It is clear to see that Covid-19 has affected every aspect of life. From jobs, education, religious practices, even something as simple as going to the store to buy groceries – there is nothing that Covid-19 has not touched. The topic for my final exam is Covid-19, and for this portion of it, I will be discussing how the music industry has directly been impacted due to this pandemic.
For bigger artists who have a signed with a label, while they may not be able to promote their music with a tour currently, they are in a little better spot financially than indie artists. This is due to a couple things. One, signed artists generally have a larger fan base. This allows for more traction to their website and social media platforms which then leads to more purchased music and merchandise. Many artists, however, are independent from a record label and are self employed. For those in this position, they have lost almost all sources of their income because they rely on live shows to get their merch and albums sold. Click here to listen to a podcast by Felix Contreras as he speaks to three independent artists on how their life has been changed by this virus.
With the rise of digital streaming and the decrease in physical album sales over the last several years, most of the income that is generated within the music industry is now from concerts and tours. However, due to Covid-19, tours, concerts, and award shows have all been cancelled. In an article by the LA Times that you can find here, it is estimated that the music industry could lose $9 billion dollars due to cancelled shows alone.
As bleak as this situation looks, music is far from dead. The industry may never be the same, but as for music in and of itself, it is more alive than ever. According to an article written by the Rolling Stones, since the quarantine started there has been a huge increase in the amount of musical equipment, instruments, and software that is being purchased. This is encouraging to me. This means that there is not only going to be a surge of new music coming out from this, but I also believe that this means we will see a large number of new artists be born. Music holds such a beautiful and healing power, and I think it is safe to say that we all need healing from this.
Podcast
For the next portion of my final exam, here is an interview that I conducted with my dad who is considered an essential worker. He works in the grocery delivery business. Listen as he shares some of his personal observations and experience with Covid-19.
Sound and Slide
To fully grasp the devastation that Covid-19 has brought on Nashville, I went downtown to take photos. Click below to see just how desolate Nashville has become.
Videocast
In closing for my Final Exam, I wanted to speak a little on how Covid-19 has impacted me personally and the things I have learned through this. Watch below to hear my thoughts. Thank you for joining me on this journey and for experiencing Inside Country!
Inside Country 