2020 The Year That Forgot Live Music

I have kept putting off typing this. After all, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? If you were lucky enough, as I was, to get to some gigs in the first few weeks of the year before the venues were shut down, then it might just be that they are the only live rock gigs of the year. I sincerely hope not of course, but without a vaccine or a miraculous disappearance of the virus, it seems unlikely that people will return in sufficient numbers for some time to make it worthwhile putting events on, even if the law allows.

I fear for the future of venues, big & small. All your overheads don’t go away when the doors are shut, and if/when furlough is removed, big decisions will need to be made. Please remember that if you are so inclined, and if you can afford to contribute, the #SaveOurVenues campaign continues in the background until 30th June providing vital support to those in desperate need. https://saveourvenues.co.uk/

I fear for musicians financially and mentally. My own son Kyle has thankfully benefited from a small grant courtesy of Musicians Union which supported him for a couple of weeks, but as someone in the vulnerable group of people he has been unable to so far find work after his previous employer shafted him at the start of lockdown. But that’s another story. Many musicians are struggling and whilst some may be finding inspiration for new works in this time, many are saying that the lack of proper social interaction and performing has removed the ignition to light the spark. Some have tried live streams with varying degrees of success and quality. New developments will need to come in this area, although no doubt this will mean investment in technology for those that can still afford it.

Here at WDFD we are lucky to have some bright, positive and industrious artists. Shyyne launched their new album Go You Own Way (despite the worst endeavours of the CD production company) and it really is a belter. https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qcWaCIy9hRsvofIwLfGOF?si=8s1OfKgtS2u4gKGTeemiqA

Verity White has been a star on social media showing just how it should be done in terms of engagement and live streaming. The crowning glory has been the release of a superb EP – After The Storm – written during lockdown. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OcXV5EAZvBFqOu3EjVX5N?si=RF680UkcQW2qhdwcHwoY2g

A new album is on its way from Hell’s Addiction that should take them another step closer to commercial success after their last high-charting EP that really was “music to my ears”. Keep your eyes out for news of this!! https://open.spotify.com/artist/2amP8BAEgU8qgOlMgONmtu?si=S2_VN_rySf6M2g8zk_qxVg

We are still hopeful that our WDFD/KolPromotions Festival will take place on the revised date of 19th December at The Station in Cannock, where you can see and hear all of our artists and enjoy Christmas like never before.

So it’s a mixed picture half-way into 2020, but you can be sure that we believe in the future and all of us are working hard to bring you music and upliftment to keep you going! Who knows, if that overdue lottery win comes up we can buy the elusive exposure to get our artists the success they deserve, save the venues – and pay for a round for every fan at the bar, Gotta believe!!