Alone Together podcast: Can the music industry survive the pandemic?

Live music supports 200,000 jobs in the UK - but 60% of those are now at risk due to the effects of the pandemic.

On this episode of Alone Together, Dan McLaughlin and Matt Millard look at the challenges that music is facing - and some possible ways forward.

London-based singer-songwriter and recording artist Aymee Weir chats to Matt about her experiences as a musician in lockdown. Now that restrictions are being lifted she has been performing outdoors at venues like Wembley Park.

An avid busker, Amy says that technology has helped maintain her income: “We’ve all got card readers now and so hopefully people won’t be put off by having to touch coins."

Michael Webster, who runs Manchester-based record label Bread Records, talks to Dan about the challenges facing grassroots music. He urges the government to support the creative sector and encourages music fans to support local bands by watching live streams and going to gigs.

He adds: “You need to support the grassroots stuff because that’s where all your hidden talent comes from and if you don’t have that coming out then what’s the future of music?”

Listen to the episode in full:

Dan also chats to Imogen Storey and James Duckworth, members of alt-rock band Novustory, about how they refurbished the Esche Haus Recording Studio in Blackburn during lockdown using eco friendly materials and up-cycling of old materials.

Imogen and James, who mentor aspiring musicians at Esche Haus, also share their tips on how to succeed in the industry. “Ultimately, it’s about adapting to different scenarios that you find yourselves in. There are all sorts of different things artists could be doing throughout lockdown whilst they can’t do live music to make money. Things like recording from home, working on your socials or setting up a Patreon,” said Imogen.

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