By Elisa Zuckerberg, Founder of HearItThere.com

Monday, February 22, 2021

A study published in August 2020 by The New School’s Center for New York City Affairs estimated a 61% employment drop for workers in arts, entertainment, and recreation. Although this is a statistic based on NYC activity, it certainly applies to the NY Metro area and many regions around the country. In mid-August state mandated directives put a temporary halt to most arts business in New York. In general, concert goers and musicians were understandably wary too and audiences were limited in places that were still offering live (incidental) music.

With more people getting vaccinated and infection numbers going down, there is a semblance of hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. There are also signs that the rules are evolving. This bodes well for musicians who want to get back to work and venues who need to open their doors. Spring will be here before we know it and along with warmer temperatures, we’ll see outdoor music.

The surveys published in our “HiT Blogs” provide insight into the behaviors of both fans and musicians and represent a snapshot in time. I believe it’s important to share the results of both questionnaires with everyone because it allows us all to see two sides of the same coin. It’s clear to see that based on the results of the fan survey, many of the music fans have been doing their best to support musicians. Most musicians and venues are working every day to keep their music and organizations up front and center and have found creative ways to do this.

On February 14th I published the results of the first Hear It There survey, “WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.” This one was designed to elicit information about their music “consuming” behaviors over the past 10 months. Questions included, “Have you been livestreaming music” “Have you gone out to hear live music?” “What entertainment has replaced live music shows?” “When do you think you’ll feel completely safe going out?” You can read the results and music fans comments HERE.

Our second survey designed for MUSICIANS, PROMOTERS, and VENUE MARKETERS was mailed soon after. The purpose was to examine more closely what these groups have been experiencing since mid-March. Additionally, it was a way I could determine what their current promotional needs are. As a music fan, I was also very curious about how they felt about the interactivity of livestreaming. I also wanted to know what other professional improvements and activities they’ve engaged in since last year aside from music since COVID restrictions were put in place.

SURVEY LETTER: February 1, 2021

Subject: “WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU”

We understand this continues to be a very challenging time for all involved in the entertainment industry. We’ve been doing our best to keep the local music “scene” in the eyes of the fans. This short survey asks a few simple questions and asks specifically what we can do to help. Please email: info@HearItThere.com if you have any additional comments. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

Click HERE to take the survey: https://bit.ly/36zc7gz

Question 1. (30 answers): “Have you been performing or presenting Live-Streams SHOWS (solo, duo or band) on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or another platform?”

YES: 83.3%

NO: 16.7%

Question 2. (26 answers): “If you have, which platforms do you use MOST? (Check all that apply.)


Question 3. (27 answers): “Are your live-streams scheduled events or more spontaneous?”

Scheduled and notify audience ahead of time: 74.1%

Not Scheduled: 7.4%

Done both: 18.5%

As the manager and editor of HearItThere.com and @StreamItThere I offer musicians and organizations the opportunity to publish their scheduled livestream events on the website. Same as they would live in-person shows. I’m hoping that those who have put more energy into these efforts have seen these efforts pay off. I’d love to see more musicians taking advantage of this opportunity to reach the fans though. These livestreams are your professional performances and utilizing the same marketing and promotional efforts as a live, in-person gig apply.

Question 4. (20 answers): “For performers, how do you feel about being interactive during a live-stream performance?”

I like the comments and respond while performing: 25%

I like the comments, find it distracting and challenging to respond: 20.0%

I look at comments and respond after performing 40%

Like the comments, but don’t respond during or after: 15.0%

As someone who attends a lot of livestream shows and shares them on @StreamItThere, I find the answers here very interesting. As I see it, there are two types of livestream performances, one, from a stage or two, an intimate close exchange between artist(s) and the audience. When livestreaming was novel or becoming a musicians go-to medium, I noticed that many struggled with managing the interaction, although craved the interaction the platform allowed. With more and more experience with various digital platforms, most of the musicians became more relaxed over time. The real question is, how do they feel about them. Based on this survey on 25% feel comfortable responding during a performance, 20% like to, but find it distracting and challenging to respond. Most look and respond after performing.

