Well Covid 19 has ceratinly been a time where artists have had to rethink how they do everything. Online streaming has grown massively over the last 12 months, bands and musicians have learnt to collaborate in many different ways. I for one have learnt how to play online using software such as JamKazam and dropping mp3 and wav files into clud storage for other people tompick up, add their bits and send back.
We dont all use the same DAW’s which make it interesting in importing and exporting sound files. Online practices bring around a whole new set of problems and dynamics and its so strange hearing other musicians but not being in the same room. I have to give a huge shoutout to JamKazam. They started with a product that was almost going to be dropped and suddenly became in huge demand. It was free for most of lockdown but now has 3 tiers of subscription (including a free tier) as the product is now vastly improved with some amazing features. You can even record with others online and share video and broadcast. One of the developers even took the time to have a zoom call with me to help understand and sort out my own particular issues and I am forever grateful.
Artists have had a lot of time to create music as well over lockdown. the biggest problem, certainly for myself, has been inspiration. So much time I havent felt the spark the needed to write, other days I have but its been short lived.
I have also attended two singing workshops with my amazing singing coach Olivia Hyde. I usually drive to her home in Huddersfield but during lockdown its been online zoom sessions with the amazing ‘Sing Gym’ community. It again has been a a valued experience and my singing I believe has improved over the last 12 months.
I have watched some amazing artists perform some amazing music in various ways over the last 12 months. Hghlights for me have been Olivia Hydes weekly streams, When Rivers Meet live streams on Saturday and the Punk and Roll Rendevous recorded live at The Unicorn Camden and broadcast the weekend after by Nina and Phil of The Healthy Junkies. One of my favourite bands The Kut did an amazing charity Christmas single called ‘Waiting for Christmas’ that even made it in to the charts, ana mazing feat for an independent artist.
So in short, we may be missing live music (and we really are) but so much has happened over the lockdown period. Patreon and live stream tip jars have kept a revenue stream coming in for a lot of artists and fan bases have grown. I think once we are allowed out to gigs again we will all go a little bit crazy !
Checkout JamKazam below, I honestly do recommend them
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