Of Music and COVID-19: How the Pandemic Has Affected the Music Industry

The coronavirus seems to be showing no signs of slowing down. There are even reports of a second wave of the pandemic in some countries. There is no doubt how it massively affected our daily lives. More so, it has wreaked havoc on various businesses including the events and entertainment industries.

Tent rentals and staging and dance floor rentals businesses have to stop operations in the meantime. Although, there are event rentals businesses that are still open now, but caters more to the front liners.

COVID-19 and the music industry

A lot of people are supposedly looking forward to music events this year. From Coachella, Grammy’s, and various music concerts of some of the most popular artists of today. For one thing, such music events take at least months of preparation for the sake of their loyal fans. However, COVID-19 happened.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has created a huge impact on the entertainment industry. It triggered the disappointing announcements of concert and tour cancellations. Even popular annual music events like Coachella and SXSW are not excused from the wrath of COVID-19. Music bars and arenas have to close their doors for upcoming events as well.

By March, the billion-dollar music industry has to take a backseat. Until this pandemic is over (which we don’t know when), we won’t be able to attend concerts and see our favorite artists perform live. It’s a bleak future for artists and the entertainment scene at this moment.

The grim reality of the music industry in the middle of COVID-19

The COVID-19 shook the events industry by surprise. Party tent rentals, table and chair rentals, and other similar rental businesses have to halt operations for now. All kinds of music events have to be canceled. Worst, even some of the most notable musicians and artists have passed on due to COVID-19.

However, those who are still alive during this pandemic are facing an uncertain future as well. For one, a lot of those working in this industry is currently facing financial problems due to the pandemic. Recording studios are also currently closed down, and it seems that the entire industry is facing dark times ahead.

Most people see the glitzy side of the music industry. But what we don’t realize the impact the virus has made in the music and entertainment industry. According to Olga FitzRoy, executive director of the Music Producers Guild and an award-winning recording engineer, not all of the musicians and those involved in making music do not really have the glamorous lives that a lot of their fans aspire for.

Unleashing musical productivity in the midst of the pandemic

Thankfully, all is not lost for the music and entertainment industries. In fact, this pandemic has made artists kind of closer to their fans. More so, it has also enabled indie and aspiring artists to make more music than ever.

Statistics showed that there has been a more than a 50 percent increase in music software downloads such as Garageband. Since the lockdown, there are about 13 million downloads of the said music software. This is also the same case for musical instruments, software, and equipment.

This interesting spike in music equipment and apps purchases and downloads may be one good thing that has happened during the pandemic, so far. Videos about music-making also saw an increase during this time. As they say, it’s never too late to learn new things, like making your own music.

This newfound interest in music-making has also made people sheltering in place more entertaining and productive. It may also be the start of their dream of establishing their music career.

Even popular artists and musicians have used the quarantine period to stay connected to their fans. Apparently, the British band, Coldplay has started the trend of performing via Facebook Live. A lot of musicians and artists followed suit.

The future of the events industry

We won’t know until when COVID-19 will leave us for good. The events industry would have to endure the financial loss, unfortunately. Outdoor party rentals and other events businesses have to close down until all is clear.

However, this doesn’t mean there is no hope anymore for the music and events industry. These are all temporary, and these too will pass. There are also ways to spread music and vital information through various media alternatives like social media and video conferencing apps.

Event rentals in Maryland and other similar businesses can still be relevant to the current situation. At the end of the day, everyone should work hand-in-hand so that we can still function in the middle of a pandemic as normally as possible.