With tours, festivals and gigs cancelled globally, the coronavirus has impacted the music business in an unprecedented way. According to a Musicians’ Union survey, UK musicians have already lost an estimated £13.9m in earnings as a result of the pandemic.
Using hashtags on Twitter and Instagram, music fans and industry leaders alike are getting on board with different initiatives designed to support the music community.
There's a lot to take in at the moment, so to help you out, we’ll be keeping this page updated with the best tags to follow over the coming months as and when they surface.
Get stuck in.
#MusicBusinessAdvice
Many music industry organisations have been sharing updates and advice with a view to support the creative community through incredibly trying times. With the likes of AIM, UK Music, PRS for Music, Music Week and BPI utilising this tag, you can find a wealth of information neatly linked in one place.
Follow the industry-wide hashtag #MusicBusinessAdvice on Twitter and use it to share anything you’ve found that you think might be useful for others.
#LoveRecordStores
The music community have launched global campaign to help independent record stores during the current coronavirus crisis.
With many of these stores now experiencing a catastrophic drop-off in footfall or having already closed their doors, there are fears that some may not survive if something is not done urgently.
‘Independent record stores have played a key role in supporting and developing artists and their music for decades, so now it is time for music companies and the artists they represent to step up and give something back.'
With that in mind, all music lovers are invited to participate in this initiative. All they need to do is share a post on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #LoveRecordStores and say what independent record stores have meant to them.
Jason Rackham, managing director, PIAS, said: ‘Independent record stores have played a key role in supporting and developing artists and their music for decades, so now it is time for music companies and the artists they represent to step up and give something back. We must support these small businesses if they are to survive this crisis and at the same time we can still play a big part in helping them to continue to introduce their customers to new music. By speaking directly to their audiences about the importance of record stores and encouraging music fans to continue shopping with them online, artists can play a big part in helping secure the survival of this vital part of our industry.’
Paul Weller said: ‘I’d be lost without my favourite record shops; Rough Trade, Soul Jazz, Honest Johns and all the other independents. Let’s all keep them all going in this very strange time. Music will lift our spirits and soothe our souls. Love to everyone.’
#VirtualPint
#VirtualPint is a fundraising initiative helping fans to support vulnerable UK music venues, theatres and pubs.
The fundraiser, which lets fans buy virtual drinks in exchange for entry into a prize draw, is already being celebrated by artists, festivals and industry.
Punters can buy a virtual pint for £3.50, a virtual cocktail for £5, or a virtual round for £20, with the extensive menu even extending to non-alcoholic beverages. Supporters will be entered into a prize draw, which includes tickets to festivals such as End of the Road, 2000TREES and ArcTanGent.
Other prizes include band merchandise, bar tabs, recording time at The Libertines’ The Albion Room studio and gig tickets, with more to be announced.
50 percent of the proceeds will go to the Music Venue Trust, who provide crucial support to venues all over the UK, and 50 percent directly to some of the UK's favourite small and independent venues at this critical time.
'We’re doing our part to bring the music community together to spread hope, inspiration and joy.’
#HomeMadeMusic
Gibson have just launched the campaign #HomeMadeMusic - a streaming initiative designed to bring to music fans, music creators and industry figures together.
‘The goal of #HomeMadeMusic is to immediately support our musicians and their current projects while they are at home,’ says Beth Heidt, global head of entertainment relation, Gibson.
She continues: ‘Artist performances, intimate interviews and conversations from all over the world can be watched and shared from anywhere starting today, via all Gibson and Epiphone digital platforms on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Gibson TV on YouTube. We’re doing our part to bring the music community together to spread hope, inspiration and joy.’
Sit back and tune into some #HomeMadeMusic.
#RecordStoreOfTheDay
In light of the unprecedented challenge currently faced by independent retailers, the UK record business has launched the #RecordStoreOfTheDay campaign to help connect fans with their favourite local stores online.
As well as buying from their online shops or over the phone, the organisers ask you to show your support by sharing a memorable record or purchase from an independent record store on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Make sure you include the hashtag and tag the store of your choice in the post to be in with the chance of winning vouchers worth £10 – £150, for use at any participating store.
