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FEATURED POST FROM THE BEST BLOGGERS IN MUSIC: Best Home Upgrades For Musicians During The Ongoing Pandemic
Musicians have been hit hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as several parts of the world are seeing a second surge of the virus, lockdowns and canceled shows don’t seem to be going away any time soon.
So, many musicians have had to find ways to perform while keeping themselves and others safe. One of the best ways to do that is to perform at home. While having small house shows (especially outside) is possible, if you want to reach your fans all over the world, utilizing technology is necessary.
If you’re at home due to the pandemic and you’re itching to play shows again, whether for fun or to make a profit, there are some upgrades you might need to make to do so effectively. Thankfully, they don’t have to break your budget, and you don’t have to spend weeks working on them.
Let’s look at a few changes you should consider at home to keep playing and connecting with your fans.
Improving Your Technology
One of the most important upgrades you can make is with your home technology. Live-streamed concerts have become extremely popular throughout this pandemic. But, hosting a live music event requires fast technology that will help to ensure the event goes off without a hitch. You’ll need a strong WiFi connection and several platforms to broadcast your show.
When it comes to making upgrades and changes in your home, consider where you plan on hosting your streaming event. It’s important to consider things like:
Acoustics
Microphone upgrades (and where you can place them for the best sound)
Mixing equipment for real-time changes
A professional videographer and/or sound engineer to take care of any glitches
Upgrading your technology isn’t only great for playing shows. It can help you to stay connected with your fans by hosting live Q&A sessions or showing the people who follow you what you’ve been working on. With a faster Internet connection, you can also spend more time promoting your streaming show(s) or new music you might be working on via social media.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to use technology to stay in touch with your fans. Make sure you’re using equipment you can rely on to keep moving forward.
Increasing Your Space
If you’re interested in playing a live show with an actual audience, there are a few ways to do it safely. One of the best options is to host a house show or an outdoor show with protective guidelines in place. It’s always important to keep yourself safe at concerts. But now, safety protocols need to look a bit different.
Making sure everyone is spaced out at least six feet apart and wearing masks or protective gear is a great way to allow some fans to enjoy your live music while promoting responsibility and safety. If you want to make home upgrades that can encourage those safe practices, consider updates that will give your home a bit more space or even more of a “venue” feel, like a fence surrounding your backyard. Not only will it create a more intimate atmosphere, but it can also add value to your home.
Having a show with a handful of people on your front porch or in a large basement is also possible, so make sure to clear the clutter, get rid of things that aren’t necessary, and upgrade your space by being more minimalistic.
Taking Care of Yourself
While the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, it can be especially difficult if you’re a touring musician who has been stuck at home for months. Whether music is your only livelihood or just a hobby, it’s still overwhelming to know that you can’t go out and tour or play shows.
If you have been “stuck” at home, it’s important to make it a space that allows you to feel comfortable. Your home should be a sanctuary of sorts, providing you comfort and relaxation during uncertain times.
So, while having technology and space is important, even for being able to connect remotely with your healthcare professionals, it’s equally important to make sure your home feels like a place where you are safe and somewhere you can relax. Several layout tips that can help to reduce stress within your home include:
Adding plants to a room
Using natural light as much as possible
Painting your room(s) the right colors
Creating a focal point that makes you feel good
While this pandemic won’t last forever, it’s clear that the effects of it will be around for a while. Don’t let that stop you from performing, connecting, and taking care of your mental health. Keep these simple home upgrades in mind to get you through the rest of the pandemic, so eventually, you can hit the road again and connect with your fans face-to-face.