Question 5. (9 answers): “Feel free to explain in more detail.”

  • “I would have checked two boxes… I do read the comments and try to respond, but it is quite challenging and distracting, especially if I am also running the livestream. However, I host an open mic, and I think the chat feature is great for those performers, who can see that the audience liked their performance — since otherwise there is not much interaction or feedback for them. “
  • “I am not a performer. I am the PR/Social Media person so I watch and reply during the live stream if possible.”
  • “I really love the interaction but it’s hard to really read the comments while I’m live… maybe if we had a big screen set up in front of us where I could see the comments more easily but with my phone it’s hard to focus enough to really internalize what’s happening. So I always go through them after the show.”
  • Neil Alexander (Neil Nail Alexander), pianist, composer stated:  “I check comments and respond usually verbally on-air, in-between songs during the broadcast. I also respond to comments online (text) post show.”
  • “My wife watches the comments and sometimes she will slip me a note with some comments/requests that came through. I can respond or not. I like that option. I try to make it more like a concert rather than me in my house looking at a computer monitor.”
  • “Spread the word to interested individuals and groups- if possible associate with radio and even print to help reach folks who may not be online.
  • “I’ve made interaction a part of my livestreams, playing the role of host more than artist. It’s a different vibe. I miss the live audience.”
  • “I’ve done just two of these. Not sure I found them rewarding. I’ve concentrated on recording I was finishing just as COCID hit.”
  • “I participate in a bi-weekly Zoom session. It is not like performing LIVE , it is unpaid and I usually get to perform about 2-3 songs over the 3 hour broadcast.”
  • “I’ve only done a few livestream gigs. Instead, working on my album. “

Question 6 (30 answers): “MUSICIANS & VENUE QUESTION: Since late March 2020 has your VENUE offered live performances. MUSICIANS, have you performed live in-person since then?”

YES: 53.3%

NO: 46.7%

Question 7 (15 answers): “If the answer is YES, did you stop at some point and if so, why?”

We remain open (venue) and still perform live (musician): 15%

When the weather got too cold to perform outside: 45%

When the state recommended or required us to stop: 5%

Personal decision: 15%

This is a challenging question. By August state recommendations or mandates had made live performances indoors prohibitive. From my observation, most musicians performed in public as long as they could and mostly outdoors until the the colder weather did not permit it. Theaters remained closed, but restaurants who offered dining and “incidental music” tried their best to accommodate customers. BeanRunner (Peekskill), The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake, The Note Kitchen in Bethel, The Falcon in Marlboro, Wire Mill Saloon in Redding, CT and others continued to offer outdoor music into the Fall, but by November, even outdoor heating wasn’t enough to keep customers and musicians comfortable. At this point, several smaller venues continue to offer live music performances, but do so with a limited audience size. 

Question 8 (23 answers): “For Musicians & Music Promoters: If you have NOT been performing live since mid-late March 2020, when do you think it will be OK do so?”

Question 9 (8 answers): “FOR VENUES: When do you believe that you’ll be able to safely open with a full audience?”

These were honest answers. The recommendations and rules are changing and evolving every day, therefore, those who manage music venues really don’t know. Most theaters are still temporarily closed, but The Ridgefield Playhouse has managed to stay open and  present some live in-person shows. They do this safely by offering two shows and carefully spacing audience members in the theater. Although Tarrytown Music Hall is not open for live audiences, they’ve done a great job drawing in fans by presenting local talent and national acts on their stage. Their livestreams give audiences a look inside the theater which keeps people connected and likely to continue to support the venue. 

Question 10: “Please comment and share your thoughts about timing.”

