Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the government order to cancel or reschedule events gathering 100 + people, the number of gigs, theatre performances and festivals ceased has reached an all-time high.
No doubt, this decision was made with good reason, as the government, venues, and artists themselves agree that the safety and health of fans and all affiliated workers are of the utmost importance.
With good news surrounding action to minimize the spread, the bad news settles in for many. The primary source of income for some has come to a halt for the time being. Artists touring, selling merch, hiring of videographers and photographers, event managers, audio technicians, promoters, the lot.
I Lost My Gig have reported that the music industry has lost $300 Million of income with 274,000 gigs cancelled, impacting 599,000 jobs nationwide as of March 21.
Even though these feel like hopeless times, there are things that you can do to help local artists out, big or small, everything counts:
Join the Instagram trend kickstarted by Aussie Artists. Triple J Unearthed musicians are recording covers of other Aussie Acts and sharing online using the hashtag #covered19.
Hauskey, the Sydney musician who began the trend by covering Eluera’s latest release ‘Good Girl’ says “exposing my small audience to someone else’s music is one tiny way I can help out”.
With the bushfires and floods that have impacted Australia in recent months, you’ve probably been asked to donate to some charity. If you’ve got the means and the change, head to Support Act and donate to the Covid-19 Emergency Appeal. This money will go towards supporting music workers impacted by the pandemic.
Organizations like I Lost My Gig and Muso are inviting people to get in contact with them if they’d like to help or get involved with assisting in supporting local music and hospitality industries
Email ilostmygigau@gmail.com or fill in their contact form online
Email hello@musoapp.com.au
If you or someone close to you is struggling with their mental health during this time, JMC Academy encourages you to speak up and seek help from the following resources:
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Support Act: 1800 959 500
