EVENT CANCELLED "Music business during a pandemic"
As if making a living in the already volatile world of independent music wasn’t difficult enough, let’s just throw a once in a generation pandemic into the mix, one that prohibits social gathering, during the busiest and most productive time of the year for live music. Thanks 2020.
Its easy to see how the major companies like Live Nation and established successful and wealthy artists could overshadow the reality of how serious this event is for almost every person whose income is from live events. Yes, the rich took a hit, but they will survive the storm.
But what about the small venues, artists, musicians, mangers, promoters, roadies, etc... It trickles all the way down to the liquor sales, ice guy, food truck, security, and every one of the hundreds of jobs involved in putting together a live event. Most of the world is currently out of work, but the timing of this pandemic hitting the US was especially difficult for this particular industry.
March, the holy grail of months for live events, is when the reality set in that we have a serious problem. It seemed to feel “real” when SXSW officially canceled. For the first time in its 34 yr history, this event was cancelled. Other events and festivals followed, such as Ultra Music Fest, but the impact is not as great. Miami is a city that can get through this and I’m sure Tiesto will be just fine. However, I’ve never seen a large-scale music event such as SXSW provide a platform for all enthusiastic, music loving, business minded self-investors. Key word being self-investors.
Months and months of planning, organizing, preparing, all with the same end goal of future success and profitability. To be in this game it takes money. Usually your own. Saving and saving to put down that deposit on the venue, block hotel rooms, travel, promotional expenses, marketing material, labor, all because you believe in your passion and you believe this hard work will eventually pay off. All just for an opportunity to be greater than you were before you got there……..And in a blink of an eye its all gone. Sure, in a perfect world every deposit you put down would be paid back. Ticket sale refunded. However, when those businesses relied heavily on up front money to survive as well……well, what do you do. The world came to an immediate halt. But for a business that requires investing first, then reaping the benefits, this hit a little different. That money is gone, time never getting back, and a dream that was shattered.
If there was ever a test of your passion and resilience, this is it. You got into this business because you loved it. This is the hardest dollar ever made, but that passion is what keeps you going. It’s a thankless, over glorified job most of the time, but it’s needed. We all need it even when we don’t know we do. You’re the foundation that keeps the music business alive and exciting, finding and believing in new talent when they sometimes don’t see it yet themselves. It’s needed. And for that, we thank you!
By: ScottyJewlz