HearItThere.com MUSIC SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!

by Elisa Zuckerberg, Founder of HearItThere.com   

Sunday, February 14, 2021

We’re right smack dab in the middle of winter when most folks, with the possible exception of the diehard music fans, retreat to their homes to find comfort and entertainment within their four walls. Add a continued pandemic and these behaviors are reinforced and solidified.

Since mid-March music fans have gone and continue to go out and hear live music, but as the colder weather crept in, many others (myself included) moved from the outdoors to our living rooms and in front of our computer monitors.

HearItThere.com banner mid-March, 2020 – June 2020

As the primary manager and editor of HearItThere.com I’ve seen the multitude of offerings from musicians and venues from March of last year and surprisingly, there have been a lot of great opportunities to see and hear live music. Many take the form of live-streams and some are live in-person, though these are required by venues to be called “incidental” (in New York State) and have limited sized audiences.

Given it has been almost a year since COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives, I wanted to better understand how music fans have been feeling about currently attending events or returning to live music outings in the future. Alternatively, I wanted to ask what activities has replaced this form of entertainment. My third goal was to determine what else Hear It There followers want from us aside from music event listings.

On January 28 a survey was sent out to all of our music loving subscribers with some of them musicians themselves. For all 52 folks who filled it out, THANK YOU! We were happy with that response and appreciate the feedback.

Not too surprising, the majority of you live-stream shows. The real question concerns, do you like them? The comments included: “I stream people I like.” “I only did it once – it was good but nothing like a live performance.” “Only opportunity.” “I want to support the artists.” As far as paying to hear livestreams, for the most part, listeners choose to give donations or tips to the musicians and venue’s presenting the livestream. Just as many pay for ticketed events, which is good to see. What has replaced live music shows? Many of you are reading more! As you would expect, a significant percentage are streaming more shows and movies. What do you want more of from HearItThere? A significant number of you want more “Featured Artist” profiles, musician spotlights and music blog articles. I’m listening!

On February 1 a second survey was mailed to musicians, promoters and music venue managers. As someone who consumes as much “live” streams and am a huge fan of live music like you, I had some really important questions. Are you interested to find out how musicians feel about interacting on livestreams? What musicians and venues have been doing to keep their music up front and center the past year? We will share those results in a follow up blog article. 

SURVEY LETTER: January 28, 2021

Dear Hear It There Subscribers,

This week we’re doing something completely different. Instead of listing music events (you can still go to HearItThere.com ;)), we’ve decided it’s time to ask YOU what you’ve been doing over the past year. We want to know how you have been experiencing live music or if you’ve replaced your concert outings with other entertainment. Our goal is to learn how best to serve your musical and other entertainment interests. The survey only takes a couple of minutes. We are very grateful for your feedback.

Click here to take the survey: http://bit.ly/36kAeQ4

We received 52 responses to the survey and here are the results:

Question 1 (52 answers): “Since mid-March 2020 have you gone out to hear live music?

YES:  44.2%

NO:  55.8%

Question 2 (26 answers): “If yes, and you have gone out at some point after March, did you at any point stop all together? Or, do you continue to go out? (Be specific)”

• Only did it once – it was good but nothing like a live performance.
• “Stopped when it was too cold for outdoor shows.”**
• “I was continuing to go out into listen to & perform live music until mid-November, when the weather turned cold & we couldn’t or didn’t want to go inside.”
• “I have only gone out during the warmer weather, when events were outdoors. Otherwise, I stopped completely. :-(“
• “I don’t have the money anymore to go out much because I am a musician and I’m working way less than I was before the virus. ”
  – “There haven’t been more than a couple of live music events that I was interested in seeing in my area.”
• “Only went once to an outdoor bar in July 2020 in CT. It was fun but I was a little nervous, so I didn’t go back.”
• “well I went to an outdoor open mic, but that’s it. 1 time – outdoors, was nervous..oh wait I PLAYED at an outdoor street fair- Peekskill- last AUG.”
• “Yes, stopped when Covid numbers rose again in Fall.”
• “We went to an outdoor concert to see The End of America over the summer. We haven’t gone out to live music since!”
• “Went to and performed some outdoor gigs. Nothing since October. “
• “After March 2020 I did not go to live music events in public. Only at personal venues, at the homes of musicians I know personally.”
• “I played 2 socially distanced outdoor events during the summer and early fall of 2020. I was pretty uncomfortable doing it. I haven’t been since.”
• “We were able to see live music in a very under attended and socially distanced setting. We were about 10 feet + from the nearest person. “
• “We saw only outdoor music, for as long as we were comfortable doing so (with regard to both virus spike and weather)”
• “I stopped pretty much indoors in March, but went to outdoor music events in the summer and then the Fall until it got too cold.”

