A lifeline for musicians in lockdown
COVID-19 has devastated the creative industries and some of those who have been hit the hardest are self-employed and freelance musicians, whose work has completely dried up. The current lockdown is a further shock for them, with repercussions including isolation, anxiety and depression.
In response to this situation, a nonprofit community-based organisation, Stormz Community for Musical Arts, has launched a project called Keep Wales aLive.
The aim of Stormz Community is to promote wellbeing through music, bringing people together to share their love of music, make friends and create memories and this new project delivers on those aims by creating paid opportunities for musicians as well as an online musical treat for the public.
Keep Wales aLive began with a call-out on the Stormz Community Facebook page for musicians interested in recording a live set for inclusion in an online show featuring a range of musical styles. More than 200 musicians responded.
“The response was great, but considering the current climate for musicians it also wasn’t surprising,” says project manager David McSparron. “I feel that we can really make a difference with this project and there is clearly a need for it as I know so many musicians are struggling and this opportunity to perform and promote themselves can really improve their personal wellbeing.”
Five acts were chosen for the pilot – Deg Arth (aka singer songwriter Tomos Lewis), indie band Coaches, country band Country Storms, heavy band Eulogy and singer songwriter Bryony Sier.
These acts will each go to Ratio Studios in Merthyr Tydfil on November 15 to record three songs. These recordings will then be edited to create a Jools Hollandstyle online TV show presented by musician Madi Jones. This will be available to watch online on the evening of November 17 – exact timings will be confirmed on Facebook and the Stormz Community website.
Bryony Sier, one of the selected acts, said this was a timely opportunity because of the impact of Covid-19.
“The pandemic has affected my way of living and it’s been especially hard for musicians in the creative arts sector, as we’re not able to tour, promote our music to an audience or travel anywhere,” she said. “I was planning on going back to the studio to record some new songs, but that has also been put on hold for now. The pandemic has also affected my mental health, because gigging got me out of the house and interacting with others. It was the only time I was properly going out into the world and mixing. So, it’s affected me in a lot of different ways.”
If this pilot project is successful a wide range of artists will be able to appear in future shows over the coming months.
“We’re applying for funding and trying to get at least another year’s work lined up,” said David. “The aim is to create much-needed work for musicians and musical technicians who have been affected by lockdown. We’re bidding for funding that will mean they can be paid the Musicians’ Union standard rate.
“The aim is to keep technicians and musicians going – it’s a lifeline that can mean we are still playing.”
For updates on the project, visit www.stormzcommunity.org