This article is brought to you as part of the ASCAP Wellness Program.

 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, the effects rippled through the creative community, disrupting the lives and careers of creators everywhere.

 

“The music industry was hit particularly hard because tours were shut down, venues closed, and many found themselves suddenly without a source of income,” says Debbie Carroll, Vice President of Health and Human Services at MusiCares, an arm of the Recording Academy that provides financial grant programs and health resources for the music community. “The average working musician makes $35,000 annually from their music career and live performances are their biggest source of income, accounting for 30% on average.”

 

And because creators had to put their work aside without a real timeline of when they’d be able to return to it, many felt lost, Carroll says. In fact, a Wellness in Music survey commissioned by MusiCares in October 2020 found that 51% of respondents felt low to very low levels of confidence, and 26% said they were experiencing moderate to severe levels of depression.  

 

But now that vaccinations and mask mandates are on the rise, chances are you’re striving to reconnect with your audience and find community again. Here are some safe ways you can do just that. 

 

1. Focus on healing and rebuilding

 

You’re not alone if you’re feeling less passionate and motivated during the pandemic. When you’re not able to perform at shows, collaborate with others or record music, it’s no surprise if you’re having a bit of an identity crisis.

 

If you’re living with anxiety and depression from the pandemic, seek help from family, friends and professionals, Carroll says. Taking care of yourself is the first step to reawakening that passion and sparking creativity.

 

“We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence. We want people to know there are options to work through anxiety and depression and ways for them to get back to feeling like themselves,” Carroll says.

 

For example, MusiCares is providing extra support for artists through virtual support groups, including ones for the LGBTQ+ and Black music communities. These groups are led by licensed professionals, where you can openly share how the pandemic has affected your mental health and get advice on how to navigate feelings of anxiety about returning to live music, tours and recording. The best part is you can join these online groups from anywhere. 

 

“Reconnecting with artists in the community and talking openly about your struggles, if you are comfortable, are great ways to look after your mental health and help the transition from pandemic survival mode to getting back to a semblance of ‘normal,’” Carroll says. 

 

2. Organize virtual shows

 

“The past year has shown us that virtual shows are still a great option for creators to share their work and connect with fans,” Carroll says. 

 

But if Zoom fatigue is preventing you from connecting, don’t be afraid to take a step back. Instead, consider using social media platforms, like Instagram and Clubhouse, to spread the word about your work. Using social media is also a good opportunity to expand your reach and help others discover your music.

 

“Sharing previews of work or finished projects on social media and using the comments to interact is a great way to keep fans updated but also keep artists behind the camera so they can rest,” Carroll says. “Needing to take a break is nothing to be ashamed of, and breaks are vital to keeping us and our creativity at its best.” 

 

If you’re thinking about transitioning to in-person events and need a little guidance, you can find resources on how to safely reopen theaters and host live shows, as well as tips on how to create quality livestreams, at the American Association of Community Theatre and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

 

3. Link up with other creators

 

Meeting other creators – even virtually – can help reignite your passion again, especially if you’re struggling to find inspiration or motivation to ease back into your usual routine. It may also open the door for work and help revive the creative parts of you that felt like they were shut down due to the pandemic.

 

“Reconnecting with other creators is also a good way to regain some of what life was like before the pandemic and can help musicians, performers, crews and more start to build support systems to help with the transition,” Carroll says. 

 

4. Seek financial help if you need it

 

According to the Wellness in Music survey, 62% of respondents said they were experiencing moderately high to very high levels of financial stress daily due to the pandemic. 

 

If you need some help to kick-start your projects and ease the financial burden of daily living, MusiCares is offering financial help for mental health services and other living expenses, emergencies and addiction treatment, Carroll says. Reach out to musicaresrelief@musicares.org or visit musicares.org for more information.

 

+Visit ASCAP's Music Unites Us page for more resources about financial assistance during the pandemic