In Covid times, it is important that musicians like many other professions learn to adapt to the changing social landscape. From revising the delivery method of their performances to alternate means of raking in revenue, musicians are facing a wall. The provided articles suggest live streaming performances on platforms like Youtube, Instagram and Facebook. Monetization on these platforms however can be spotty, and so alternative avenues for payment are suggested. Online banking and money management applications and services like PayPal, Venmo and Cashapp all have QR codes that can be used to send money as a means of donating. With the novelty of generosity wearing out as the months of quarantine draw out, merchandise and subscription services are taking prevalence. Many artists are churning out merchandise both familiar and unfamiliar. From tee-shirts to jock straps, there is a wide range of different merchandise being put forward. Much of this merchandise also brings to light social issues like Black Lives Matter and the importance of social distancing, and in many cases a portion of the revenue goes on to support charities. Services are also being put forward to support content creators to act as intermediaries for sales. That way, smaller artists who could not otherwise afford to create and distribute merchandise themselves at reasonable prices can create designs and have the sales and distribution handled for them. A large proponent for staying afloat as a musician in Covid that hasn’t been addressed yet, is marketing. Smaller artists tend to get swept under the rug, and must therefore advocate for themselves and market their art in order to gain attention and recognition. Busking remains a good option for getting one’s music out into the world, and while busking one can advertise their music through the sale of CDs or through sharing their Spotify or Soundcloud handles.
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