{"id":8558,"date":"2020-04-06T15:33:55","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T14:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everpress.com\/blog\/?p=8558"},"modified":"2022-09-20T16:13:55","modified_gmt":"2022-09-20T15:13:55","slug":"state-of-play-the-music-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everpress.com\/blog\/state-of-play-the-music-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"State of Play: The Music Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gramrcy, Peach Discs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Berlin-based DJ Gramrcy runs record label Peach Discs, alongside Shanti Celeste<\/a>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Gramrcy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cEven at this relatively early stage, in terms of how I\u2019ve been affected in Western Europe, the crisis has had a huge impact on what I do. All of my DJ gigs have been cancelled, and my work as a freelance writer and graphic designer has all but dried up as the people I work with and for have to, understandably, scale back their operations in order to weather this storm. The fact that there is no clear end in sight is the most daunting thing for me right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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PEACH009, illustration by Shanti celeste and design by Gramrcy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe ability to sell merch is hugely important now. Our work revolves around making, releasing and playing music to people in clubs, and that\u2019s something that \u2013 for the time being \u2013 has been taken away from us. Selling merch allows us to maintain that connection while keeping us afloat at the same time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Merch allows us to maintain a connection, while keeping us afloat<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe two shirts we just released follow on from the success of PEACH007 \u2013 our collaboration with Call Super, in that we chose to take elements from the artwork originally designed for a record cover and make that work on a T-shirt. We\u2019re really happy with how they came out!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Shanti Celeste. Painting by Shanti Celeste and design by Gramrcy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWhile it\u2019s undoubtedly \u2013 and understandably \u2013 tough right now, I\u2019m doing my best to think positively about the future of our industry. The reaction to the recent \u201cBandcamp Day\u201d (or whatever you want to call it) was humbling to say the least, and showed me that people really want to support each other when times are tough. It\u2019s clear now more than ever that we have to look out for one another (oh, and diversify your revenue streams!)”<\/span><\/p>\n

Shop Peach Disc’s releases here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Andy Garvey, Pure Space<\/h3>\n

A key figure in Australia\u2019s music scene, producer Andy Garvey runs radio show and label Pure Space<\/a> from Sydney.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Andy Garvey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“It’s been a really crazy week. I have had both an Australian and European tour postponed, and it’s been mentally exhausting letting go of those opportunities. I think for so many artists we are really energised and motivated by our goals and to so suddenly be put on pause is a new experience, and one I am still mentally trying to work through.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Andy Garvey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“At the best of times Pure Space is not a lucrative business. So far I have personally financed the label with my artist fees, and now that that income source is on hold I\u2019m turning to merch to assist.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ve been very transparent about why I am doing this run of merch, and it’s been really lovely how receptive fans have been. I know across the board so many people are struggling through this crisis so for those who are financially stable enough to support the label, I am so thankful!”<\/span><\/p>\n

To so suddenly be put on pause is a new experience<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Colin Volvert AKA Rey Colino, KALAHARI OYSTER CULT<\/h3>\n

Hailing from Belgium but now Amsterdam-based, Colin runs record label Kalahari Oyster Cult<\/a>, as well as working at the record store Bordello A Parigi.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Kalahari Oyster Cult<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cLiterally each and every link of the music industry we have seen collapse, one after the other. After gigs have been ‘rescheduled,’ we’ve seen most small shops close down due to government measures, including ours. So far, only distribution is still running, but we have no idea for how long and to what extent. Bandcamp and our fans’ support has been of great help so far, we can’t thank them enough.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Kalahari Oyster Cult<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201c<\/b>Right now merch is essential, we need to find some sort of income outside of selling and playing music to keep our heads above water for the time being.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Besides the surge of solidarity that we\u2019re already seeing, only time will tell how this will look in the future. But one thing is for sure, this has and will hit us hard.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Sam Ford, So Young Magazine<\/h3>\n

Sam Ford is co-founder and editor of <\/span>So Young Magazine<\/span>. <\/span>So Young<\/span> champions new bands and artists both at home in the U.K. and internationally, as well as hosting exhibitions, live shows and festival stages too.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @wildernessrecs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“So far our day-to-day is generally unaffected as Josh and I, and our contributors too, work from our homes already. Already though, we’ve had three shows cancelled due to the virus, as well as The Great Escape where we would’ve been hosting a stage. The biggest effect on the magazine has been losing the financial security from advertising income. As the live music industry has taken a huge hit, our regular advertisers have had to take a step back because of the uncertainty of what they can promote and how much they can commit to marketing right now. This means that we are now reliant on people supporting the magazine and buying it in print for us to continue. So Young <\/em>also relies somewhat on the release schedule of bands, and with these now changing daily it\u2019s made our planning and content more uncertain.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The ball is now firmly in the courts of the supporters<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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A post shared by So Young Magazine (@soyoungmagazine)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n