Nashville musicians find new ways to share music
Photo courtesy of Nora Collins.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the music industry is facing unforeseen challenges. Many musicians are finding alternative ways to share their music, stay connected to fans and sustain an income now that public performances are canceled.
Nashville natives know what it is like to walk down Broadway and hear music bursting from the various bars, diners, restaurants and honky-tonks along the street. When Gov. Bill Lee signed an executive order mandating food and beverage restaurants alter their model for regular business, many of these places were forced to close or transition to take-out only options.
Many local musicians in Nashville make the majority of their income from singing in these bars and honky-tonks. College students from the surrounding universities also rely on this industry. The cancellation of gigs has resulted in a loss of earnings for many of Nashville’s performers.
Nora Collins, originally from Milwaukee, is a country music artist who now lives in Nashville. She was scheduled to perform at Nashville’s popular Wildhorse Saloon in April, but due to the pandemic, Collins had to cancel her future gigs.
“All of my upcoming shows have been canceled … I’m doing some co-writing via Zoom to try and stay productive,” said Collins. “[I’m] doing the best I can and can’t wait to get back to face-to-face writing and shows where I can see smiling faces.”
Many artists are turning to virtual resources to continue sharing music and stay connected to fans. Livestreaming on Instagram has quickly become a trend among musicians.
This technological resource enables artists to stay connected and share music. Collins has been hosting virtual performances on her social media platforms.
“I think many of us might be looking for ways to feel connected during this strange time, which is why I’ve been doing the Facebook and Instagram lives,” said Collins. “Social media has been a great way to stay connected, and I hope that my live shows have made even just a few people smile or dance in their living rooms.”
Jordy Searcy, a contestant on “The Voice” and fellow Nashville resident, has also been livestreaming music sessions on Instagram. Searcy holds livestream concerts benefiting out-of-work artists on Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. Searcy dedicated one of these livestreams to raising money for another Nashville-based band, The Brook and the Bluff.
“Since most of my income is based online, it hasn’t been as bad for me as it has for some friends of mine. Lots of musician friends of mine have been in a very tough spot with cash due to show cancellations,” said Searcy. “I’ve been raising money for different musicians in need every Tuesday night! People have been so generous, and we’ve raised over $8,000 in total so far!”
Marissa De La Rosa, a sophomore graphic design major, respects the musicians’ efforts to connect with their audiences.
“I’ve seen a lot of musicians responding in really positive ways … Some are playing music, some are just chatting and some are doing fun cooking and exercise tutorial type things,” said De La Rosa. “I also know a few who are participating in live music festivals, which is also so cool. It’s really nice to see them adapting in these ways and still interacting with their fans in such weird times.”
Although the current pandemic is creating unforeseen challenges for musicians, it is clear it has not hindered their passion for creating and releasing music. Despite cancelled shows, lack of income and other setbacks, Collins is adamant that music has a healing quality and the ability to bring people together.
“I’m getting ready to release new music, so the pandemic has forced us to adjust our timeline because of the content we need to film and create. Mark your calendars for May 15!” said Collins. “I’ll be releasing the first single from my new project, ‘Neon Healing.’ It is a song about community and finding refuge with good company under neon lights.”
With unexpected free time, many artists are using their own at-home equipment to continue to create in the midst of the pandemic.
“For many artists, this is giving them a chance to spend time writing or recording new projects … Most musicians in the current state of the industry are equipped and capable of recording at home,” said adjunct professor Marcelo Pennell.
While Nashville’s industry is clearly suffering from the current pandemic, the community remains hopeful.
“I’ve been really encouraged by all the funds that have popped up for musicians in need,” said Searcy. “It’s just a testament to how good people really can be at the end of the day!”
