THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS GOING SILENT

For many people, music is an artform inherently physically performative: It often encourages us to dance, sing, and practically always involves a certainly physical process to create it, no matter the genre.

Any concert-lover will agree an immeasurable void has been left in their heart, thanks to the virus; no large social gatherings means a definite no to tightly packed indoor, and even, outdoor venues for the foreseeable future.

Frankly, we’re at the point where simply recalling the times when we allowed ourselves to vocally let loose around so many strangers will likely make one reel in post-COVID concern.

Regardless, there is truly little else like the feeling of sharing an elongated moment together with a favorite (or new favorite) artist –in-person: To move to their song with them, and to see, as much as a bystander can, at least a little sliver of that original inspiration.

How does one come to terms with the fact that this simply cannot be a reality right now?

The pandemic prognosis for our population changes constantly, but the most pessimistic predictions tell us to be prepared for at least another few years of restraint, and of bans. That being said, fans have recently been provided more than enough material to be satiated, thanks to numerous artists having taken advantage of all the extra time granted by stay-at-home orders (including Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga), releasing large amounts of music relatively quicker than usual. No doubt, there is something compelling about them being encouraged to dedicate even more time to their already acclaimed craft.

Still, there is no question that the economic impact on the music industry of the surely necessary global quarantine is unprecedented.

Touring makes up a major portion of a music star’s income, and for those artists with a much smaller stage, a lack of ability to make live appearances is devastating. Because of modern music-distribution methods such as streaming, there is technically a higher and quicker likelihood than ever of accruing a following and dedicated fanbase. Nevertheless, it is often through more humble, local venue performances that amateur artists begin to monetarily earn from their art.

People must wonder how many breakout musicians we have yet to hear, due to the coronavirus crisis. We can only hope they can be here for us afterward, having waited so long to make their mark.

It seems the best thing we can do for now is to continue to fondly remember how our lungs once bloomed with exclamation, and how our bodies once shook with restless elation. Nothing could better motivate us to run back to those wonderfully crowded and cozy hot spots (after the virus is beaten back, of course) to support some of the hardest-working and dedicated people on the planet – and, rest assured, sooner than we may realize.