2020 has been anything but normal so far. The CoronaVirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created a new normal for day-to-day life. While the whole world has been impacted by the virus in one way or another, the entertainment industry is no exception. Open Chord was able to talk with some musicians – both local and national – to see how they were surviving the pandemic.
Open Chord: How has this COVID19 pandemic affected you and your music?
We (Moon Taxi) were set to play a fundraiser for Nashville tornado victims that was unfortunately cancelled. Hangout Music Fest was postponed. Most of our tour dates are in the Fall, so we are hoping to play those.
What are you doing to keep afloat during all of this?
Afloat financially? We are all OK for now but need those Fall dates to happen. We are enjoying the time off spent with our families, something you often lose as a touring musician.
Are you using this time to create new music or are you working on anything in particular?
We’ve just wrapped up our next studio album, Silver Dream & dropped the first single, ‘Hometown Heroes’ last month. Coincidentally, the lyrics in that song are perfect for these times so it’s gotten a great response on Spotify so far.
How can fans/listeners/public help you?
Fans can support their favorite artists by purchasing a tee shirt or album directly from their website. Sharing their music on social media is always helpful too.
Have you done anything interesting or new during this music wise? For example, some artists are live streaming concerts.
We’ve started a tutorial series teaching our fans how to play our songs. We’ve found that quite a few are great musicians so it’s been really cool to see their interpretations. As long as this madness continues, we’ll keep putting out those tutorials.
Do you have any future plans music wise? If so, will you share them?
Our new album Silver Dream will drop at some point this summer. The ideal release date is kind of a moving target at the moment, but we know it will be exactly what people need to hear once we get through this mess. It’s got a very uplifting and positive message.
Do you wish you would’ve done anything different before the pandemic happened?
Bought softer toilet paper.
Aside from music, how are you spending quarantine?
Chipping golf balls in the backyard, taking my son for walks and losing to my wife in our badminton tournaments. MT’s guitarist Spencer and I have been bouncing a few musical ideas back and forth just to keep the creativity flowing.
Any advice for other artists or people in general during this time?
Learn how to cook. It’s been an incredible improvisational outlet for me the past few years. My favorite food blog has been Food Wishes (on YouTube).
Cooking at home will save you a ton of money too. Bon appétit!
How has this COVID19 pandemic affected you and your music?
So far, Forrest and I have had thirteen shows canceled due to the pandemic, which means we won't be performing until June at the earliest. It's been challenging for us, as it has been for many artists and people in all kinds of fields, but we're fortunate in that we hadn't been planning any official releases for this spring. Our new O'Connor Lee album is finished, and our plans have been to release it this fall, so hopefully that will remain the plan. Some of the canceled shows might be rescheduled, but everyone's waiting for more information before figuring that all out. We're especially thankful that we play music in a time like this because it's kept the two of us busy practicing and learning new things while we've been home.
What are you doing to keep afloat during all of this?
We're able to do some online lessons and recording for people from our studio at home. It doesn't make up for the loss in live performances, but we're thankful for what little we can bring in right now. We are also very thankful that the Recording Academy's MusiCares Coronavirus Relief Fund is out there to help musicians like us pay some bills during this time.
Are you using this time to create new music or are you working on anything in particular?
Forrest has been using the time mostly to practice guitar. He's focused on mandolin most of his life, and until recently wasn't sure if he'd ever get the opportunity as an adult to practice guitar with the same intensity with which he was able to practice mandolin when he was younger. He's definitely taking advantage of the time to do that. I'm also enjoying the time to practice, which for me has mostly been brushing up on my violin chops. Live performing is an important type of practice, but it's not a substitute for the more analytical or experimental practice that you can do at home, so it's been nice to be able to get back to that type of practicing a bit more now.
How can fans/listeners/public help you?
