As the country begins to reopen, government officials are hoping that industries battered by the COVID-19 crisis will start to rebound. But for musicians it may still be a long while before things are normal again.
That’s a harsh reality for musician since live concerts won’t be coming back soon.
“We’re freelancers unless you’re a member of an established group such as the Rolling Stones,” says drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. “So for the freelance musician such as myself it’s been devastating because there’s no where for me to play.”
While in Las Vegas just before St. Patrick’s Day weekend Smitty was to perform one concert and two days in the recording studio. After the Sunday night concert he return to the Bellagio hotel and found a notice under the door that stated the hotel and casino was shutting down to comply with state health guidelines pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the shut down Smitty performed 3 nights a week at different venues around Los Angeles.
While things are undoubtedly rough for most in the music business right now, Smitty has had a handful of saving graces.
He received a stimulus payment from the government and is seeking assistance in navigating his unemployment eligibility.
It’s a blessing in disguise for me, says Linda Tavani who has a more optimistic view of the pandemic’s affects on the music industry.
Linda, one half of the iconic duo Peaches and Herb, says the shut down has presented an opportunity to reach a new audience through social media.
“It’s given me a chance to really redefine what things can be done in my life and how to do it. She adds what music does is help uplift people.
Jazz guitarist Kevin Eubanks agrees but has a more philosophical out look on the worldwide work stoppage.
The former NBC Tonight Show band leader says it seems obvious that this is an opportunity to be more creative musically while exploring alternative revenue streams.
He encourages his fellow musicians to “branch out not just musically”.
According to Eubanks becoming a great musician is not easy you have to deal with a lot of all things.
He recommends now is a perfect time to be flexible and introspective.
His advise to musicians is to be prepared for change even through a pandemic.
Eubanks was adamant about musicians taking this opportunity to change their mindset perhaps creating something virtual during this shutdown. Whether it’s financial or a short film, be creative because this is the time to consider something else.” So let’s think about other ways of having revenue streams.
He adds, “I hope we come out of this with some pertinent pervasive ideas.”
With no playbook for success, those in the entertainment industry are struggling to understand which health and safety policies will have the greatest impact or improve trust among loyal fans.
The pandemic and protest marches have tensions at an all-time high, and musicians might only get one chance to deliver an experience that meets their fans’ expectations.
R&B vocalist Rockie Robbins has been in the entertainment business for 41 years. He says “these are hard times for musicians because you can get out of shape physically, mentally and spiritually.”
However when the clubs reopen again “everybody will be looking for a job”.
As nation prepares to reopen clubs, bars, concert venues and places of worship each must take steps to ensure audiences feel safe in the new 6 foot economy.
Robert “Peewee” Hill, bass guitarist, assumes once musicians receive the okay to perform publicly it will be up to the agencies to start booking concert dates.
Peewee, a professional musician of 50 years, hypothesize “it’s gonna take six months to a year just to get the rotation rolling again.” Besides the rotation has been stopped worldwide.
Simply put,“one house band will play at a club” he explains, the next night another band will play. “They have to figure out how to get things rolling again.”
While states begin loosening restrictions on large gatherings in bars, sporting and concert events Peewee says it will take some time before people will have the confidence to be in a crowd.