**Most common response.

Question 3. (51 answers): “Have you been live-streaming music?”

YES: 80.4%

NO: 19.6%

Question 4 (40 answers): “If yes, do you like them or you do it because it’s your only opportunity to hear live performances? If no, why not?”

It appears that there is mixed emotion regarding live-streams. Some of you said that you only watch them because they are your only choices and others say that they don’t replace the live-music experience even if they’re interactive. Many said they like to support the artists that they like and enjoy them if the sound quality is good. Here are some comments.

Music Fan Comments:

• “In the beginning of the pandemic I did but now only very occasionally. As much as I want to support the musicians, it often is a little tiresome as the social experience obviously is lacking.”
• “Just not into it.”
• “If the sound is good, I like them. I project them on my larger TV via Apple TV. “
• “Only did it once – it was good but nothing like a live performance.”
• “Support my musician friends and the industry.”
• “Only opportunity.”**
• “I do it because it’s my business! “
• “It’s my opportunity to support artists.”
• “Yes, I stream people I like.”
• “Mostly the only opportunity to hear live music. Much prefer being in the audience. “
• “Yes, I do enjoy hearing & participating in live-stream performances – and it isn’t only because currently it’s my only way to hear live performances. I like being able to interact with the performers – in some ways, it’s even better than at a live “in person” performance!”
• “It’s okay, better than nothing.”
• “I would much rather see a live show”
• “I liked them but would not have been interested without shutdown.”
• “Some are decent, but none beat live.”
• “Yes, love hearing my favorite performers streaming. “
• “Mainly because it’s what’s available now and to see/support my favorite artists. But it’s not the same.”
• “It’s mostly what we do now. Sometimes it’s fun because I get to hear people from all over the world.”
• “Yes, I like them.”
• “I don’t like it much in general. It’s just Jonathan Byrd for me, mostly, unless a friend is involved.”
• “Tried it but gave up—doesn’t feel live.”
• “Originally, because it was the only way to hear performances. I’ve enjoyed some of them and plan to keep doing it, especially for shows too far away . . . if offered.”
• “Both, don’t like the chit chat, like the music”
• “It’s the only way to see performances, live or otherwise.”
• “To support the artists. “
• “Yes, I like them. But if it looks good, I want to hear new music, too.”
• Sound quality is generally not that great but we have streamed a few, more to show support for musician friends than for the entertainment itself. A few streams, however, are really good. “
• “I enjoy but find distractions from home interrupts my enjoyment.”
• “They’re ok if the SOUND QUALITY is good. “

Musician comments:

• “Both, watch and play.”
• “I’ve done several myself, but I’m not the biggest fan of them. I prefer a bigger production that only a live setting can produce. I quickly grew tired of them.””I don’t love livestreaming but I do enjoy any connection with fans. It’s a different experience.”
• A promoter said: “They are not the same as in the venue, however, some of the opportunities to see a variety of acts that might not be routed through my area is appealing.”
• “No I don’t like it. There’s no audience reaction. If you try reading when you play your performance suffers. The energy isn’t there. I do it to supplement lost wages. That said, I get that some people have been home this entire time and it does allow them to hear music, which could be a savior for some people so I still do it.”

**Most common answer

NOTE: It will be interesting to see how the musicians responded to a similar question. They have been asked to chime in on their experiences connecting and performing live-streams.

Question 5 (42 answers) “If you have live-streamed shows. Have you PAID to see them (ticketed) or only watch free live-streams?”

I have paid for tickets: 43.8%

I have not paid for tickets, but have made donations or given tips: 43.8%

I only watch free livestreams: 12.5%

Question 6 (49 answers): “When do you think you’ll feel safe going out to live concerts (Theaters/Performing Art Centers)? ”

I believe this chart speaks for itself. The majority of you do not feel comfortable going out to hear live music in theaters and performing art centers. Most are temporarily closed right now, therefore, there aren’t many choices. There are a few theaters that are open currently and are limiting audience size and taking many precautions. Of course everyone has a different level of comfort and we just wanted to gauge where our fans are now.

Question 7 (49 answers): “When do you think you’ll feel safe going out to hear live music in a restaurant or club?”

