The Sound of (No) Music: How Will COVID-19 Transform the Music Industry?

One might regard music as a universal language whose unique properties — and masterful blend of thought and feeling — stand the test of time.

Now, in 2020, we have entered a deafening era of music. Not one marked by noise and company, but silence and distance. As forcibly grounding as it is escapist, many creators have lost exposure to external sources of inspiration while remaining indoors.

Naturally, COVID-19’s effect on the music industry has led to a mass cancellation of live events and album postponements worldwide. Streaming levels have gone down following the closure of social spaces. Independent musicians are struggling and up-and-coming artists are on hold. Some musicians have even begun performing on live streams to entertain their followers after being restricted from in-person collaborations and recording sessions.

On April 10th, American music festival Coachella released its nearly two-hour long documentary “20 Years in the Desert” on YouTube on what would have been its first weekend, which has been tentatively postponed to mid-October. Attracting tens of thousands of people annually, Indio, California’s land and climate makes it one of Goldenvoice’s flagship events. In true quarantine fashion, this year would-be festival-goers took to social media the hashtag #Couchella to honor the postponed event.

At its worst, the concert industry projects a potential $9 billion in losses if restrictions aren’t loosened sooner. As temporary relief, music giants like Sony Music, Spotify, and Apple Music have decided to issue millions in coronavirus relief funds to support the music community, from royalty payments to finding ways to make up for lost touring revenue. Spotify has even offered users a COVID-19 guide within its app which includes daily podcasts, calming meditations, and audio study guides. The recent historic passing of the U.S. Congress’ $2 trillion stimulus bill will also provide financial relief to self-employed individuals within the music industry.

In an industry so largely dependent on mass gatherings (and the talent and labor of stage crews), the future of music in a post-coronavirus world is one that invites both intrigue and fear. Will local venues survive? How will social behavior change as health precautions are taken into higher consideration? And will creativity take on different forms?

In an unprecedented time of separation, perhaps music will be what unites us together again. Just last month, videos showing quarantined Italians singing in unison from their balconies surfaced online, modeling the country’s solidarity in a time of crisis.

Until larger gatherings are permitted, which may take some time, musical events are expected to drastically limit its amount of attendees. And even if COVID-19 slowly wanes, refunds will still be rampant, hurting artists and venues alike.

From its creation to its distribution, the music industry faces much vulnerability in the foreseeable future. Additionally, forcing the creative process could leave many artists questioning the authenticity of their work as they meet their label’s demands. Since musicians receive a small percentage of revenue from their labels, it’s possible we may see an increase in new streaming platforms that allow artists to monetize — or even advancements in virtual reality.

But as public life slowly recovers, the intimacy and excitement of live performances will have to wait. Will an anthem come out of this ‘non-musical’ era? Or should it remain as it is: untouched in a fog of uncertainty?

In the dark age of coronavirus, silence and music do have one delightful thing in common. And that is that they both “come nearest to expressing the inexpressible,” as writer Aldous Huxley once put it.