  • “Hopefully the numbers will drop and more people will be vaccinated by late Spring and we can resume performing outdoors with social distancing. “
  • “I’d be ok with outdoor and socially distanced performances when the weather permits but as far as touring I’m not planning anything until Winter 2022.”
  • We can host outdoor shows in the Summer- the rest depends on the distribution of the vaccine- most touring won’t start back up full time until early 2022.”
  • “Hi, The Music Hall hopes to have live, limited seating events this summer or fall but nothing at all is set in stone, just pipe dreams until we know it is safe, and legal, to do so. “
  • “indoor events are always going to be tricky, especially because our venue if small. Even if we improved ventilation we would still have fewer audience members. Enclosed indoor areas are a big problem”
  • “This relates to several previous questions. I’ve performed several times in clubs with the performances live-streamed – no audience in the club itself, only the technician. I haven’t done a lot of those but, technically, I haven’t “stopped” doing it. It’s just a rare thing . . .”
  • “I’m stating Fall 2021 but hoping it will be sooner. I look forward to playing again in front of LIVE audiences.”

A music event organizer stated:

  • “All depends on the mutation rate and direction of the coronavirus, the success or failure of the vaccines and their distribution, and whether or not people can comply with public health recommendations. The track record so far, especially for the last, is abysmal. When we are confident that we can offer performances safely and actually sell enough tickets to at least break even, then we will do so. Until then, it’s too risky. “

Question 11 (25 answers): “MUSICIANS & VENUES: Has live-streaming events brought in any revenue (fundraising events or performances)?”

YES: 16.0%

YES, but barely enough: 44.0%

NO: 40.0%

Unfortunately, the revenue generated from livestreams have not adequately supported venues nor musicians. Frank Matheis, author and Editor/Publisher of thecountryblues.com wrote an excellent blog for HearItThere.com back in March 2020, “Now what? A practical guide for musicians when the revenue stream dries up.” The information is still relevant and helpful today. As a listener, my rule of thumb is, if I attend a show, I’ll tip, donate or pay for a ticket. If I just drop in, I’ll share the link to give more exposure. This helps the venues and musicians. Of course, every venue and musicians could use any support music fans can offer!

Question 12 (20 answers): “MUSICIANS: What have you been doing to supplement the lost income from live music performances?”

Music Lessons: 29.2%

Job unrelated to music: 33.3%

Other: 37.5%

Question 13 (8 answers): “Explain ‘Other’”

  • “I took a digital marketing course for musicians and then the company hired me to do some freelance work for their agency, setting up ad campaigns and writing copy for other artists. So, kind of music related but not really.”
  • “Accepting donations during Live streams; in addition to workshops etc.”
  • “Some freelance art work. “
  • “Retirement income from previous work.”
  • “I teach a theater and writing workshop every fall. I did that on Zoom this year.”
  • “I live off of savings and investments. “
  • “Home recording and learning a new DAW!” (A digital audio workstation (DAW) is an electronic device or application software used for recording, editing and producing audio files.)
  • “Worked the polls, lived more simply on social security only”

Question 14 (22 answers): “Question for ALL: Since last year have you or your organizations done anything to improve? For example: learn new skills, worked on new marketing tactics, update facilities, offer audience something new? Something else? Please explain.”

