It is fair to say that 2020 was a terrible year for musicians. The arrival of COVID-19 and the necessary social distancing measures made it nearly impossible to go on the road and play shows for the hungry masses. While more well-known bands could probably get by, less famous artists have been counting the days until they can get back on the road once again.
Now, new coronavirus vaccines are providing a light at the end of the tunnel. While there is still work to be done to return to normal, many bands are making their plans for the next big tour. However, it is your responsibility to keep your group and the fans safe during this time of transition. Let’s talk about safety measures that every band should follow and some ideas if you don’t feel comfortable traveling just yet.
Cleanliness and Social Distancing are Still Essential
While the vaccines are looking very promising, personal responsibility is still essential as we transition to what looks to be the home stretch of the coronavirus. That means you will still want to wear a mask if you are in a crowd, and if you are in charge of selling tickets, make sure you make supply limited, so those that do attend can still be socially distanced. While a safe meet-and-greet may be acceptable, this is not the time to have large parties after the show.
Cleanliness is also key during this time. You’ll be touching a lot of surfaces as you bring equipment in and out of venues, so make sure to use sanitizer frequently and wash your hands whenever possible. Before you set up for the show, clean and sanitize all of your equipment. After the show, clean and sanitize the equipment again before going to the next gig.
While equipment set-up and audio testing used to be a group effort, social distancing may require you to work a bit differently. Get to the venue with plenty of time to spare so each member of the band can get on stage independently and set up their equipment. Masks should be kept on during this whole process. It is a smart idea to put a screen or plastic shield in front of the microphone so you don’t accidentally spray germs onto the crowd as you sing.
Pack Properly
If you are going on the road for the first time since the pandemic, then you’re going to want to spend some time thinking about what to pack to keep you and your bandmates safe and healthy. The most important thing to bring while traveling is a first aid kit because you never know when you might get hurt and where you will be when it happens. At a minimum, your kit should include bandages, gloves, peroxide, and some extra water and snacks in case you get stranded on the side of the road and there is no immediate help nearby.
There is a chance that you already have a first aid kit in your travel van, but you may have to add some extra supplies to it in the case that you come down with COVID-19 or are put in contact with the virus. For instance, conditions associated with the virus include body aches, so be sure to pack some acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is also a smart idea to pack extra hand sanitizer and a thermometer so you can pay attention to your temperature and get help if it gets too high.
If you are planning to travel internationally, create a custom first aid kit that takes into account whether or not there COVID flare-ups in the areas you’re traveling. Some areas may also require a quarantine period which may alter your tour dates, so you want to be prepared. If you have any chronic pain conditions, you should either stay home or limit your tour dates so you don’t get exhausted. Make sure you also pack any necessary medication you need to manage your pain and keep it on you at all times in case your bags get lost.
If You’re Still Not Ready
Although most musicians are excited about the idea of getting back to normal and returning to the road, there are still many who are not quite on board. Either they don’t believe it is safe enough yet or they just don’t think that the crowds are there to make it worth the while. Whatever the case, it is okay to feel that way, but it doesn’t mean that all is lost. There are still ways that you can stay active and put out music that your fans can enjoy, and one idea is using tech to live-stream your concerts over the internet.
The great thing about live streaming is that there is less pressure to have a perfect show. Instead, you can stream from your bedroom or home practice room and your fans will still be thrilled to see you. You can engage with the crowd by asking them questions and having them respond in the comments. If you don’t think your songs will translate well in this format, then do something different like tell stories or teach viewers how to play your songs. The key is staying relevant so you will be fresh in the minds of your fans when you decide to perform in person again.
If a lack of gigs during the pandemic has left you without the funds possible to go out on the road, then turn to your fans and ask them to support you via crowdfunding. In exchange for a donation, you can offer merchandise like shirts or signed posters. You can also research COVID-19 relief programs in your area. One such organization is MusiCares. Check them out if you need help.
This is an important time for our country as we try to take advantage of vaccines to help us get back to normal. If we stay vigilant and follow safety protocols, it is only a matter of time before fans can enjoy live music again.
Courtesy of Indiana Lee
