COVID-19 has undeniably had a huge impact on the entire music industry. Many artists have cancelled all of their live performances in the near future, and it seems many are switching their focus to streaming events in order to maintain a relationship with their fans. This begs the question, will artists be recording and releasing more music with their new found free time?
Major label artists are taking into account the effect COVID-19 is currently having on the music industry. Musicians like Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, and Margo Price have all announced that they will be delaying their planned releases due to the pandemic. “A-List,” artists such as these listed in The Rolling Stone have such a concrete plan when it comes to marketing, releasing, and touring for an album that it no longer makes sense to release their albums even if they are already recorded.
While many major label artists may not have the intention of releasing music any time soon, the same may not be the case for smaller independent musicians. It is not unreasonable to believe musicians will be spending more time being creative and working on new material. Musicians have more time than ever being able to focus on the creative side of their craft, and many have some capability of recording and releasing music on their own. There aren’t any available statistics on an increase of songs being uploaded to streaming services that I have found, but there are already more than 65 songs on Spotify with the word Coronavirus in the title. I believe there will be an influx of music being recorded and released while artists can not express themselves through live performance.
Dean Merritt
April 8, 2020 — 4:15 pm
I found it interesting that many “A-list” celebrities are postponing album release dates because it doesn’t make any sense to them to release them without a tour. It shows how much the music industry relies on live music today. Regarding local musicians, I’m curious if they will be affected negatively by the high rate of music that is being released. I searched “COVID-19” on Spotify and was scrolling for quite a while before I reached the end of the list.
I hope that if a lot of artists start releasing music, they are still creating good content.
Kayla McKinney
April 8, 2020 — 10:26 pm
I’ve also encountered many artist postponing album release dates because of the inability to tour. Many of those artists have been finding other ways to keep their fans engaged though. The band Haim postponed their upcoming album, but recently teased a single recorded on garage band on their instagram. I think we are going to get to see some content we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
(also) I’m so upset about having to wait longer for the Alicia Keys album. I’m obsessed with her most recent single releases and was really excited for this album.