Artists from around the world are beginning performing live again after COVID-19 barred them from the stage for more than an entire year..But now many realize those days may be coming to an end, and are looking at doing more live stream shows to get their music to the masses..At one point being described as the worst COVID-19 hotspot in North America, Alberta experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows of the resulting restrictions. One state within Canada’s southern neighbour has been hit comparably hard is Florida..As of July 16 2021, Florida accounts for 20% of all new COVID-19 infections in America. Despite still rising COVID-19 cases, Florida is home to one of North America’s largest thriving music scenes..Ariel Morer, a.k.a. ASHERAH, has been an established force in the music industry since the mid 2010s. Prior to rebranding as ASHERAH, her music has charted internationally in multiple countries, she’s performed at festivals alongside major acts like SOPHIE, and has released music with major labels like UMG and Warner..Based in Florida and currently attending Berklee College of Music, ASHERAH says live music will always remain a pillar of the industry, but modern technology has and will continue to help musicians as restrictions begin to lift..“There’s a lot to be said for forming in-person connections at shows, but to be honest the seamlessness of online communication makes the world and the industry feel so much smaller,” she told the Western Standard..The pandemic has produced some obvious hurdles for musicians who give live performances, but ASHERAH says she’s still been able to take advantage of a number of opportunities right from her own home..“I made an EP with a producer based out of the UK, started my undergrad at Berklee, and learned how to market and promote my music single-handedly, all without leaving my house,” she said..“I think we’ve seen a tremendous amount of innovation during what I’d say is already a modern renaissance of the music industry,” she says, “virtual reality concerts and live streams took the place of in person shows and were often marketed as such. I definitely see that continuing to happen out of convenience, but I don’t think it will ever be a replacement for live shows.”.She also said all genres were embracing the online scene throughout the pandemic, “I saw everything from DJ sets to live electronic performances, acoustic sets, and metal festivals all done virtually.”.In reference to a Porter Robinson show she attended in Virtual Reality, she said “fans from all over the world were able to be next to each other and experience it in real time. It was amazing!”.With all the benefits of virtual platforms, the hit from not being able to give live shows has still been hard on many, says ASHERAH, also hinting at her disappointment in those who chose to break COVID-19 guidelines and host live shows anyways..“I had several friends miss out entirely on touring revenue from things that were booked months out and had to resort to gig economy jobs, like Uber and Door Dash. These were people in really well known bands, too,” she said..“Florida in particular didn’t slow down as much as, say, Boston, and I did see people continuing to play shows and host raves during the thick of the pandemic, which was disappointing.”.ASHERAH says though the delivery of online platforms has improved, the monetary structure surrounding them still leaves many artists and industry professionals out in the cold..As for the new post-pandemic face of live music, ASHERAH says “I think we’ll probably see more outdoor concerts, capacity limits, mask rules, etc. when it comes to larger scale concerts. I’ve been to a few outdoor shows since getting vaccinated and there really haven’t been many, or any, restrictions.”.She notes The Flaming Lips, who she believes have “nearly mastered COVID-safe concerts.”.“They used inflatable plastic bubbles to pretty much sequester each individual concertgoer. Maybe we’ll see more of that at other shows if COVID persists in the future?”.ASHERAH says the differences in post-pandemic live shows in Florida have been obvious. Pre-pandemic live shows often saw people comfortably displaying “more touchy-feely, with less regard for personal space” type behaviours..“Now I’ve noticed people are a little more wary of maintaining social distance,” but also emphasizes she doesn’t believe it will last forever. “I honestly see a return to normalcy eventually because nothing compares to squeezing together to get as close as you possibly can to your favourite artist.”.ASHERAH is pro-vaccine, and believes everyone who has the ability to get jabbed should do it..As for the vaccine’s role in live music attendance, particularly how venues will handle vaccinations, ASHERAH says if it were up to her she would require vaccine cards upon entry – however she acknowledges this may not be realistic in smaller venues, and has the potential to alienate..“If I’m being honest I don’t think vaccines will play much of a role in getting people into live events again, at least not in Florida. It very much seems like it’s every man for himself right now and you can only do so much to convince people to get vaccinated.”.ASHERAH couldn’t give away too much because it hasn’t officially been announced yet, but she has an indie electropop EP coming out this fall produced with friend Medulasa. For more updates on her and the project you can follow her instagram @asherahofficial..Jackie Conroy is a reporter for the Western Standard.jconroy@westernstandardonline.com
