Musicians Cannot Afford to Miss a Note

When the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown businesses in March, most music artists could no longer perform in front of large, uplifting, and energetic crowds. Instead, artists utilized other modes of promotion, as music production and live performance were considered to be too risky for the safety of artists and fans alike.

Utilizing online platforms forces artists to be more open with their fans than they previously were. Now everyone gets a chance to see a whole new side of music artists' behind-the-scenes work.

These unforeseen measures require artists to transition into challenging new modes of working. A entire new level of creativity has become essential with regards to the way that artists present themselves in Instagram posts, live streams, music videos, and more.

Dana Williams is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and poet based in Los Angeles. Her music is a blend of jazz and soul.

“When quarantine first happened, it was very confusing. All of my in-person writing sessions were canceled and no one had any idea on what to do," said Williams. "I think as time progressed I got into a nice creative rhythm. I have been doing a lot of remote sessions and write by myself. I just take it day by day and try not to be too hard on myself.”

While facing a tremendous change in her music process, it’s crucial that she doesn’t let it hinder her creativity. These trying times make it hard for anyone to push through, so seeing artists being motivated and creating is inspiring.

Williams is now utilizing new methods of promotion during this time, using social media.

“So much of traditional promotion is doing performances in person and creating visuals which involve working with people in person. Luckily, I’ve been able to produce videos in isolation and have been releasing music. I have gotten some fun opportunities during this time like performing for H.E.R.’s “Girls With Guitars” Instagram Live Show. That was an incredible experience,” said Williams

Williams has posted some other new content online. “I started making cooking videos which I have really enjoyed, she said. Also she has been steadily releasing music, including her song "Answers," which was released back in August.

Williams also took to using Patreon, a membership platform for content creators, as a way to connect with listeners and fans. “Right now, since playing live shows isn't an option, I thought that starting a Patreon account would be a nice way to interact with the people," said Williams. "I hope it’s another way to inspire girls and Black artists. I'm always happy to give advice about songwriting and guitar playing. I am inspired by so many great Black women artists and guitarists. It would be amazing if I inspire others too”.

Like Williams, artists have the opportunity to reach out to fans online, but it’s difficult for artists to emulate their connection with fans at live performances.

A similar feeling is felt by sisters Asy Saavedra, singer/keyboardist, and Chloe Saavedra, singer/drummer who make up the L.A. band Chaos Chaos. They miss performing live in front of their fans who are used to their indie-pop sound.

Regarding live performances, Chloe Saavedra stated, “I'm not gonna lie, I miss the energy of a live performance so much and I miss real live fans and being able to share the energy in the room.”

The pandemic hasn’t affected their creative process and they are very much still motivated to put out music.

Chaos Chaos curated the “Support Black Womxn” live stream concert and comedy show, which premiered Sept. 30 on Twitch. Chaos Chaos performed with Dana Williams, Reggie Watts, Fred Armisen, Cautious Clay, Zuri Marley, and more. The live stream partnered with The Crocodile, KORG, Roland, Gamers.Vote, and Tom Tom Magazine.

The free live stream's proceeds will go to The Loveland Foundation. Established by Rachel Carole in 2018, The Loveland Foundation helps Black womxn and girls across the country to receive therapy for ongoing healing.

Chloe Saavedra detailed the importance of this live stream. “As a white woman I want to be aware of my privilege and thoughtful of how to not silence any voices. I felt that making the event be in support of Black womxn was the best way to give voice and awareness to the people who need to be heard the most” she said.

Chaos Chaos’ support of Black women through The Loveland Foundation is relevant considering how much Black women are always associated with the “strong Black woman” stereotype, which disregards their mental health. Black women have had to persevere through every hardship. Their vulnerability is often disregarded, but how well they prioritize their family, jobs, and education is praised instead.

“I think everyone is struggling for similar reasons, but it also will be a huge collective period of growth for the human race. That sounds super insane to say, but I think it's true,” said Chloe Saavedra. “If we come out of this alive and have figured out how to take care of each other then we have evolved. Or, to be a little more dark, if we let greed, racism, and division dictate how we handle this we simply won't survive it.”

Chaos Chaos has new music in the works as well. Chloe Saavedra stated, “We have an album's worth of new material and we are so excited about it.”

Through live stream concerts, fans are able to see artists perform as they would in a live performance. It can be uplifting for fans to see artists having the motivation to be creative in a time like this.

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