COVID-19 has been ravaging the music industry, putting the
concert industry at a stand-still as states close venues and artists cancel
shows and other large gatherings in exchange for “social distancing.”
In lieu of concert halls with hundreds or thousands of
people in attendance, a handful of artists have been making the leap to live streaming.
An uptick in the practice started in the last week, with artists such as Code
Orange, Cro-Mags, John Legend and more already clocking in time from their own
homes. From singular artists “hanging out” with their fans through quiet social
media gatherings to large festivals of multiple artists moving online, there is
still way more to come.
Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, has pulled
together a list of some of the already announced live streams taking place over
the next few weeks. Here are seven to look forward to while stuck at home.
1.
Ben Gibbard: Death Cab For Cutie / The Postal
Service frontman Ben Gibbard will be live-streaming intimate sets from his home
studio every day at 7PM Eastern on Facebook and YouTube. He started last night,
playing a ten-song set of fan favorites and a cover of Radiohead’s “Fake
Plastic Trees.” Gibbard announced his plans on Tuesday, saying that fans can
even expect special guests to “stop by digitally.” (Daily, 7PM Eastern, Facebook / YouTube)
2.
Christine and the Queens: Similarly to Gibbard, French
singer/band Christine and the Queens will be live streaming on Christine’s
Instagram at 6PM Eastern every day. According to a post on Twitter,
“guests and weird concepts” will be included in the streams. The first
stream featured a discussion with Charli XCX. (Daily, 6PM Eastern, Instagram)
3.
Shut In & Sing: Described on StageIt as “a
group of songwriters joining forces to stay connected through music and
community,” Shut In & Sing is an ongoing concert event launched by Kelly
McCartney (‘Hangin’ & Sangin’ podcast) and singer/songwriter Natalia
Zukerman featuring music from country, folk and Americana artists on a nightly
basis. Artists range from the fairly well-known (such as Jill Sobule [3/21] and
Lori McKenna [3/28]) to up-and-comers looking for a break. The first show
starts Thursday and more are booked through April 11. All shows are
pay-what-you-can. (March 19-April 11[so far], Times Vary, StageIt)
4.
Luck Reunion Festival: Initially slated to begin
on Thursday (3/19), Willie
Nelson’s Luck Reunion Festival has moved from his backyard to the internet.
‘Luck Presents: ‘Till Further Notice’ will feature performances from Nelson and
his sons, Margo Price, Jewel
and more, as well as segments with “partners, charities, and makers that make
up the cherished “Luck Family.” The show starts at 7PM Eastern on the Luck
Reunion website, Twitch and Facebook. It is free, though a tip jar is available
for those who want to donate to the artists. (March 19, 7PM Eastern, Luck Reunion/Facebook/Twitch)
5.
The Indigo Girls: After cancelling all of their
March and April tour dates (including one right here on Long Island), The
Indigo Girls will be taking to Facebook on Thursday for a “low key, home grown
set of songs” and a “Q and A.” The stream is to celebrate the band’s upcoming
album, ‘Look Long,’ out May 22. (March 19, 6PM Eastern, Facebook)
6.
Ultra Virtual Audio Festival: With Miami’s Ultra
Music Festival cancelled, the festival is teaming up with SiriusXM to bring EDM
fans a “virtual”
alternative. The Ultra Virtual Audio Festival will be presented starting
Friday (3/20) on the limited-run station UMF Radio. Artists joining the fest
include Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Martin Garrix and Major Laser, among
others. (March 20-23, 5PM Eastern, SiriusXM Channel 52)
7.
Neil
Young: Announced on his Neil
Young Archives site Monday that he plans to start streaming what he calls “Fireside
Sessions” in the near future. Young’s wife Daryl Hannah will be filming the
sets, describing it “a down-home production” with “a few songs,” and “a little
time together.”
Now, more than ever, we need music to help us deal with the
world in crisis. These are just some of
the artists and events who are attempting to bring people together through the
power of music amidst the chaos. With the growing amount of restrictions being
put in place, it’s only a matter of time before even more artists join the ones
above in live streaming sets.
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Find music from many of these artists and more at Vinyl Bay
777. As one of Long Island’s largest independent record shops, we have
thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our
selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs,
memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at
vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time,
you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.
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