COVID-19 Global Dance Music update
The easing of restrictions is bringing innovation to the global dance music scene.
As lockdown restrictions start easing up worldwide, we will see glimpses of what the future holds for the dance music scene in a COVID-19 world. (Man, I’d love to write ‘post-COVID-19 world…)
With social distancing here to stay, the term ‘adapt or die’ has never rung truer for an industry which relies on social closeness to thrive.
Well, luckily humans have a knack for rising above challenging times to excel.
Last week Facebook announced a new ‘pay-to-watch’ feature that will allow Pages to charge for live videos.
Rolling out in the coming weeks, the feature gives fans the opportunity to support their favourite artists who are unable to make money otherwise.
Getting their sci-fi on, Los Angeles-based creative studio Production Club have designed a ‘pandemic-proof rave suit called Micrashell, fitted with an “air filtration and breathing system based on worldwide standard regulations.” It’s still in very early stages, but you can learn more about it here.
Tech-wise, Serato has made their DJ software Play free until the end of June, which you can download here. The software gives users access to features such as EQ, FX, filters, without the need for hardware controllers are interfaces.
If you’re looking for music (and don’t have Spotify, Apple Music, or even just classic YouTube) Huawei Music is giving users access to 50 million tracks and the first three months are FREE (after which it will cost you €9.99 per month.)
Armada music has launched the initiative #7 Artists Unite, which will see Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Lost Frequencies, Loud Luxury, Nicky Romero, Steve Aoki and W&W each take over a combined playlist for one whole day giving fans their favourite ten-track selection.
Events…
Uber Party
In hard-hit Spain, small music events could return as soon as June, with strict social distancing and limited capacity, of course. While indoor venues will be restricted to 50 PAX, outdoor venues of up to 400 people may be permitted.
Looking for a club experience without leaving the safety of your home? Well, that’s impossible but London bass duo KOVEN are launching a virtual club called Another Home in the coming weeks that hopes to emulate the club vibe… Bass-focused promoters will live stream into the digital space from their home.
Probably the best initiative, although flawed, is the emergence of the ‘drive-through rave’ picking up pace in Europe.
A nightclub in Germany hosted such a rave on Friday, which saw around 500 participants (max of 250 cars, with two occupants each). Watch this clip of headliner, DJ Devin Wild, who incorporated ‘hit your horn’ into his set. As long as people stay sober this is perfect- or maybe Uber Party can become a thing?
Played at the Autodisco party of Club Index yesterday, such a fun experience! 🤣 HIT YOUR HORN 📣📣📣 pic.twitter.com/6pf7kT2Dt4
— Devin Wild (@DevinWildmusic) May 1, 2020
Lastly and most sadly, legendary Afrobeat co-founder Tony Allen has dies at the age of 79. While the cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, his manager did mention that it was not linked to the Coronavirus pandemic. RIP Tony Allen- thank you for giving life to Afrobeat.
REST IN POWER AND JOURNEY WELL ANCESTOR TONY ALLEN✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/4fYxgsdwrO
— Seun Anikulapo Kuti (@RealSeunKuti) May 1, 2020
As we navigate the COVIS-19 crisis, it’s clear that the global dance music industry is putting up a fight to survive.
