Can’t stop the music.
Last night, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra hosted their first live streamed concert after being forced to cancel weeks worth of upcoming events due to precautionary measures against the spread of coronavirus. Yesterday also saw Yungblud perform to the masses via live stream after he was forced to cancel his tour while Chris Martin took to Coldplay’s Instagram this morning for a live streamed performance he dubbed “Together At Home”.
In a time where self-isolation and social distancing are encouraged, gatherings of over 500 people are banned, and venues are closing their doors while they weather this storm, it seems this is the way forward for the live music industry.
Melbourne garage rockers The Naysayers have jumped on the bandwagon, announcing their own Live Stream From Quarantine gig in lieu of their canceled show at The Post Office Hotel, which was scheduled for March 21.
While the notion of live streaming performances is obviously a welcomed alternative to a calendar that’s been wiped clean of live music and performing arts events, it doesn’t solve the big issue facing the industry: huge financial losses.
Charging for live streamed performances not only poses logistical issues, it brings into question whether people will be willing to pay up and what monetary value they’d consider placing on such an experience.
The Naysayers have come up with an idea. While access to the live stream of their upcoming show will be free, they’ve asked fans to consider donating to Support Act.
Australia’s only dedicated music industry charity, Support Acts provides artists, crew and music workers with crisis relief and have set up a COVID-19 Emergency Appeal in light of the financial pressures facing the industry and those within it.
So will we be seeing more of this over the coming weeks? It’s looking highly likely.
As it happens, The Naysayers have a bit of experience when it comes to live sound and video streaming and they’re offering free advice for any bands or musicians wanting to host their own live stream performance.
Not only could this be a creative way to continue bringing live music to the public when we need it most, it’s a way for fans to extend support to artists amidst unprecedented pressures and uncertainty.
Tune into YouTube to watch The Naysayers’ Live Stream For Quarantine gig from 9pm AEST on March 21. If you want advice on hosting your own live stream gig, hit The Naysayers up on Facebook.
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