Among many other things, the Coronavirus pandemic has affected the music industry deeply. With public gatherings being restricted, concerts, gigs, and music festivals are nowhere an option. Artists are facing a hard time, but it’s imperative to keep the creative juices flowing and keep yourself engaged with the community. Here are a few ideas to keep musicians engaged during coronavirus that can help your productivity and let you stay connected:
1. Do a Virtual Live Concert
Livestream your performances on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook. Mostly everyone is practicing social distancing at home and people are finding new ways to keep themselves entertained. Virtual concerts can become the new normal soon with big names like Chris Martin, John Legend, Bono, and many more performing live on these platforms. This will keep you motivated and in practice, and it’ll help you in increasing your fan base as well.
2. Hone New Musical Skills
Now is the time to learn something that you always wanted to but couldn’t. There are abundant resources online to develop your writing, recording, and mixing skills or gain knowledge on music theory. Enroll in courses, watch tutorials, and if nothing new, work on an old skill that needs practice. This is one of the best ideas to keep musicians engaged during coronavirus as it ensures continuous growth.
3. Document Your Activities in Self-Isolation
People love to watch or read about how other people are keeping themselves occupied during this time. Post small videos or write about how you feel on your social media handles. It can be anything from what you are watching or listening to, a review or discussion about an album, single, or even a book. Surprise them by singing a small set of new lyrics or maybe posting a poem you wrote. Be yourself and be fresh; everyone needs that right now.
4. Collaborate From Afar
Don’t let these circumstances stop you from writing or producing new stuff together. Exchange ideas and use video conferencing methods to work in a group. Make a music video together by recording from your homes. You can also collaborate on a new song using a Digital Audio Workstation, use software to mix and master it, and it will sound like everyone recorded it in the same room. Collaborative efforts are great ideas to keep musicians engaged during coronavirus.
5. Create More, Distribute More, Earn More
Since gigs and travel are put on hold, use this downtime to finish your albums, make more music, record it, and distribute it. Or if you have any unreleased music, you can opt for a digital release by distributing it to music streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Music, etc. Deliver My Tune (DMT) delivers your music to over 60 popular online music streaming and downloading sites worldwide. This helps you earn more during the pandemic as DMT lets you keep 90% royalties and you own 100% copyrights to your music.
Advanced Ideas to Keep Musicians Engaged During Coronavirus
1. Host Online Workshops and Tutorials
Sharing your knowledge can be both fulfilling and engaging. Host online workshops or tutorials on platforms like Zoom or YouTube. Teach others about your instrument, music production techniques, or songwriting skills. This not only keeps you engaged but also helps build a community around your music.
Benefits of Online Workshops:
- Enhances your teaching skills.
- Connects you with other musicians and fans.
- Provides an additional income stream.
2. Engage with Fans on Social Media
Stay connected with your fans through social media platforms. Share your daily routines, practice sessions, and personal thoughts. Use Instagram Stories, Twitter updates, and Facebook posts to keep your audience engaged and informed about your activities.
Ways to Engage with Fans:
- Host live Q&A sessions.
- Share behind-the-scenes content.
- Run contests and giveaways.
3. Explore New Music Styles and Genres
Experiment with different music styles and genres that you haven’t tried before. This can be a great way to expand your musical horizons and keep your creativity flowing. Collaborate with artists from different genres to create unique and innovative music.
Tips for Exploring New Genres:
- Listen to a variety of music for inspiration.
- Experiment with different instruments and sounds.
- Collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds.
4. Create a Home Studio Setup
Invest time in setting up a home studio if you haven’t already. This allows you to record high-quality music from the comfort of your home. Research the best equipment and software that suits your needs and budget.
Essential Home Studio Equipment:
- Microphone and audio interface.
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
- Studio monitors and headphones.
5. Plan for Post-Pandemic Performances
While live performances may be on hold, planning for the future can keep you motivated. Start planning your post-pandemic gigs, tours, and album releases. This proactive approach ensures you are ready to hit the ground running once restrictions are lifted.
Steps for Planning Post-Pandemic Performances:
- Create a tentative tour schedule.
- Reach out to venues and promoters.
- Plan your marketing and promotional strategies.
Keeping the Creative Spirit Alive
Maintaining your creativity during the pandemic is crucial. Here are some additional ideas to keep musicians engaged during coronavirus:
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts, ideas, and lyrics daily.
- Artistic Expression: Explore other forms of art such as painting or photography.
- Physical Activity: Stay active with exercises or yoga to keep your mind and body healthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for musicians. However, by implementing these ideas to keep musicians engaged during coronavirus, you can stay productive, connected, and creatively fulfilled. Whether it’s through virtual concerts, skill development, online collaborations, or planning for the future, there are numerous ways to keep the music alive. Stay engaged, stay inspired, and continue to share your art with the world.