A new normal in terms of everyday living dawns all over the world due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This new norm necessitates dire changes on how we live our lives this year: social distancing, wearing face masks, being in a long line at the grocery, curfew, and a daily proper hygiene for protection.
The ongoing pandemic has put all artists in a weird place especially our local metal bands even though there are no live gigs, they are still selling merchandise or making music to sell online to survive.
Not to mention some are having a sideline or side hustle since not everyone is not being taken care of by the government which we salute them for not waiting for any help – they are working very smart to outwit the pandemic.
Here are ways you can help if you still can:
Buy Their Merch Online
Times are tough right now but if you still can help your local metal bands then kindly buy their merchandise, contact them directly on their social media accounts or go to their official site if they have. By doing that you are making the local metal scene alive.
Stream Their Music
Streaming services are paying your local metal bands and every stream you make the tracks gain more views and if think about it, it gets added to more playlists and therefore in front of more people which will gain more promotion and in return helps with awareness and people will know them and it will increase album sales with more gigs in the future as well.
As stated by Bandcamp:
On March 20, 2020, we waived our revenue share to help artists and labels impacted by the pandemic. The Bandcamp community showed up massively, spending $4.3 million on music and merch—15x the amount of a normal Friday— helping artists cover rents, mortgages, groceries, medications, and so much more. It was truly inspiring.
This is an excellent platform where you can go and support them. Which also Facebook announced that they will have paid virtual concerts coming to Facebook Live. It's going to help users stay better connected to their favorite bands while practicing social distancing to mitigate the spread of the contagious COVID-19. Events can be set as live only and a paid option for pages — whether hosting a concert, instructional class, conference, etc. — will be deployed soon.
Listen to Metal Podcasts
Listening to a metal podcast gives you more awareness about what is currently happening to the scene and it will make you discover new bands along the way. According to Psych Central, metal music might help you calm down and the researchers’ honors student Leah Sharman and Dr. Genevieve Dingle found that metal music relaxed the participants as effectively as sitting in silence.
The conclusion of the study:
“This study found that extreme music fans listen to music…to feel more active and inspired. They also listen to music to regulate sadness and to enhance positive emotions.”
Donation Helps
Donating to your favorite local metal bands is a great way to show support but if you don’t have the money as of the moment, they will understand your situation as everyone is having difficulty due to COVID-19. However, if you still can donate do it now and ask your local metal bands how you can help so you can also have a good long term relationship to your favorite bands.
Like and Share Their Music
This is the best, free and easy way you can support by letting your friends and family know what kind of music you are passionate about. You already heard the term “sharing is caring” right? Then do it. It’s not hard to use your own social media account to click the share and like button. This is a great way for proper branding, your idols also need brand awareness as they are their own brand.
Do you think that we missed something? comment below to add more on how you are helping your favorite underground artists.