One of the best things listeners can do for us is to follow us on our social sites (we're on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) so they can keep up with our projects and spread the word about our music to their friends. We're really looking forward to the release of our new album on Compass Records, and we want as many people as possible to hear and connect with it, and come out to our shows when we're back to performing live! We just released a live cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Sound of Silence" on facebook, and we'll continue to make and release more content like that in the near future, especially as we near the release of our album!
www.oconnorlee.com (Official Website)
@oconnorleemusic (Instagram and Facebook)
O'Connor Lee (YouTube)
Have you done anything interesting or new during this music wise? For example, some artists are live streaming concerts.
We were part of a livestream fundraiser for MusiCares a few weeks ago and I've been teaching voice lessons over Google Hangout. We may do more livestream concerts, so folks can keep up with that throughout socials as well.
Do you have any future plans music wise? If so, will you share them?
Our plans are mainly to release our new music. We'll most likely release several of the songs for the album along with music videos before the entire album becomes available!
Do you wish you would’ve done anything different before the pandemic happened?
In a weird way, the pandemic has taught me that I've had more time to be creative even during "normal" times than I've often felt. That's just me speaking for my situation. Sometimes in the past, I've had days off that I spent thinking so much about what was ahead of me, whether it was a run of shows or the next business opportunity, that I didn't feel like I had the mental freedom to push myself to explore as much as an artist, so I suppose I wish I could have had that attitude and openness instead of worrying about "the next thing" quite so much without a crisis being the event that made me more aware of that.
Aside from music, how are you spending quarantine?
I've been reading, calling family and friends, going on walks at a safe distance from others, and surprisingly, drawing a lot! Forrest and I also started watching Breaking Bad for the first time when the quarantine began, and now we're almost done haha.
Any advice for other artists or people in general during this time?
Everyone has a unique situation with unique challenges. I would say, if you're able to do so, take this time to work on your craft as much as possible. Knowledge, skills, and passions aren't as fleeting as money and plans can be, so if you and your loved ones are fortunate enough to be able to keep the lights on and stay healthy during this time, then you can use the time to grow.
Grady Milligan
Open Chord: How has this COVID19 pandemic affected you and your music?
Grady Milligan: Yes, most gigs are either cancelled or up in the air and soon-to-be cancelled. Though I've been doing music for all of my adult life, I'm relatively new to the scene, as this has been somewhat of a personal restart in the way I do creative work. So it's been a mix of emotions, in my own work, to have momentum stop and also to have a forced pause that can be used to create and build things up. I've been very worried for my friends that are further in their journeys, as gig cancellations have such varied and far-reaching implications. I am grateful to have family, as I had just moved back with them to start the transition from a season of office work and into more full-time creative work...timing, right?
What are you doing to keep afloat during all of this?
And so I've been trying to stay motivated and hopeful enough to make as much as I can healthily make. I've been hosting a near-weekly virtual gig via Facebook live. It's been a very needed human moment each time, seeing friends and meeting new folks in the scrolling comments. Virtual tip jars have become so critical for everyone during this, and the generosity of the listeners across social media is so crazy appreciated. I've also recorded episodes of the podcast remotely, this time has forced me to take the step and learn how to interview guests from afar. The To and From Podcast has been a creative outlet that both relieves stress and fear for me, as well as re-introducing some of that healthy deadline pressure that makes me feel a little normal.
Are you using this time to create new music or are you working on anything in particular?
Yes! I had been in such a songwriting rut for most of the back half of 2019. The last few years and especially 2019 were hard and full of personal transition, and between responsibilities at my workplaces and some very burnt-out depression...I hadn't written what I wanted. I was feeling guilty about it, which you can feel even when no one is expecting anything. But with the time to breathe and reset a bit, which is what I was aiming to have even before the crisis started, I've finally gotten some new tunes moving. I'm still rusty and nervous, I was never a fast writer (it usually feels like pulling teeth) but at least I'm getting past the feeling in my head that I can't write as a newer, healthier self.
How can fans/listeners/public help you?
