similar examples across the world, in every genre. Shout them out on social. Share the love. The little things matter, especially when you add them up.

Donate!

If you’re in a position to help financially, first consider donating to the artists you know are hurting. But also know there are plenty of organizations out there doing the good work of supporting musicians and artists. The list below is also courtesy of She Shreds:

Actors Fund Entertainment Assistance Program

AGMA Relief Fund

Artist Relief Tree

Boston Artist Relief Fund

Boston Music Maker Relief Fund

Boston Singers’ Relief Fund

Chicago Artists Relief Fund

COVID-19 Relief Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC Folks

Dallas Artist Relief Fund

Denver Artist Relief Fund

Durham Artist Relief Fund

Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund

Fort Worth Artist & Service Worker Relief Fund

Freelance COVID-19 Emergency Fund

Greater Cincinnati Artist Relief Fund

The Hart Fund

Hawaii Artists and Entertainment Professionals Relief Fund

International Bluegrass Music Association Trust Fund

Jazz Foundation Musicians’ Emergency Fund

Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund

Max’s Kansas City Project

Musicians Foundation

Mutual Aid Project to Support Independent Artists in Response to COVID-19

Nashville Artist Support Fund

NC Artist Relief Fund

NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund

Orange County NC Arts Relief Fund

Philadelphia Performance Artists’ Emergency Fund

Pittsburgh Emergency Relief Fund for Artists

Seattle Artists Relief Fund Amid COVID-19

Springboard Personal Emergency Relief Fund

Supporting Performing Artists Affected By COVID-19

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

Be ready to jump back into booking

It’s way too soon to guess when the earth will spin again. But when it does, we’re gonna need music and connection out there in the physical world. Of course that means paying gigs for you, but it also means your audience will be able to take part in something vital that they might’ve taken for granted.

What are some other options?

I’m sure touring musicians have thought of a bunch of other possibilities. If that’s you, please leave your thoughts and comments below.

About the Author

Chris Robley is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and award-winning poet from Maine.

His Beatlesque indie-pop and milltown Americana songs have been praised by The Associated Press, No Depression, KCRW, The LA Times, Boston Globe, NPR, American Songwriter, and others.

His poems have appeared in Poetry Magazine, Prairie Schooner, The Poetry Review, and more.

Robley has received a Maine Literary Award in Poetry, Boulevard’s Emerging Writers Prize for Poetry, and in 2016 was selected by former US-poet laureate Robert Pinsky as a finalist for the Dorset Prize.

@chrisrobley

What can you do as a gigging musician in the face of Coronavirus?

Live-streaming concerts

Check out these live-streaming options:

7 things to remember about live-streaming

Show fans how they can support you

Some things that fans can do to support the musicians they love:

Check out Instagram’s stickers — and avoid #Covid-19 hashtags?

Be thrifty (most touring musicians have got this down already)

Experiment with Moog and Korg synthesizer apps — for FREE

Crowdfunding or Patreon

Consult your union or local music organizations

Get free legal advice from a VLA

Research small business relief funds

Take your community online

Get creative

Rest and reset

Advance your skillset

Take some freelance gigs unrelated to music performance

Create a healthy WFH routine

Move your body

Check out MusiCares and other COVID-19 relief funds

Here are some other organizations that are helping out right now (list courtesy of No Depression):

And another list courtesy of She Shreds:

Nationally

California

Colorado

Hawaii

Illinois

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Texas