Coronavirus, or COVID-19 is putting a pause on the music industry. Concerts all over the United States are being canceled. For musicians and tour staff, there is a widespread panic over how they will make ends meet financially.
Touring live music photographer Brittany O’ Brien took to twitter to express her concern about the lack of jobs.
“being a touring professional during the Coronavirus outbreak has been wild,” O’ Brien said. “basically work doesn’t exist anymore.”
The outbreak is taking jobs from more than just musicians, but also they people that accompany them on tour. Bands that hire photographers and tour staff are unable to pay them without money from the tours.
O’ Brien is now trying to make up some of that money by selling print postcards titled “Postcards from Quarantine”.
So, how can you help artists struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic?
!Buy merchandise!
Bands sell merchandise during tours to boost their income. If you were planning on seeing a show (or not doesn’t matter), you can typically purchase items from their band page.
!Purchase their new album!
Streaming sites do not pay more than a few cents per listen and that money is always split between the collaborators. This leaves artists with very little take home pay if they are not a widely recognized band. Purchasing straight from the source will help them make a little extra money during this tough time.
!Buy prints from touring photographers!
Some of your favorite bands have a photographer on staff at all times during tours. There are hundreds of pictures floating around from behind the scenes action of your beloved band members. Show a little love for their work and purchase a print or two. They will make direct commission and hopefully be back up and running with the band in no time.
From The (Under) Ground Up 