Other than viewing/streaming any of the virtual gigs that all of us are doing, one of the most massively helpful things that folks can do is find out how each artist can be directly supported in sustainable ways. For me, and many, people being willing to help via Patreon.com, an artist-created platform that is all about directly supporting creators monthly and getting exclusive content from them, is huge. I've finally started the second podcast "The Freakin' Radcast" on patreon.com/gradymilligan, so having more people throwing even $1-a-month into this platform makes a big difference. Having support that you can see and budget around, and support that is aimed to be wide (lots of people) but painless ($1-a-month) is crucial. I think it also creates a cycle of creative generosity, ya know? More conversation and content that is being made for supporters, who are then giving in a way that is kind but not hurting their own budgets, which in turn funds more creative content...rinse and repeat.
Have you done anything interesting or new during this music wise? For example, some artists are live streaming concerts.
In addition to the live gigs on Facebook and Instagram, I've worked with Knox Brew Tours to do a few socially distant pop-up concerts. Zack Roskop, the mastermind behind Knox Brew Tours, would get requests, make a route, and then we'd show up in people's yards to play mini-shows. The first time we got to partner with another amazing musician, Evie Andrus, and it was incredible. I've also been trying to host some Instagram live conversations that feel like impromptu podcasts, as well as making new videos of song covers.
Do you have any future plans music wise? If so, will you share them?
How has this COVID19 pandemic affected you and your music?
This has completely shifted my life. I am an on the go person. I play music somewhere most every night of the week. For gigs, recording or practice. Yes, I have gigs cancelled. Not only here in Knoxville but whole tours and bigger gigs that were to be my main income for the time being. I also teach music lessons and have had to transition those as well.
What are you doing to keep afloat during all of this?
I am learning all sorts of new technological ways to stay connected, and in a strange sense expand my fan base. Through a series of online live streaming shows I have not only been able to continue a small amount of income but have actually increased my reach more than I thought possible. Also have moved all of my lessons to online based. It has been a steep learning curve and by no means is as effective in person but helps the students continue to progress while keeping me in a job as well.
Are you using this time to create new music or are you working on anything in particular?
I have been very busy doing many different projects! Some here in the Knoxville area with friends but also collaborating with folks from around the country. Some of whom I have never met other than online. It is actually a very exciting time!
Do you have any future plans music wise? If so, will you share them?
I have a very exciting project I am working on with Dave Eggar, the cellist, that is a far departure from my bluegrass roots. I am excited for that to hit you guys sooner rather than later!
Do you wish you would’ve done anything different before the pandemic happened?
No, but mostly because I don't really believe in regret and dwelling on the past. Things happen the way and method they should.
Aside from music, how are you spending quarantine?
Lots of yard work, recording some with the roommate, coloring (don't judge!), lots of phone calls and video calls with friends, spending time in my kiddie pool in the backyard. Hahaha, just whatever comes to mind that day!
Any advice for other artists or people in general during this time?
This time is tough for sure, but take this time to enjoy your loved ones and make some epic memories. Create art, bake together, read a book, plant a garden. There is so much to be thankful for during this let's not forget that. Oh and spread some joy to others however you can!! Don't be afraid to be silly during this time!
How has covid affected you and your music?
I can't really put into the right words how Covid-19 has affected me and music...every time I try, I experience all these different feelings at once. Feelings of mourning/guilt/sadness, because the whole world has been affected drastically by this virus. It feels weird to talk about plans and loss while people are dying and losing the people they love. Every person has been affected in some way I think. It's just so heavy all around.
But, since you asked....For me personally, I plan things months in advance. So its this weird feeling of everything I was supposed to do and also losing what I've been working towards for months. I was supposed to go on my second tour of the year in March over to the west coast. I am still growing into the artist I want to be. I have been playing music in Knoxville for close to 3 years now, but I am now building my audience in other cities. I put out a record last July and have been running full force towards playing as many places possible. It for sure has been the most exciting time of my music career so far... so to lose that momentum and the shows and festivals I was supposed to play hurt.
