COVID-19 Global Dance Music update – 11 May
As lockdown restrictions ease, the Global Dance Music industry prepares for the future.
Last week we reported that events in hard-hit Spain could return to the country as early as June.
After a strict seven-week lockdown, the country is starting to roll back some of its lockdown restrictions and begin allowing “cultural events” to take place in a phased manner:
Phase 1: From May 11, 2020
Indoor venues with a 90+ capacity will be allowed to open for 30 people, open-air events can host 200 people is social distance compliant.
Phase 2: May 25
Indoor venues: 50 people capacity.
Open Air venues: 400 people capacity.
Phase 3: June 8
Indoor Venues: 80 people capacity.
Open-air venues: 800 people capacity.
Meanwhile, in the Republic of Ireland, pubs, nightclubs, and casinos will be able to open under “restrictions and where social distancing can be complied with” in phase 5, which is planned to come into effect on August 10.
UK drug dealers make a plan to keep deliveries going during lockdown
In the UK, drug dealers are finding creative ways to carry through their business, posing as joggers and NHS staff and doing drive-by sales and letterbox drops to continue dealing during lockdown.
Director of the National Centre for Gang Research at the University of West London, Professor Simon Harding, said:
“On one hand, they really are heeding government advice on social distancing, but at the same time it is business as usual and as people were panic-buying food, dealers were running bulk deals and selling lockdown party packs.”
Bandcamp’s – ‘free fee’ day rocks again
Bandcamp has revealed that its “fee-free” day on 1 May garnered over $7.1 million, with 100& going straight to artists and labels. It’s the second time the platform has waived its revenue share during the COVID-19 crisis, with the first “Bandcamp Day” resulting in $4.3 million being spent.
RIP, legend Florian Schneider
Lastly, another dance music legend has died. Florian Schneider, who was an influential German musician and the co-founder of legendary electronic group Kraftwerk has died, aged 73, of cancer.
Tributes have begun pouring in from all corners of the electronic music landscape.
Farewell to the extraordinary Florian Schneider (1947-2020) of @kraftwerk – the man machine lives on through an astonishingly original back catalogue of inspirational music. pic.twitter.com/yWF5UGwq8c
— Robin Rimbaud – Scanner (@robinrimbaud) May 6, 2020
R.I.P to the extraordinary Florian Schneider of @kraftwerk.
A true innovator and pioneer of electronic music, whose music and influence will live on forever. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Fw0yu4lx9q
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) May 6, 2020
Tune in next week for another CIVID-19 Global Dance Music update.
