Times have been tough throughout the last 18 months, with musicians not performing live for a long time. So here are some lockdown tips to adapt your music and thrive.
No matter where you are in the world, the happenings of the pandemic have left an impactful reaction on the global society.
Worldwide, individuals were forced to quarantine, as lockdown presented a major shift in various communities.
But as it took time adjusting to the new structural and mental way of living, it is safe to say that the transition to a new normal after the pandemic will be a dynamic experience. For musicians, it may even take a few musical projects before they feel secure with performing and interacting with other music artists.
For some musicians, lockdown could not come at a better time. The happenings of the pandemic, although disastrous, compelled individuals to wind down and finally catch a breath in this fast-paced music world. This notion may have even fuelled the artistic energy for music creators to develop new ideas.
With adapting, much of the music content shifted to the internet stage, as music artists produced live streams, music podcasts, and more social media interaction to maintain their creative and financial juices flowing.
However, the overall idea of life-changing again in a rapid nature can feel overwhelming. The anxiety that musicians and other artistic creators feel at this time of transition is completely normal.
According to Spinnup.com, 73% of independent artists in the music industry suffer from mental health complications. Therefore, it is important to reflect and approach this transitional period with ease and caution.
Here are a few tips on how musicians can transition back into society after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Do Not Rush!
Many of us have been affected by the happenings of the pandemic. Some are just now realising the negative effects of the lockdown and understanding the traumas that came along with it.
For some musicians, the lockdown forced them out of prominent projects, while others have been tremendously affected financially. Because of this notion, musicians must adjust to this new life at their own time and pace.
Musicians may feel awkward working with others again. As music brings people together, it may give musicians an overwhelming feeling after not being in physical creative spaces. This means that being patient is important.
Being mindful of each other’s adaptation into society after the pandemic is crucial for creating and becoming the best musicians they can be!
Be Assertive
In these crazy times, setting specific physical and mental boundaries is preferred. Musicians must be stern and honest with their peers about how they feel.
If the band or individuals of music collaborations are becoming too physically close for comfort (hugs, handshakes, sitting close to each other) musicians must not be afraid of speaking up regarding their preference of distance.
Face masks in collaborative settings are also a valuable option.
Checking in on each other before collaborating is an important notion for interacting in public spaces again.
Musicians can aim to set mutual agreements surrounding the approach of the project healthily and efficiently.
Remember, musicians should never feel pressured to do something they are not comfortable with. Set the tone for collaborations.
Respect Others Wellbeing
The truth is that entering public spaces after lockdown will present some anxious feelings. While everyone has dealt with the lockdowns differently, mental health during is time is appropriate to acknowledge and not to judge.
If a band member or fellow musician does not feel comfortable commuting to rehearsal based on fear of transportation interaction and health concerns, musicians must respect their mental emotions.
Solutions such as zoom meetings or sending melodies and instrumental parts via email or voice memos can be implemented.
It is important to be kind and open-minded as musicians of various backgrounds are handling it the best way they can.
Recognise the Positive Habits Made During Lockdown
During the isolation period, musicians may have adapted positive routines such as going for frequent walks, developing yoga skills through meditation, etc .
Some musicians may have learned a new instrument during a lockdown or networked with many new music artists via social media.
Musicians must value their musical growth during the lockdown and appreciate the small or major artistic efforts made during these crazy times.
Carrying on the routines and healthy habits overall benefit the artist’s creating and musical energy.
Take Control of What You Can
Instability has been a major focal point during the past year. For some musicians, control and planning are key for structurally maintaining their mental health and their daily lives.
Therefore, musicians must focus on the things they can control, rather than what they can’t control.
Musicians truly have the power to mould and shape their music careers. Begin dissecting song form and song order of a live set, so that returning to the big stage can be organic and lively.
Put Your Emotions into Song
Being immersed back to spades outside the walls of your home can bring up many emotions and daunting anxieties.
Some musicians may feel angry or frustrated due to people’s actions. Others may feel a huge pool of anxiety surrounding how fast things have changed rapidly.
As musicians can put their emotions into melody and song, musicians must fuel that negative energy as they channel it into new musical material.
Don’t Isolate Yourself Further
Musicians may feel that they cannot go outside or interact with people the same way they did in previous years.
This is completely normal. However, musicians must make sure to maintain connections with others.
Challenging oneself to step out of one’s comfort zone (taking a walk with friends, grabbing dinner at a friend’s house) will ensure that the process of adapting back to life would be less overwhelming.
Overall, musicians must understand that we are all human! It is in our nature to be able to adapt, as difficult as it feels the surrounding change. It is humbly true that we have adapted to the lockdown, as we will be able to adapt to the new way of life.
Through love, support and appreciation, musicians will happily look forward to the future. Live performances, music festivals, new releases of music are just on the horizon.
Remember, music can bring people together.
Want more music articles? How about this away from lockdown tips:
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