How COVID-19 is Changing the Tune of the Music Industry

Graphic by Abby Miller

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S. and countless events and concerts are being cancelled, music artists are being forced to adjust to the rapid changes.

The long-term effects of the pandemic on songwriters, musicians, music producers and touring artists can’t accurately be determined just yet, but it’s becoming clear that things may never quite go back to normal. 

One of the many music artists affected by this time of self-quarantine is Dylan Brady, a country singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tenn. Brady’s music follows the classic structure of country storytelling, but incorporates an upbeat, pop-style tempo. 

Though Brady occasionally writes on his own, he also writes with others which has proved difficult during the pandemic. 

“I feel like writing [on Zoom] as a whole is a little weird,” Brady said, “It’s easier with people you have known for a long time, but the invisible vibe in the room is gone. It’s hard to create the synergy in the room that really makes a write go well.” 

Another musician, Robyn Collins, shared Brady’s distaste for writing over video conferences. 

“It can be frustrating when the wifi doesn’t hold up or when the instruments are coming in at the same volume and same microphone as the voices,” Collins said, however, she’s grateful to be doing a craft that can’t be completely thwarted by the pandemic. 

“It’s so nice to still be able to write, or I might lose my mind,” Collins said. 

Another country artist, Lainey Wilson, however, believes that this recent transition to online songwriting might start a new trend. 

Lainey Wilson | Photo courtesy of Wilson’s Instagram

“I feel like most songwriters in Nashville are really loving the Zoom writes; so some people will continue doing those instead of showing up every day to Music Row.” 

According to Collins, Google Docs has been a huge help, allowing the track’s multiple contributors to collaborate while writing, but this doesn’t help with the bigger issue: recording the track. 

“It’s harder to hear the vibe,” Collins said. “Also, getting vocals on a track is trickier, so it can take a lot longer to get a workable recording back from any given session.”

Musicians are also seeing major financial impacts as a result of cancelling or postponing shows and events. 

Americana singer, Brooks Hubbard, is grateful he hadn’t planned on touring much this year, but the fact that he can’t now even if he wanted to, is difficult to process. 

“Fortunately, this year was not supposed to be a heavy touring year for me, but still, not getting to do much on the road when I’ve been building something out there for a while is hurting,” Hubbard said. 

Currently stuck in New Hampshire with his family, Hubbard’s production schedule has changed as he’s unable to work on his recordings from home. However, Hubbard sees a light at the end of this pandemic.  

“I think, in a positive way, we are realizing the necessity for art. Struggle is a communal feeling during times like these and music can help bring us out of the pain of life,” Hubbard said. 

Unlike Hubbard, Wilson was supposed to be on tour this fall. 

“Shows being postponed has directly affected a lot of different parts of my life, but especially the financial side of things. Live shows are where I get most of my income,” Wilson said. “Thankfully I have publishing money that will keep me somewhat afloat, but I’m definitely having to pinch pennies.” 

Similarly, Christian pop-artist, Caitie Hurst has been forced to cancel her shows this year as well. 

“Touring is most of my source of income, so when shows got cancelled I pretty much lost my job,” Hurst said. “It’s made me have to come up with ways to pay my bills and pay for gas, so it’s been a little crazy.”

While artists are still able to get their music out onto streaming platforms, streams on Spotify and Apple Music aren’t enough for most music artists to make a living, with royalty payments estimated between only .006 and .0084 cents per stream. 

While many elements of the music industry may be able to resume after the pandemic, some things may not. For example, Wilson believes that virtual shows will continue to be popular even when states cease quarantine orders. However, she also believes that people will be able to fill stadiums once again, just maybe not right away. 

“I’m hoping that live events will be back sooner rather than later though,” Hurst said. “Because Instagram concerts are fun, but nothing compares to being in a room full of people!”