New Music World 2020: Where do we go from here?

There is reasonable concern right now about the future of live music and related industries. Clubs and other venues are closing, many people have been laid off, support businesses are shuttering and many musicians and other artists are struggling. More than that, I am doubting that things will return to the normal we knew any time soon--if ever. Also, whatever the new “normal” is will likely look VERY different, and honestly some pieces of this industry may not return or recover at all. We at Big Road are lucky in that, at this time, we have other sources of income, but we are feeling the pinch and have also struggled to make sense of everything and chart a course towards something positive. Because our whole family is in this industry (our youngest son Justin is a live sound and recording engineer, our oldest Shane is a pro player with a record contract in Minneapolis, MN), this is certainly a huge concern and it’s something we talk about a lot. Shane is working on a number of things because, despite his current contract and all of the plans associated with that, he is interested in finding a home in the industry beyond touring. That move was not necessarily COVID-19 driven, but all things connected to this pandemic have certainly influenced that particular focus.

Through many discussions we have decided to focus on a few things. First is building on-line show capabilities including streaming space and gear and other things like YouTube and Twitch channels. The second thing is better recording capabilities and working on finishing a number of projects. Those projects will culminate in some kind of event TBD. We have also reached out to other musicians and friends and are considering some on-line events that can be promoted and generate some excitement and possibly be the seed for some other things. We are conscious that “the scene” will be morphing. Both of my sons have also set up Fiverr accounts and are working at setting up recording services.

Here are a few other thoughts and ideas that have come out of all of this:

● We will survive. Musicians and artists are creative. We will find a way.

● We also need to build TOWARDS something. I don’t think it does anyone any good to lament the losses and pine for the “good old days.” In reality, the “good old days” were not that great for many. Being at the mercy of so many factors out of our control means that being an artist with integrity has been hard under the best of circumstances. We can do better. WE can build better

● Collaboration will be essential. A group of artists with their different bases of support can create something unique and creative. We just need to dream it and take the steps to make it happen. See point #1.

● Online platforms are unpredictable and quirky. Facebook is really not an option for artist streaming anymore, so let’s figure out what COULD work and what the next horizon is.

● The tech to pull off in-place or mobile video or streaming shows is a new world, BUT it is not that difficult and workable equipment and software is not outrageously expensive. Here is maybe where collaboration and barter can come into the picture.

● Competition between artists was always a counterproductive thing anyway. Bands and artists who undercut others, put down other players, etc. ultimately had to deal with the inevitable Karma of their actions (or soon will). PLUS...scenes suffer when this is the norm. It gets boring when a handful of people are the only options out there. We can do better.

● We need to see this all as an opportunity. Artists, venues and connected businesses who understand that MAY be the ones still standing when the “smoke” clears. We have this thing called the internet. It’s crazy cool. And it was not an option in years past. But we have it now. There also may be other ways. Could clubs who are shut down in the winter or at much lower capacity become live stream sites? Could they provide creative packages that include food and drink to customers in or supporting on-line shows? The possibilities are endless.

● Collaboration, barter and partnerships could work in a lot of directions. Struggling venues, clubs and businesses may find a home and new brand connected with this new world. Yup, it isn’t ideal, but it is our current reality. What can we do?

● Time brings opportunity. We are artists. Artists create. We also are masters at creating magic out of challenge. Most great songs have a story. Let’s seize the moment. I mentioned Fiverr, but the available recording technology today, along with the ability to find “studio players,” producers, mixing and mastering help, etc online and even share files and other information can allow us to write, record and distribute our music in a way that couldn’t happen in the recent past. Plus we have time.

● The other thing I am very conscious of is the opportunity this pandemic has provided to have the time to refine my own craft. There are amazing resources available for improving voice and instruments, or really to learn many things connected to music and music gear. This is also another way many artists are keeping themselves afloat. YouTube, Patreon and any number of other resources have many pro level people providing tutorials and assistance to other artists. We live in unique times with unique opportunities.

Lastly, I want to extend to other musicians my willingness to meet and talk about ideas, your unique situation, etc. Contact us through the Big Road website and we would be happy to connect.

Mark Zanoni

1 comment

Cori Gays Mills, WI
Oct 4 2020 9:22 AM

Hi Mark. That was an extremely thoughtful and relevant post. Thanks for putting it out there. I'm not a musician but my parter is, and yes, there is both trepidation and excitement for what comes next. We're off the grid with a very low cost of living so we can perhaps survive the lean times with a little less stress than those with more overhead. I'm not sure if you've experienced this up north, but down here in southwestern Wisconsin, quality solo performers actually did okay this summer. I imagine that venue owners who had outdoor seating still wanted to provide something for their (limited numbers of) patrons. Of course a solo performer is less expensive than a whole band, so that avenue opened up for a few. I know it's a small consolation prize, but still... Another interesting phenomenon has been the explosion of community related gatherings. Weekly gatherings at local parks have become more common, and the community has been very generous in passing the hat. It feels like the community at large understands the struggle of the artist and is providing support. This part has been very encouraging. Again, this works better with solo or smaller groups than it does with bigger bands with lots of equipment and mouths to feed. The Old Oak Inn in Gays Mills has provided an amazingly successful blueprint. The Inn is a bed and breakfast with a lounge and dining room. They have been providing music outdoors on Friday nights (after the fish fry of course!). Performers are on the big front porch, and the community brings lawn chairs and socially distance themselves all over the front lawn. It is not uncommon for there to be fifty, sixty, seventy people in attendance. Halfway through the show the gentleman who organizes the event says a few words. He has a tip jar attached to a six foot pole, and walks through the crowd calling himself the "nitwit with the tip stick"! It's a magical gathering; the community has been extraordinarily supportive, and it wouldn't surprise me to see this summer event continuing even after we all get the covid vaccine in late 2021. :-) Take care Mark, and thanks again for the post. -Cori

Hi Mark. That was an extremely thoughtful and relevant post. Thanks for putting it out there. I'm not a musician but my parter is, and yes, there is both trepidation and excitement for what comes next. We're off the grid with a very low cost of living so we can perhaps survive the lean times with a little less stress than those with more overhead.

I'm not sure if you've experienced this up north, but down here in southwestern Wisconsin, quality solo performers actually did okay this summer. I imagine that venue owners who had outdoor seating still wanted to provide something for their (limited numbers of) patrons. Of course a solo performer is less expensive than a whole band, so that avenue opened up for a few. I know it's a small consolation prize, but still...

Another interesting phenomenon has been the explosion of community related gatherings. Weekly gatherings at local parks have become more common, and the community has been very generous in passing the hat. It feels like the community at large understands the struggle of the artist and is providing support. This part has been very encouraging.
Again, this works better with solo or smaller groups than it does with bigger bands with lots of equipment and mouths to feed.

The Old Oak Inn in Gays Mills has provided an amazingly successful blueprint. The Inn is a bed and breakfast with a lounge and dining room. They have been providing music outdoors on Friday nights (after the fish fry of course!). Performers are on the big front porch, and the community brings lawn chairs and socially distance themselves all over the front lawn. It is not uncommon for there to be fifty, sixty, seventy people in attendance. Halfway through the show the gentleman who organizes the event says a few words. He has a tip jar attached to a six foot pole, and walks through the crowd calling himself the "nitwit with the tip stick"! It's a magical gathering; the community has been extraordinarily supportive, and it wouldn't surprise me to see this summer event continuing even after we all get the covid vaccine in late 2021. :-)

Take care Mark, and thanks again for the post. -Cori

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