5 Music Artist Resources You Can Use Now - Amid the Coronavirus

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, artists and musicians everywhere have been some of the most financially affected. 

With the coronavirus conversation reaching new heights, artists and musicians everywhere have been some of the most financially affected. Thousands of tours postponed due to public health concerns, and many of us are seeking new and creative ways to stay afloat. 

Organizations like MusiCares have responded to COVID-19 with relief funds and companies have shared much-needed discounts for musicians. Prominent DIY-musician and writer Ari Herstand shared some helpful tips on his blog for artists looking for ways to spend their time while in lockdown. Celebrity singers and bands around the world are streaming performances live for their fans. It seems all are trying to do their part to carry on in the spirit of music. 

If you’re an artist looking for ways to stay creative during this time, here are some useful online resources focused on uplifting artists during this unforeseen time. 

Livestream Your Music

What was previously an addendum has now become a potential lifeline. Writer and researcher, Cherie Hu, created a comprehensive document of tools that artists can use to host virtual shows. If you take time to read through the whole Google doc, (and you might be looking for things to do right now) you’ll see it includes a lot of useful tips and resources. Most notably is information about some free video platforms available to you, including Zoom, Facebook Live, LinkedIn Live and Google Hangouts. Also free to use, is Instagram Live — where major artists like John Legend have already posted heartwarming, full-length performances from their homes.

Other free-to-play platforms include sites like Twitch and YouTube Live. Free-to-play means that the streams are free to access, but viewers can contribute financially to performers if they choose. This can be a great option for artists interested in gaining consistent donations from their fan base. Patreon, a membership platform for creators, is a good place to lead fans who enjoy your live streams. You can also post exclusive videos there that are only viewable to your patrons.

Jam Sessions with Friends

Now is a great time to connect with fellow musicians. Jammr is a free download that allows you to create a profile and join a community of other artists interested in making music. Connect your instruments to your laptop through the site and create private jam sessions with your friends, or join already-existing sessions with others. Jammr also offers forums where you can chat about all things music. 

Take Advantage of Affordable Music Lessons 

Building your craft is important. With more downtime due to social distancing, now might be a good time to improve your musical chops. Finances can sometimes get in the way of music lessons, but luckily there are affordable and free options available.
Some classes on Skillshare are totally free to the public, like this Piano Basics course, or this Blues Guitar class. Believe it or not, you can even take Ivy League music classes right now for no cost at all.

Free Music Tools Available to You 

We’re made up of artists and music lovers so we understand the struggle many musicians are going through right now. Because of this, we’re waiving all commissions for artists through to April 18, 2020. This means 100% of Songtradr licensing fees will be received by you, the artist. 

To help ease financial strains, Moog and Korg are offering free synthesizer apps to musicians. Both applications are downloadable via iOS and Google Play.

Relief Funds for Artists 

Some full-time musicians may be in need of more immediate financial assistance, and for those affected there are several great relief funds that might be able to help. Let’s start with MusiCares. The Grammy-run music org was one of the first responders to artists impacted by the coronavirus. They launched a Coronavirus Relief Fund with initial contributions totaling over $2 million. Along with MusiCares, local and international organizations everywhere have pitched in. Billboard consolidated a list of dozens of organizations like Nashville’s Music Health Alliance and New York-based Musicians Foundation, all of which have created emergency funds for artists. There’s also the COVID-19 Mutual Aid Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC Folks, specifically for queer Black and brown artists and musicians.

Community is Key

That rounds up our list for now. Follow us on social media for more resources and to share your ideas. As artists strive to find a way forward amid the uncertainty, we’re reminded once again — Music proves to be a great unifier, even through tough times.