But here's the thing... yes, I have lost income/opportunity during this time from cancelled shows.... but I play music because I care about people. I believe music helps us heal and gives us a safe space to become who we are... being introspective or dancing and feeling free. I think the biggest loss right now when it comes to music is feeling like we need it- we need that connection and to be able to be in spaces together, tangibly feeling less alone. It is a loss to not be able to share a room with others...to meet people or watch the audience while I sing and see their faces. Noticing them gradually starting to dance at shows or to feel connected to them while I tell them about a song. There's nothing like being able to look into a crowd and realize how very similar we all are, just trying to figure it all out and doing so together in the same space, even for just a moment. That's for sure the saddest loss for me right now. But caring about people is staying away from them right now...so there's nothing we can do about that.
What are you doing to stay afloat during all this?
Every day is a little different. I still have some work, but that's really only through the kindness of people hiring me to walk their dog or to do something for them that they probably can do themselves, but know I could use the work with all of my gigs being cancelled. People are kind. And I'm either filing for help from the government or filling out job applications cause pretty much making money doing music stopped overnight...except for people "tipping" on social media if you post something or go "live", which again is just so much more about the kindness of people during this time than anything else I think...I am a grateful mess when I think about that.
Are you using this time to create new music or are you working on anything in particular?
Yes!! I hadn't been writing a lot because of using most of my time booking shows, planning logistics, or traveling/playing shows. There's a lot to do to keep the train on the tracks. So it has been sweet to just be able to take all of my feelings to my guitar... that's what started this whole thing, just me playing music in my room in college to get the feelings out. Ha. I've written a couple songs, but more than that, I feel like I've had some time to think about the direction I want for the next album to go in. Like what do I want to actually say? The world is loud and I'd like to think about what I have to say before I toss it into the mix.
How can fans/listeners/public help you?
They can listen to my music and share it with others, or just follow along with what I'm doing on instagram and Facebook during this weirdo time. I would love to keep doing what I love after all of this is over and that will be a steep hill to climb for a bit I think, but it helps when people are still engaged in what I'm doing.
Have you done anything interesting or new during this music wise? Live streaming?
I have gotten to do some live streams through several outlets in Knoxville, the Second Bell Sofa Soiree, Open Chord did one, and then this Friday, Live from the Living Room is having me on their facebook. I'm so new to live streaming ha. Put me in a room with a hundred people and I'm not nervous but there's something so nerve wracking about staring into a phone alone. haha. But I think (i hope) I'm getting better the more I do it. I'm also adding to my youtube a lot. Some originals that I have written during this time as well as trying to cover a song every week and put a bit of a spin on it. Last week was a song by The Killers. Kinda random, but fun!
Do you have future plans music wise? If so will you share them?
Planning is hard. I don't know for sure when this will be over. Some people are planning shows in the summer right now, some are planning for fall. I'm trying to figure out what that looks like, it's also a bit interesting because once there's a green light every artist will most likely be ready to hit the road. Which is awesome, but figuring out where I fit into that and being thoughtful about how to go about that is a new way of having to look at it all. It's a weird tension of not wanting to jump the gun and not wanting to wait around too long...and I'm an independent artist so really it's up to me to decide. I have all the plans music wise –I want to do this forever...I just don't quite know how to navigate that yet.
Do you wish you would have done anything different before this pandemic happened?
I wish I would have hugged my friends and family extra tight and told them I love them to their faces over and over again until it got weird.
Aside from music, how are you spending quarantine time?
I just moved into a new house and I have a yard now! So I'm sitting in the sunny grass as much as I can. I also have been learning about gardening from my neighbors! I planted some peppers and squash today! I've been reading, cooking, and Facetiming people late into the night. I also downloaded a game on my phone for the first time in my life and not to brag, but I am on level 105 of the game Two Dots.
Any advice for other artists or people in general during this time?
Take it a day at a time. It's okay to be sad and it's okay to find moments of happiness. We've never been here before, be kind to yourself and others, we are all learning by doing right now. Feel your feelings, and when it all gets to be too much play Two Dots on your phone and message me when you hit level 104 cause it is tough