This is a similar question and the results are quite different. As far as the timeline goes, the majority of you chose Fall 2021. Our conclusion is that many of you are tentative about attending live music events in smaller indoor spaces. Both scenarios show that there is a segment of the population that is comfortable now, who will be soon, and those who are holding off. In my opinion, this chart is hopeful. With more people getting vaccinated every day and the number of COVID-19 declining (hope this trend continues), these statistics may change soon.

Question 8 (40 answers): Please explain.

• “My hope is that by summer enough people have gotten the vaccine but I’ll go see live music as soon as the weather allows for outdoor performances”
• “It depends on the infection rates, whether or not I’ve been vaccinated, and whether it’s an indoor or outdoor show.”
• “At this time, I do not know when I will feel safe going to an indoor venue.”
• “Depends on the precautions taken.”
• “We need to make sure we’re really over this mess. Especially indoors. Outdoor live music, with appropriate safety measures, seems to be okay. I do worry about the performers though regardless as they are together for practices, and the live shows. “
• “Right now I would feel more comfortable being outside to hear or perform music – so sometime in the spring, hopefully an early one!!”
• “I will wait until I am vaccinated. I will go to outdoor events when it is warm enough and if things seem safe.”
• “As long as people comply with covid restrictions it should be fine in my opinion. “
• “Not really sure. Too many knuckleheads don’t take the situation seriously.”
• “It’s going to take some time to get herd immunity and I want to sit back and see how things progress.”
• “I would want physical distancing and open windows/doors.”
• “Summer because I feel there’s better ventilation and hopefully more people will be vaccinated.”
• “If it’s ok to dine in a restaurant why not music especially if it’s outdoor dining or outdoor concerts”
• “I don’t feel safe now but HOPE TO feel safe by then. It’s far enough away so I can change the answer as well if I feel the need. “
• “It’s not about FEELING safe, it’s about keeping EVERYONE safe. “
• “Need a larger portion of the population to be vaccinated; also concerned about new virus variants.”
• “It’s hard to say, maybe fall or outdoor concerts this summer.”
• “As long as you follow safety protocols I feel it is safe.”
• “I hope I’ll be vaccinated by fall but can still keep a safe distance and not be in a crowded space.”
• “I think this thing is going to last longer than people think/want.”
• “Waiting for the vaccine” “Not enough vaccinations to get to herd immunity before fall.” “I’ll feel comfortable when more people have been vaccinated” “Once people have been vaccinated and we can be maskless together without fear.” “I’m hopeful that with the advent of vaccines, we’ll see significant reduction in the spread of the virus. Hopefully enough to make it safe again.”***
• “Love music, love health more”
• “These new strains of the COVID keep popping up, so I don’t see the pandemic resolving itself anytime soon.”
• “I really don’t know. It depends on where everything is at, and I don’t know what that is right now.”
• “Too many selfish people not willing to do their part to stop the virus.”
• “Smaller venues will not be able to bring in big shows. I foresee the larger venues pairing way done the number of tickets they can/will sell, bring in lesser acts and have to raise the ticket prices. ” Bruce Swan, Folk DJ and host of “Music My Mother Would Not Like” and HearItThere.com blog contributor, )
• “Until most people are vaccinated and the curve has shown considerable reduction in spread, we won’t be attending music indoors. “
• “I cannot answer when. It depends. If I’ve learned anything from this it’s not to make plans or have expectations.”

*** Most common answer

Question 9 (49 answers): “Have you replaced your live music outings with alternative entertainment? If so, what have been your substitutes? (choose as many as apply)”

There are few surprises here. The majority of you are streaming more entertainment and reading more!

Question 10 (44 answers): “HearItThere.com wants to provide you with valuable information in our weekly e-newsletters. What other entertainment options would interest you the most?”

Question 11 (16 answers): “What other entertainment options would interest you or would you like us to share?”

You have spoken! What can you expect from HearItThere.com? Judging from your responses to the last two questions, you want to see more artist spotlights, information about new music releases, and more music-related stories and blogs. The musicians and music venues will love this too, trust me! Of course we’ll continue to publish live in-person music events as well as scheduled live-streams. As soon as the warmer weather returns we will definitely include as many OUTDOOR shows as we can get our hands on. It is my goal to continue to make HearItThere.com your source for music and other local entertainment options.

What else to expect? Music-related trivia contests, exclusive film listings, and local town events. I really like the idea of setting up Zoom parties and games. I will keep you posted on this one!

The next survey directed to musicians, promoters and venue managers is currently being tabulated. Look for the results in next blog later this week.

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about the survey or HearItThere.com feel free to email me directly elisa@HearItThere.com.