In partnership with University of Liverpool, Bido Lito! Magazine is coordinating research into the effects of lockdown and social distancing on Liverpool City Region’s crucial music sector.
Starting with a survey open to all musicians and music makers operating in the LCR, the aim of the Playing In research project is to contribute to a roadmap to recovery for the region’s music industry.
A comprehensive report will be produced later this year and presented to the LCR Music Board.
The survey, open now, covers impacts on release schedules and creative loss, cancellation of live shows and touring plans and implications for revenue costs.
The research will produce a comprehensive picture of how COVID-19 has affected one of Liverpool's most important industries.
All musicians and music makers in the city region are encouraged to respond to the survey before the deadline of Friday 7 August.
As well as the survey, the research team will be conducting consultation events to gather data from the wider industry, looking to the likes of live venues, practice rooms and record labels to inform their ongoing work.
Dr Mathew Flynn, lead researcher, University of Liverpool said: ‘Throughout the Liverpool City Region’s rich musical history, the creativity and ambition of our musicians and music makers has always been the catalyst for change and renewal.
‘As the regional music sector navigates this period of uncertainty, better understanding our musicians’ experiences and the types of support they need is the essential first step to building a bright and vibrant future for the entire sector.’
Bido Lito! editor Elliot Ryder said: ‘Lockdown caused unprecedented disruption across the entirety of our cultural sector and many links that connect the city’s music scene were instantly broken.
‘This first piece of research will aim to provide essential information on the level of financial and creative loss experienced by musicians in lockdown, as well as exploring any possible solutions as we look to rebuild.’
The research findings will be presented to the Liverpool Music Region Music Board to help facilitate a recovery plan for the sector as activity looks to returns in a new capacity with the government signalling live music can return from August.
Recent reports have seen live venues close and many more across the country plunged into uncertainly after a period of inactivity. Organisations such as the Music Venues Trust are doing vital work to raise awareness and lobby for rescue packages. On a local level,
Liverpool’s music industry is currently regrouping to count the costs.
Initial findings from the Playing In survey will be published in issue 109 of Bido Lito! which is due to go to print in late August.
