With the global coronavirus outbreak impacting each and every industry in different ways, we took a look at how the pro audio, music and live sound sectors are responding to the crisis on social media.
Trade shows and tours are being cancelled left and right, so now, it seems, is the time to drive online activity more than ever, as well as supporting musicians in different ways e.g. buying music rather than streaming or purchasing merch online. And who knows, online gigs might become a popular phenomenon.
As Olga Fitzroy – executive director of the MPG – has pointed out and launched a petition in response, the Government is yet to recognise the need for statutory sick pay for the self-employed, such as freelance audio engineers and producers. The MPG has also issued advice regarding coronavirus for its members.
As for pro audio manufacturers, the crash in the stock market and the cancellation or postponement of most trade shows are bound to have had an impact. However, companies are doing their best to showcase their products in local, smaller gatherings. Martin Audio also shared a petition to get the Government to offer financial support to those working in the events industry. Find out what the industry had to say below:
We are naturally very sad to hear the news about Glastonbury Festival being cancelled this year. Our first thoughts are with all those in the AV industry that will inevitably be impacted by this. We look forward to happier times for all and wish the organisers well for 2021. pic.twitter.com/DIe1MmGP4i
— Martin Audio Ltd (@MartinAudioLtd) March 18, 2020
Join us for a webinar workshop on Wednesday, March 18 and learn how teaching and learning music can continue and even thrive through the remarkable tools, resources and people that are engaging in music online. @NAMMFoundation #MusicIsLife https://t.co/mnYDVsqTpN pic.twitter.com/wnElcuXSmw
— NAMM (@NAMM) March 17, 2020
An Open Letter to Boris Johnson, Prime Minister, United Kingdom: Cancel the Festival Of Britain 2022. Save Grassroots Culture.
READ: https://t.co/hXLCWc5mYu
SIGN THE PETITION: https://t.co/8BBYYk7cGQ— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) March 17, 2020
On the point about insurance, many businesses in hospitality, leisure & entertainment industries have insurance, but even if the Govt forced them to close, their insurance covers only limited business disruption – not a pandemic. Treasury need to step in and help these businesses
— Michael Dugher (@MichaelDugher) March 17, 2020
The Govt must act quickly if it is to avoid the impression that the leisure, entertainment and hospitality industries have been hung out to dry. Where is the urgent package of messages to help businesses and their employers?
— Michael Dugher (@MichaelDugher) March 16, 2020
Labels & Artists – remember, studios are still open, & lots of mixing & mastering can be done remotely – let's keep making records! #BritainIsOpen pic.twitter.com/OHSd0M3rtw
— Music Producers Guild (@ukMPG) March 16, 2020
As the world continues to face challenging conditions in dealing with the coronavirus, Martin Audio is updating its customers on its own efforts to mitigate against the business impact. Please read our latest update here: https://t.co/FKqDwEGUuj pic.twitter.com/2nSIK2p9Ux
— Martin Audio Ltd (@MartinAudioLtd) March 16, 2020
The one good thing about this pandemic is I’ve had so many female identifying artists/writers message me for advice about learning how to produce which is honestly amazing and I’m proud of u all/excited for us to take over the world once this is over !!!
— Kaity Rae (@KaityRaeMusic) March 16, 2020
Spare a thought for freelancers in this climate. No sick pay. No job guarantee.
— #YellowCupPodcast (@TobiRachel_) March 15, 2020
Any musician friends who have lost work, please respond to the MU questionnaire, so we can find out exactly the extent of the problem. https://t.co/aAqsrMxIwf
— MaryBCH (@MaryBCH3) March 16, 2020
We know how difficult #COVIDー19 will make things for people across our cultural industries over coming weeks. We’re doing our best at @ace_national to support you as quickly and effectively as we can. This thread outlines our first steps: https://t.co/3Mwpy0rBom
— Darren Henley (@HENLEYDARREN) March 15, 2020
The effects of the actual virus per person affected will come and go in a matter of weeks. The effect these mass bans, cancellations and travel restrictions will have on the economy will affect us all for a long long time after the virus has gone @Borisjohnson
— Stage Management Co™ (@TheStageMC) March 14, 2020
Ask your MP to support sick pay for freelancers affected by or in self isolation due to coronavirus #covidー19uk #Covid19Walkout https://t.co/nskGRPOw89
— Musicians' Union (@WeAreTheMU) March 16, 2020
Cancelled gigs are major lost income for grassroots artists. Music will help us through this.
