7 Predictions For A Post Covid-19 Musical World
As the ripple of COVID-19 careens across the world, it’s forcing humankind to innovate and change the way we live. We have already looked at the immediate impact the virus is having on the scene, but what might the future hold for music? Here we make 7 musical predictions for a world with Covid-19 left behind.
1. Live gigs return with a bang
There was a time, in the early to mid-2000's, when the Northern Irish music scene was one of the most exciting in the world. Snow Patrol were global phenomenons thanks to medical drama Greys Anatomy and two globetrotting singles. Two Door Cinema Club, And So I Watch You From Afar and General Fiasco had broken through the Irish gigging circuit and into the major leagues; all turning professional and releasing successful debut records. Across Belfast, venues were full of hot new bands, pushing each other to be better and join the party. Having spent so much time indoors, the music loving people of this tiny nation will flock back to venues they'd perhaps taken for granted. Venues will be heaving with bodies and an enthusiasm not seen since the age we started losing friends.
2. ...but not at the expense of livestream gigs!
The latest trend of internet shows has proved a fun, unique way of engaging fans across the world, from every walk of life, regardless of personal circumstances. Before the outbreak, we'd see occasional acoustic sessions from big stars (our own Gary Lightbody loves a go on Instagram live), manly for promotional reasons. In a post-coronavirus world the importance of this interaction will have increased ten fold, and though no replacement for a hot, sweaty sing along, they will prove a handy alternative for future cancelled shows or breaking big news.
3. Melancholic new tunes
With many artists stuck indoors and little by way of distraction, it's only natural for a musical baby-boom of sorts; and the muse for 99% of human beings right now? You guessed it, isolation! Bon Iver may have beat us to it, but if locking yourself away for months on end with little contact beyond the people you're stranded with gives the world a few more 'For Emma, Forever Ago's, we won't be complaining.
4. Collabs for days
Although a few bands have attempted uniting through the lockdown, a combination of slow internet connection and facetime's distracting filters lays rest to any real productivity. After being denied the right to rock out together, more and more artists will be hanging out and recording duets/harmonies/rap verses on eachothers tracks. Ryan McMullan feat. Jordan Adetunji? Why not!?
5. 'Getting the ol' band back together' becomes a regular thing
Okay, so it looks like nothing is going to bring Oasis back. Warring Gallagher's aside, we'll see an increase of hibernating bands across the country dusting off the flying V's and booking a practice space. Having had time to reflect on their glory days during the lockdown, they'll remember how good it felt being on stage, and how pointless it is putting that reunion off any longer. Expect some serious nostalgia and your Uncle Keith to grow his hair out again.
6. DIY- not? An increase in lofi releases
Another positive effect of the Covid-19 lockdown has been forcing artists to think outside the box. So far we've already saw Joshua Burnside release 'Far O'er the Sounding Main', a folk EP recorded in his bedroom, and Pascalwillnotsurvivethis's 'Gravestone At Surf Point', recorded (drums and all) in his living room. As more artists adapt to lofi life, the appeals of the home studio will hold new importance for some. We may even see the emergence of a scene, with bands taking their lead from the likes of The Mountain Goats (recorded most of their early albums on a boombox), Radiator Hospital (laptop in their kitchen) and Low Roar (iPhone in a bathroom), saving money in the process.
7. A Little Solidarity...
Before Covid-19 something special was happening in Northern Ireland. That won't be diminished. In fact, it will be stronger than ever. And So I Watch You From Afar's 'OK?' Festival was due to bring artists from across the country and the scene together to raise money for mental health charities (and will be doing so in October). Volume Control and the Oh Yeah Centre it calls home had experienced one of their most successful years ever. The 'Girls Rock School' in Belfast was continuing to grow. The NI Music Prize had it's first year in the upscale Ulster Hall and new promoters were coming to the fore with a dedication to helping artists and nothing more. This time away from the music scene we love will only help us to cherish it more. We will see artists going to eachothers shows and sharing their music. We will see more bands break out of Northern Ireland and into the world. Our infrastructure will recover and grow. There will be hope and more than just a little solidarity.
Taylor Johnson
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