Lean in and Be Creative: Tools and Resources for Musicians Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Festivals have been cancelled. Tour dates postponed. Bars and music venues are closed. So many of the things we as musicians rely on for financial stability are shutdown indefinitely due to the efforts to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. In the meantime, our community at Madison Records has found this to be a great time of solidarity within the music industry and also an opportunity to take advantage of some forced downtime to create, write, and work on new projects.
It’s vitally important for all of us to do our part to help flatten the curve, so that our return to normal can happen as soon as possible. In that light, we wanted to share a few resources we found to help make the most of your time at home and get help if needed.
Stay Productive
Many artists are already used to working from home. It has a lot of benefits, from being able to chill with your dog while writing music to a very lax dress code. (Who doesn’t work in their PJs sometimes?) For those of you who working from home is a new concept, here are a few tips to improve your productivity:
Make yourself a schedule.
Sure, you have the freedom of working whenever you want, after all, there’s no boss telling you when to clock in. But if you’re just putting “write music” on your day’s to do list, it’s highly likely that things like “walk the dog” and “watch Black Mirror” will get done first and at the end of the day you’ll be wondering where your time went. Figure out a routine that works for you, schedule in some time for work, and try to stick to it as much as possible.
Take breaks.
While you don’t want breaks to overtake your work, you also don’t want work to overtake your life. Set aside a place in the house to do your work, and when you’re through with your allotted work time, leave that area and do something else. Get your mind off work and give your creative juices time to refill.
Understand we all get writer’s block.
Having trouble getting something done during your work time? You’re not alone. Check out this blog where some of Madison Records’ artists share their tips for getting past writer’s block.
Collaborate with Others
We’re lucky to live in an age where online collaboration is a thing. Staying connected with others isn’t just important for family members and friends, it’s also important for your fellow artists. Check out these platforms that allow musicians to collaborate:
Stay Connected
Just because you can’t get out and do a gig doesn’t mean you can’t connect with fans and find new ones! Check out some livestreaming options as a new opportunity to get your music out to the public. Instagram and YouTube are well-known favorites, and here are some other options to try:
Twitch: More than just a gaming platform, Twitch allows musicians to livestream and reach new fans
Bright Cove
Bands in Town
Sign up to be one of the artists on this site that lets people livestream music from the comfort of their couch. The website also has a good blog with resources for artists, including a recent one on how to replace income from lost shows.
Stay Healthy
Even with all the optimism in the world, it’s no secret that these are trying and stressful times, both mentally and financially. The artists community has stepped up to help in a variety of ways.
Find fundraisers, grants and emergency funds for artists who have lost income due to the coronavirus on ICareIfYouListen.com and the American Guild of Musical Artists Relief.
If you’re feeling stressed out, anxious or depressed there are also plenty of avenues to find help designed specifically for musicians.
Backline connects music industry professionals and their families with a trusted network of mental health providers, online resources for depression, anxiety and more
Tour Support offers mental health tools and training to touring professionals.
The Music Industry Therapists Collective provides access to high-quality psychotherapy to people working in the music industry.
MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund : Established by The Recording Academy and MusiCares, this fund aims to directly support musicians during this crisis. You can also host an online benefit or make a donation for the MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund.