It’s not all doom and gloom in these pandemic times as a musician. Yeah, there’s no gigs, venues, festivals but on the bright side, there’s also no buskers butchering Wonderwall for the millionth time. If you’re an independent musician here are some things to do in the meantime that will help you stay sane and when things open again help you hit the ground running.
See it as an opportunity to recharge.
As a musician, whether full time or part-time, we are usually performing, rehearsing, writing, editing, recording, networking and generally being all about the music. Now you have a chance to chill. Read a book, watch a sunset, smell some flowers, feel sand between your toes, climb a tree. You get the picture. It is incredible how much some time away from music can energise you when you do get back to it. WAM is promoting a webinar series that supports health and wellbeing. You can register here.
https://wam.org.au/covid-19/sound-check-series
See it as an opportunity to grow.
This is a good time to work on our craft, create a routine, so the couch gets a break. When I was told I wasn’t good enough I locked myself in a room and took my playing to the next level. Whether in songwriting, developing your lyrics or learning new things to play on your instrument, we have time to learn and challenge ourselves. Already shred on guitar? Take up another instrument or learn some of the cool tech out there for the music industry. Play only country music? Maybe try adding metal to the old repertoire. Learning new things and challenging your brain will keep you from punching your screen after binge-watching all the seasons of Game of Thrones, season 8 is a shocker. Check out Udemy as a great resource to find courses on pretty much anything and everything. Here is the link below.
Search for opportunities to connect.
For music artists, if you’re not engaging with your music followers you should, and that goes for followers as well. Badger, your favourite local artist, to finally cover your favourite Taylor Swift song or if you really want to torment them your favourite Tool song. Seriously though engage with your audience, they are stuck in the same boat as you and need some entertainment. Facebook live concerts, YouTube videos, online listening parties, just create some content. Check out the Perth open mic Facebook group for some live stream opportunities.
Other opportunities include looking at other musicians and creative disciplines to collaborate with. As a community, we are all doing it tough and reaching out to other artists is a great way to grow, connect and reinvigorate our local creative scene. Also, musicians, it’s time to check out the other local artist’s music in your scene if you haven’t already. Instead of just promoting your own (we get it you’re awesome) get to know what’s happening in your local area. Recently I started going through a lot of local musicians I have met over the years and checking out and buying their music on Bandcamp as a small contribution to keeping them going or at least let them know they are loved and not forgotten. Maybe rate your mates’ songs on Triple J unearthed. (Shamelessly dropping in my profiles and groups 😉 )
https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/derek-lee-goodreid
https://derekleegoodreid.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/perthausopenmics/
Keep your head up.
Remember that this is temporary. Already we have seen this week the rehearsal rooms are now available again after some easing up on restrictions, venues will reopen, gigs will be booked, and unfortunately, Wonderwall playing buskers will return in due time.
“A Musician’s Guide To Pandemic Times” was first published here: https://www.aroundthesound.com.au/a-musicians-guide-to-pandemic-times/ This is the remix.