Spring is typically every music lovers’ favorite season as bands take on the road to start their Spring and Summer tours. But, with our nation still on a shelter-in-place order, the once season of singing in crowds has turned into a season of singing alone. With social distancing and self-quarantining being all that we can do to fight this virus, forget about even hanging out with your friends; so, going to a live show with them is certainly out of the question. The Coronavirus Pandemic has turned the prime time for concerts and festivals upside down and put spring and even summer shows in jeopardy. State and Federal officials have banned large gatherings of ten or more people, which subsequently closed down music venues nationwide for an indefinite amount of time. Because of this, all tours as well as Spring and Summer festivals have either been cancelled, or if you are lucky, postponed to the Fall.
As the nation remains in isolation, we are all desperate for a taste of normalcy. A reminder of what once was and what will hopefully be again soon. We crave distractions to keep ourselves from going stir-crazy, to keep ourselves from lingering on the tragedy that is our current reality, to keep ourselves and our hopes high.
Music has a special way of being able to bring people together and that remains true now more than ever. We as a nation, in this time of social distancing, need to remain united and we need the healing and positive energy that music provides. This is why so many artists are turning to social platforms such as Instagram and YouTube Live to perform “live” quarantine concerts for their fans. On these platforms, fans can leave comments and post reactions—which does not compare to sweaty bodies rubbing against each other, packed in the pit like sardines—but it is still a way for fans to interact with their favorite artists and fans alike. Other artists are hosting quarantine concerts via ZOOM, Vimeo, or Twitch for a small donation which goes to helping tour and band members out of jobs right now, helping food bands, or helping cure Covid.
Artists like James Blake, Clairo, Death Cab for Cutie, Diplo, John Legend, Sure Sure, and James Bay are just a few of the artists taking time out of their day to connect with fans and spread some positivity through their music.
Our time in quarantine will only last a season and although it is not the season that music lovers planned for, it is the one we were dealt. So, just look on the bright side, be grateful for your health, and take advantage of this time to slow down and take a breath… and to tune in to your favorite artist performing an intimate live show of course.
Frisson Frets 