With COVID-19 sweeping across the globe right now, many artists had to cancel shows in the middle of tours as well as upcoming tours. With these cancellations, it sadly means touring artists cannot do their jobs.
There are a few simple solutions that touring crew members have begun. Numerous bands have been doing live streams to make up for not being able to play their shows. The hardcore band Code Orange was unable to play their album release gig for their new album, Underneath. To make up for this, they played the show in an empty venue and streamed it live on Twitch. Other artists such as Have Mercy, Young Culture, and Fredo Disco have also begun doing live streams.
Not only is it artists doing their own live streams, but Common Ground Collective also put together a virtual festival called Alone Together Fest which took place on March 21 and 22 via Instagram. The “festival” featured bands such as Kayak Jones, Glacier Veins, Future Teens, Overgrow and many more.
In addition, to live streams, this past weekend Bandcamp allowed a 24-hour period where 100% of the purchases made would go to the bands without them taking a cut. This was huge for bands that had tours cut early and were not able to sell their merch at shows.
During the next couple of weeks while bands are unable to play scheduled shows, see if your favorite artist is doing a live stream on a platform! This is also a perfect opportunity to find some new bands! You can maybe even order some merch from artists who had to cancel tours. Have fun watching concerts from the comfort of your home!
