Ways You Can Help Support the Live Music Scene

I don’t need to say 2020 has been an especially difficult year for the music scene, it’s been difficult for every industry and every person. However, the live scene was hit especially hard, which is actually a pretty big deal.

In 2019, live music was worth an estimated £1.1 billion in the UK and it supported many other industries such as tourism and hospitality. Whether a small pub gig, or a full arena show – live music is a staple of the UK economy, and truth be told; one that the Conservative government almost left to flounder in light of COVID.

Although it feels like they still aren’t doing enough.

The Situation as it Stands

Around September; the live music scene was estimated to not return to full capacity until at least April 2021. This (of course) was guessing at best and more to the point we’ve had another national and numerous local lockdowns since.

So, where does that leave us now? Well, that’s the problem. Who knows? There is so much uncertainty and whilst there’s a cure in the works, things don’t just go back to ‘normal’ in an instant. Which leaves things in a pretty vulnerable state right now.

One fraction of the human cost of this is that a great deal of venues (especially grassroot), artists and support staff (think sound engineers, stage hands, light operators etc) are all casualties of these events.

How You Can Help

With many venues unable to apply social distancing, operate within parameters set by the government or get the numbers required to cover cost, self-employed artists and grassroot venues alike need a helping hand right now.

Fortunately, there are ways to help!

Donate

There are a few hardship funds out there right now. Some examples are:

• Save Our Venues
• Musicians’ Union
• MusiCares COVID Relief Fund
• #WEMAKEEVENTS

Buy Albums (and Pre-Order New Ones)

In the age of digital streaming, it can be easy to forget just what a difference this makes.

Merchandise

When you buy (official) merchandise for a band, venue or cause; you are helping to keep them afloat and also raising awareness at the same time.

A piece of merch can make an excellent gift, and also do a wonderful good thing.

Join (and Be Active) on Social Media Channels

Being an active part of your favourite band’s (indie or not) social media channel will allow you to offer support, participate in digital events and keep up with how to support them.

Similarly, doing so with local live music venues will enable you to support and keep up with what they are doing to make it through these difficult times.

Music is a community after all.

Attend Virtual Gigs

There are numerous virtual gigs and livestreams out there, some paid for, some not. Many have even been hosted by venues themselves. Attending some of these gigs helps to support all the people and jobs that go into the production of music (plus you are sure to have a good time too).

We Can All Help

So there you have it; a handful of ways you can help support the live music scene during these difficult times.

With so many of the arts struggling right now, it does feel like you have to pick your battles, but there is no doubt the music scene (and live music especially) deserves some love right now, and we can all help.

How do you feel about live music? Have you done any of the above during lockdown? Do you have any additional ideas? Let us know any of this or more in the comments below.