How can I support Dj's & Producers during COVID-19?

 

With so many gigs and events being cancelled or postponed, things are pretty tough right now for your average DJ and producers. For most, this is their main source of income, and even the most successful brands will be feeling it right now with COVID-19. Across the world isolation is taking it’s toll on all sorts of music industry things - even Facebook impressions are dropping as people head to news sites and the like for information and updates. And that’s not to mention the mental health impacts of such stressful times.

 

So what can we all do, as a music community, to help keep the world spinning?

 

Stream their music

The simplest way and probably most accessible way to support your favourite DJ’s or Producers is to stream their music. Don’t forget not all streaming services are created equal and some put more money in the creators pockets than others.

 

How much per stream is it worth?

Every platform has a different price per stream, and that’s before the distributor takes their cut, but as a guide:

YouTube: $0.00074
Spotify: $0.00134
Amazon: $0.00740
Tidal: $0.01284

 

Buy their music

Obvious I know, and it’ll take time to filter through to them, unless they’re using Bandcamp or selling direct - but buying music is still possible! Who knew?

 

Whilst the purchase price might be greater than your streaming app, the payout to the creator is higher.

 

Buy their merch

This is a win, win! You get some new gear and they get funds! A few labels like Muzik & Friendz or Nylon do some great limited edition vinyl releases, well worth adding to your collections and who doesn’t need a new T-shirt or sweat every now and then.

 

Share their posts, streams and content

With so much news and conspiracy theories clogging up news feeds getting cut thought on posts is harder than usual. Especially for DJ’s trying to announce virtual gigs, or their new mix online. Sharing their content to your own networks is a great way to show your support. Helping them keep building their audience during these hard times and in preparation for when we all get back to normality.

 

Be social

While this one doesn’t put food on the table or pay the rent, it does keep us all from feeling alone. Check in on your connections, ask how they’re doing, be social - online - that was what it was meant to be all about remember?