Impact Of COVID-19, Musicians Entertain Fans Through Live Streaming

Chris Martin (Instagram @chrismartinfeed)

JAKARTA - The outbreak of COVID-19 or the corona virus throughout the world does not only affect the economy and politics, but also the world of entertainment. There are countless musicians who have had to cancel or postpone their appearances at a number of events, both local and international. An alternative way is also done so that you can still 'appear', namely by doing live streaming.

Internet technology that is currently developing certainly makes it easier for fans to access content owned by their idol musicians. In the South Korean entertainment industry, they have an agreement with streaming service V-LIVE to create content for fans. The musician can do anything in the video including perform an exclusive watch and fans can watch it by paying with coins.

As for musicians, live streaming is - say - an apology as well as an attempt to entertain fans who have bought tickets. Starting on March 13, singer Lizzo conducted group meditation through her Instagram account. He realized that the news recently built a certain suggestion in him. Of course this is not healthy and a burden.

The next day, March 14, producer and disc jokey (DJ), Diplo, shared the results of the remix called Corona Sabbath via YouTube which he performed with Rhye. For one hour, fans can hear his live set containing the songs he composed. He may have been inspired by a video showing someone DJing on a balcony in the midst of Italy's lockdown.

Entering March 16, more and more musicians are doing live streaming for fans via social media. Among them is Chris Martin from Coldplay who streamed the hashtag #TogetherAtHome as a reminder to stay indoors.

In addition there are Keith Urban, Hunter Hayes, Katharine McPhee and David Foster, Pink, Yo Yo Ma, Yungblud, and Jake Smith. Selo player Yo Yo Ma plays Sarabande taken from Bach's Cello Suite No. 3 as support for health workers.

Yesterday, March 17th, not only live streaming, musicians took this opportunity to divulge new projects they were working on, for example Bono U2 which played a great song titled Let Your Love Be Known via Facebook. Bebe Rexha also gave a little teaser for the song Better Mistakes.

Meanwhile, John Legend, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, and Garth Brooks held a mini concert in their private studio. Likewise, Miley Cyrus, who created the Bright Minds series with Demi Lovato and live streamed via Instagram for a workout guide at home with Amy Schumer on Wednesday, March 18, United States time.

The K-pop industry isn't left behind in doing this either. Singer Baek Yerin, who was originally scheduled to appear on Head in the Clouds 2020, entertained fans by doing a live streaming set titled Anyway We Are Here!

In Indonesia, this step is still rare, but some musicians have started planning it while campaigning for social distancing. Singer Dira Sugandi sings Sarah McLachlan's Angel song, which is part of #SongsofComfort. In addition, Danilla Riyadi will perform with the band via live streaming whose date has not been announced.

When is the date? We'll just waitaaaaaaa! pic.twitter.com/x8rEfWxg6h

- Danilla Riyadi (@danillajpr) March 16, 2020

There is also Adnil Faisal. The former guitarist for the band Base Jam, who is currently undergoing a solo career, plans to perform live on Instagram in an acoustic format. This performance is planned to take place on Saturday at 8:00 in the evening.

Live streaming is an alternative for musicians to keep being creative in the midst of this corona pandemic. Fans can also provide support by watching this stream or even by buying merchandise belonging to the musician. This method can balance the entertainment industry ecosystem which is currently growing rapidly. There is always a way for both the fan and the artist to stay connected.