The year the music industry found there were other ways

2020 has been quite a year, and we’re only 4 months in. Although prior to this pandemic, many of us had already become the product of non-stop working, scattered lifestyles, individualistic relationships and had developed a lack of awareness of the importance of health and environment. So for many of us, it felt like a big crash when suddenly everything had to stop, forcing us to distance ourselves from others to survive. 

Live concerts are still cancelled (Image via Unsplash)

Although things have seemed challenging during these times and lives were being destabilized, change has always been a constant for humanity. We’ve just been used to change coming from society and traditionally, rather slowly. The unfortunate truth is that some changes are needed. We all actually have our own behavioral and mental ways we are used to facing these changes. However, the abruptness of this change and its ability to affect the entirety of humanity in particular is why it shocked the world the way it did.

The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly spread over the entire world and it forced humanity to stop activities, take distance from one another and ultimately change over 7 billion lives, while taking 200k lives in the process. It also forced humanity to become aware of its vulnerability as a race and in a sense, relearn the things that truly mattered to them in their lives. Humanity had to start finding alternative solutions for everything. From work availability, product & food sources to aid and relearning how to share space or not share space with other humans.

The music industry isn't any exception. As one of the strongest worldwide industries and an industry that has the immense ability to influence the masses, the music industry took one of the hardest hits since Napster during these times. Musicians and record labels had to face a complete change of operations and halt many of its necessary functions. The music industry is being forced to find alternative methods  to share music, to express itself, to get in touch with fans and consumers, to promote, while discovering news ways to help humanity. 

This year, all the festivals, concerts, fan meetings, promotions, tours and award shows  were canceled or rescheduled. These changes were a direct effect of the quarantine and the need to social distance ourselves from one another to survive. Taking care of ourselves and others while helping the health systems became our sole focus. With less focus from the masses to keep the music industry intact, it was time for the music industry to focus on new ways to promote, share and find other safe ways to connect its listeners. 

And that is exactly what happened. The music industry has been adapting and changing to find other ways to stay alive. Technology would become the answer to help music find alternative ways to be shared and ultimately be the support for the entirety of humanity during these hard times. Today more than ever, the music industry showed us that music is more than just style and fashion...music is more than just consumer marketing, that music itself is an expression. It’s a way to communicate and one of the most important things to share and enjoy in these hard times. 

Principal social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Tik-Tok, Triller etc. became the primary channels to relate and connect with others through. Places where we could share things, spread good vibes and positive messages faster than the virus was spreading hopelessness. It helped the entertainers entertain and helped us all express our feelings and thoughts. The online or live concert was born. The live Q&A interviews were born. And streaming services became the safest way for the music industry to continue working. 

So, no matter where you are, who you are, or if you are going through hard times, you can get connected with music you love safely. For now, we will be on our devices more than ever; searching for ways to stream our favorite artists, viewing concerts digitally, while connecting and collaborating with other artists safely online and at home.