Artists from around the world are beginning performing live again after COVID-19 barred them from the stage for more than an entire year..But now many realize those days may be coming to an end, and are looking at doing more live stream shows to get their music to the masses..At one point being described as the worst COVID-19 hotspot in North America, Alberta experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows of the resulting restrictions. One state within Canada’s southern neighbour has been hit comparably hard is Florida..As of July 16 2021, Florida accounts for 20% of all new COVID-19 infections in America. Despite still rising COVID-19 cases, Florida is home to one of North America’s largest thriving music scenes..Ariel Morer, a.k.a. ASHERAH, has been an established force in the music industry since the mid 2010s. Prior to rebranding as ASHERAH, her music has charted internationally in multiple countries, she’s performed at festivals alongside major acts like SOPHIE, and has released music with major labels like UMG and Warner..Based in Florida and currently attending Berklee College of Music, ASHERAH says live music will always remain a pillar of the industry, but modern technology has and will continue to help musicians as restrictions begin to lift..“There’s a lot to be said for forming in-person connections at shows, but to be honest the seamlessness of online communication makes the world and the industry feel so much smaller,” she told the Western Standard..The pandemic has produced some obvious hurdles for musicians who give live performances, but ASHERAH says she’s still been able to take advantage of a number of opportunities right from her own home..“I made an EP with a producer based out of the UK, started my undergrad at Berklee, and learned how to market and promote my music single-handedly, all without leaving my house,” she said..“I think we’ve seen a tremendous amount of innovation during what I’d say is already a modern renaissance of the music industry,” she says, “virtual reality concerts and live streams took the place of in person shows and were often marketed as such. I definitely see that continuing to happen out of convenience, but I don’t think it will ever be a replacement for live shows.”.She also said all genres were embracing the online scene throughout the pandemic, “I saw everything from DJ sets to live electronic performances, acoustic sets, and metal festivals all done virtually.”.In reference to a Porter Robinson show she attended in Virtual Reality, she said “fans from all over the world were able to be next to each other and experience it in real time. It was amazing!”.With all the benefits of virtual platforms, the hit from not being able to give live shows has still been hard on many, says ASHERAH, also hinting at her disappointment in those who chose to break COVID-19 guidelines and host live shows anyways..“I had several friends miss out entirely on touring revenue from things that were booked months out and had to resort to gig economy jobs, like Uber and Door Dash. These were people in really well known bands, too,” she said..“Florida in particular didn’t slow down as much as, say, Boston, and I did see people continuing to play shows and host raves during the thick of the pandemic, which was disappointing.”.ASHERAH says though the delivery of online platforms has improved, the monetary structure surrounding them still leaves many artists and industry professionals out in the cold..As for the new post-pandemic face of live music, ASHERAH says “I think we’ll probably see more outdoor concerts, capacity limits, mask rules, etc. when it comes to larger scale concerts. I’ve been to a few outdoor shows since getting vaccinated and there really haven’t been many, or any, restrictions.”.She notes The Flaming Lips, who she believes have “nearly mastered COVID-safe concerts.”.“They used inflatable plastic bubbles to pretty much sequester each individual concertgoer. Maybe we’ll see more of that at other shows if COVID persists in the future?”.ASHERAH says the differences in post-pandemic live shows in Florida have been obvious. Pre-pandemic live shows often saw people comfortably displaying “more touchy-feely, with less regard for personal space” type behaviours..“Now I’ve noticed people are a little more wary of maintaining social distance,” but also emphasizes she doesn’t believe it will last forever. “I honestly see a return to normalcy eventually because nothing compares to squeezing together to get as close as you possibly can to your favourite artist.”.ASHERAH is pro-vaccine, and believes everyone who has the ability to get jabbed should do it..As for the vaccine’s role in live music attendance, particularly how venues will handle vaccinations, ASHERAH says if it were up to her she would require vaccine cards upon entry – however she acknowledges this may not be realistic in smaller venues, and has the potential to alienate..“If I’m being honest I don’t think vaccines will play much of a role in getting people into live events again, at least not in Florida. It very much seems like it’s every man for himself right now and you can only do so much to convince people to get vaccinated.”.ASHERAH couldn’t give away too much because it hasn’t officially been announced yet, but she has an indie electropop EP coming out this fall produced with friend Medulasa. For more updates on her and the project you can follow her instagram @asherahofficial..Jackie Conroy is a reporter for the Western Standard.jconroy@westernstandardonline.com