Find your favourites @Bandcamp ,buy music, increase the cost of that £2 single to the cost of a pint (pints = paid bills)
Artists… give us your #bandcamp link below. #supportthearts— Melophile Joy (@melophilejoy) March 16, 2020
We have published our latest guidance for Grassroots Music Venues on help emerging to support them through the Covid 19 crisis. REad here: https://t.co/Vz19FfYlha
— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) March 13, 2020
As more people begin to self isolate and events continue to be cancelled, I believe that it is a good time to reflect on what it's like for people who have disabilities and conditions that restrict them from being able to leave their homes or attend events anytime of the year
— Lauren Deakin Davies (@LaurenD_D) March 13, 2020
We are about to unintentionally enter an era of immersive inclusive adaptive media consumption, which I think is something that is so amazing about humans, VR is going to boom more then it already has, and this actually makes media so much accessible and adventurous!
— Lauren Deakin Davies (@LaurenD_D) March 13, 2020
Working with @WeAreTheMU, I've written to the Chancellor highlighting the precarious situation that musicians and the self-employed are in, owing to Covid-19.
This is a very worrying time for the country, as well as the world, and now more than ever we need to pull together. pic.twitter.com/xTVTBOpwc1
— Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (@DrRosena) March 13, 2020
Agnieszka @roginska and the @AESorg sent out a positive message about #Covid_19 and shared a Hellen Keller quote "Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much." The AES also has a sweet membership offer for new & existing members! https://t.co/qj7GypS2ft #professionals
— PostProductionsAudio (@PostProdAudio) March 13, 2020
May I also say cancelling shows when the government says they should go ahead is difficult and has HUGE financial implications. I hope fellow artists are brave and make the right decisions where they can. Please also be kind online to artists who genuinely are trying their best x
— Gabrielle Aplin (@GabrielleAplin) March 13, 2020
message from my wonderful agents.. please note @tom_watson exactly what you were addressing this morning… as if losing #freemmovement wasn’t bad enough for british artists…. @WeAreTheMU @Creative_Fed #WashYourHands #Covid_19 https://t.co/SGAcqmaTyO
— Mira Calix (@miracalix) March 13, 2020
Easier access to benefits won’t plug the gap left by being unable to work and not having access to sick pay. Ask your MP to support sick pay for freelancers affected by or in self isolation due to #coronavirusuk ↓ https://t.co/nskGRPwUJz
— Musicians' Union (@WeAreTheMU) March 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/RSDUK/status/1238504097680166914?s=20
Please share our update on #Covid_19 #CORONAVIRUS . The main messages: recording studios are open, we’re advising members to work unattended where poss, MPG full members could access crisis funding from @HelpMusiciansUK & keep an eye on official guidance https://t.co/I4ljN11rbp
— Music Producers Guild (@ukMPG) March 13, 2020
A thought…
A lot of artists, bands, small labels, indie record shops and venues exist on a financial knife edge with testing times ahead. If you normally stream music by new acts then maybe jump in and BUY something this weekend.
— Chris Hawkins (@ChrisHawkinsUK) March 13, 2020
No @comusic_club this Monday, our venue have cancelled. Back to admin in our pyjamas like the good old days.
Or instead:
– make some new music
– take a fresh look at your projects and plans. Maybe see something differently.
– do an online gig
– I dunno man, weird times.— Coworking Musicians In Cafes (@comusic_club) March 13, 2020
With people around the world being asked to stay at home, we thought it'd be nice to offer a way in which they can still have some fun #makingmusic so, for a limited period of time, you can get #iKaossilator for #iOS + #Android completely #free! Details at https://t.co/6olIKDqO68 pic.twitter.com/RxiztVuG8y
— KORG UK (@KorgUK) March 13, 2020
For these challenging times, please sign the petition to get the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry https://t.co/0unsvNpsMt pic.twitter.com/k0htYOg2RP
— Martin Audio Ltd (@MartinAudioLtd) March 13, 2020
Our team offers support to professional musicians in times of real personal crisis. If you’re affected by #coronavirus, read here: https://t.co/mhnbOVy37v
Our #MusicMindsMatter helpline is also free to use at any time if you are struggling to cope: https://t.co/rqyneR2EdB pic.twitter.com/QaeDxpaWD6
— Help Musicians (@HelpMusiciansUK) March 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/ukMPG/status/1238373582528528385?s=20
I feel a bit like a stuck record with this one but…Petition: Include self-employed in statutory sick pay during Coronavirus https://t.co/KXfXHEeYxL
— Olga FitzRoy (@OlgaFitzRoy) March 12, 2020
“There is a need for continued communication between the Government & music industry…to ensure music businesses can get through potentially challenging months,” says UK Music's Acting CEO @Tomkiehl in the @Telegraph.
Read here: https://t.co/TtOfRim3r5 #coronavirusUK #COVID19
— UK Music (@UK_Music) March 13, 2020
UK Music’s Acting CEO @tomkiehl urges the Government to “constantly review” support for music industry in wake of #COVID-19 outbreak. Story via @CMU
Read more here: https://t.co/ZAwO1lVXa7
— UK Music (@UK_Music) March 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/miracalix/status/1238401693051686913?s=20
Avid has canceled Connect 2020 and its participation in @NABShow 2020 due to COVID-19. To introduce our latest product innovations, #TeamAvid will host an online broadcast and regional Connect events.
▶️ https://t.co/JnqfdSuanY#avid #coronavirus #covid19 #nabshow #avidconnect pic.twitter.com/zFDrLipAxw
— Avid (@Avid) March 10, 2020
What are you going to do this coronavirus? I’m finally going to try and finish the last boss on Sekiro.
— matt waites (@mattwsnd) March 13, 2020
The work I was starting this week has been postponed and I run magazines that relies on and support the live industry.
As you can imagine this is not an easy time. That said, if you have any social media/marketing work coming up I am suddenly available! partridge.jess@gmail.com
— Jess Partridge (@JessPartridge) March 13, 2020
In support of the UK bands and artists that were set to perform at @SXSW, we are proud to join forces with @bbcintroducing, @britishmusicbiz and partners to host two closed-door studio sessions on 16 March and 17 March. Find out more: https://t.co/BuPgDkxi23 pic.twitter.com/oNMmWrC1Xf
— PPL (@PPLUK) March 13, 2020
…Please be patient as gigs get postponed/cancelled + support emerging music, local venues in any way you can. Musicians – please be there for each other as I know this is causing anxiety to a lot of you…..
— Come Play With Me (@comeplaywith) March 13, 2020
Maybe the next few weeks working from home will give me a chance to finish couch to 5k
— Adam Bennett (@iateyourmic) March 13, 2020
In anticipation of uncertainty and disruption to come, go and support your favourite record shop, bookshop or any local Independent business important to you, in any way you can.
— Warp Records (@WarpRecords) March 12, 2020
I think I’m conjunction today what’s happening, if there is in fact really a scare, all businesses and corporations should allow people to miss payments this month, waive all late fees, and dont report negative markings to ppls credit.
— NORELLE (@Norelleiam) March 12, 2020
Since we’re social distancing, anyone need any songs mixed? #COVID19 #coronavirus #audioengineer #musicproducer #HireMe pic.twitter.com/gHi0Q68ywC
— Acea Lashley (@AceaLashley) March 11, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9q6OyxoVVA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
For the latest guidance from government on the #Covid19 #Coronavirus outbreak for our funded organisations and projects, take a look at our website: https://t.co/rh4mabTHVP
— Arts Council England (@ace_national) March 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/EuropeanMusicX/status/1238417807861219330
Musicians working in theatre; we are working to establish a firm position with SOLT as soon as possible. You can find the latest advice here > https://t.co/L0K6Ud1Kfv #coronavirusUK #COVID_19uk #covid19uk
— Musicians' Union (@WeAreTheMU) March 13, 2020
Due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus we are postponing the Composers’ Seminar's that were due to take place on Monday 16 March and Monday 6 April 2020. We will closely monitor the situation and confirm new dates for these events soon. pic.twitter.com/gvrGkKIId9
— PRS for Music (@PRSforMusic) March 13, 2020
Producers….we can help you adopt a remote workflow for your audio post-production. This will not only help ensure business continuity at this unprecedented time but also save you money. https://t.co/NsRwnbruA4 #remoteworking #audiopostproduction https://t.co/tfwjSq2RVJ
— Brown Bear Audio (@BrownBearPost) March 13, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 virus many public events have been canceled. It is up to all of you to help fill the void. I'm going to need all of you to drop links like never before and everyone to retweet the threads. Let's get through this together.
— WeareLegionMusic (@music_legion) March 12, 2020
Right now would be a great time to find your local record store and stock pile up on some glorious records: https://t.co/oC3U0NGRug
— Record Store Day UK (@RSDUK) March 13, 2020