  • “Always trying to improve! But I have had to learn about and purchase new equipment in order to host livestreams and offer lessons online. “
  • “Yes, I have learned tons of new skills in video production, audio production, marketing and becoming a better player.”
  • “Working on a new website. Working on promotion of live stream events.”
  • “I started a Patreon page, and I’ve been writing quite a lot! I’ve also learned how to record at home. “
  • “The course in digital marketing, bought a better webcam and figured out a decent livestream set up with OBS, joined a songwriting class.”
  • “We have created a successful virtual venue- hosted over 1 artists and brought in $75,000 to the artists and our venue. We have had to buy some gear and learn about streaming technology.”
  • “I took a course in live-streaming technology, learned about lighting etc, invested in better broadcasting software (Ecamm), distribution platforms (restream.io) and meeting/teaching tools (zoom pro account). Also learning about broadcasting techniques (such as floor marks for artists), etc. etc.”
  • “Written and learned new songs. Also, through the livestreaming I’ve been able to find alot of audience I had lost touch with through the years. “
  • “Started the livestream series, Night-In With The Music Hall. Raised money for livestream equipment. “
  • “I have worked on performing on additional instruments and have worked to further my musicality.”
  • “learned video editing and have made collaborative videos with other musicians “
  • “Lots of online marketing courses. I tried using a “click funnel approach” this past summer. “
  • Perry Stein, manager of Ethical Brew in Teaneck, NJ stated: “Yes figuring out live stream and getting hybrid ready to rollout when the time is right”
  • “Learned the technology around producing videos and live-streaming, and worked to improve those skills – began posting more video performances to keep in touch with my audience and expand it.”
  • “Yes, we have upgraded all of our home audio equipment and internet service. we have learned many new skills of streaming and different platforms for broadcast. There has been an upside, too, in that people can attend our shows who live very far away. “
  • “I’ve learned Logic Pro, I’ve been playing bass, and keyboards more than ever. I’ve learned to edit video.”
  • “Learning about email marketing “
  • “I’ve written new songs including “All One Together” which was for front line workers and included singer/songwriter friends from both Ireland and the U.S. virtually, of course for the ending chorus. “
  • “No. No money. “
  • “New recording software and equipment.”
  • “Wrote, recorded and released a new album of originals. “

These are fantastic responses! Looks like many of you tapped into your creativity, learned new skills, and also developed new ways to communicate to and entertain your audiences. Obviously, many of you continue to find this time challenging. I understand this and again, offer you the opportunity to get your music heard by utilizing HearItThere.com as a tool to promote your shows. 

Question 15 (28 answers): “HearItThere.com continues to share scheduled live-stream shows and live in-person events in the region, but we can do more. What would be most helpful to you? (Click as many as apply.)”

Continue promoting individual EVENTS – live-stream & live: 39.1%

Share my or our Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, bandcamp, YouTube, etc.  32.8%

Publish a Hear It There Blog article about our organization/venue or music (solo musician or band): 28.1%

Question 16 (16 answers): “Please specify what you believe HearItThere.com can do for you to help get the word out.”

  • “I think doing a spotlight on venues that are trying to keep going would be helpful to them. I must admit, I forget to post my livestream events on Hear It There… “
  • “Keep doing what you’re doing. We always appreciate it when you get the word out about a special show or livestream.”*
  • “Spread the word to interested individuals and groups- if possible, associate with radio and even print to help reach folks who may not be online.”

Elisa’s comment: This is great advice.  The assumption is that most are online, since HearItThere.com is an online media source. We did a few stints at Pawling Public Radio and sponsored The Songwriters’ Block and Jacque’s Giant Music Show. We’ve partnered with Hudson Valley’s Independent Station, Soul Mouth Records & Radio too. Moving forward, we will definitely explore looking at ways to extend our reach to print or and more radio outlets.

HearItThere regular contributor Neil Alexander said:

  • “I believe a system in which artists who sign up with Hear It There have their shows/livestreams aggregated to a single page (with links to the artist’s streaming sites), so that when someone creates an FB or Youtube event it would automatically show up on a master page that you maintain. I”m not sure how to do this, but it would make HiT a powerful hub of livestreaming performances that could continue post pandemic.”

Elisa’s comment: This is great advice. The template we use for HearItThere.com is very robust. I will look into this feature. I agree, this would make the site more helpful to musicians and powerful as a promotional tool. 

  • “You do a fantastic job galvanizing the music community, keep doing what you are doing, we appreciate you! “
  • “You already do so much. We are very grateful for you help!”
  • “Reach a different audience than my own personal network.”
  • “You provide a wonderful service…much appreciated!”
  • “Keep doing what you do. It is important to get indie artist out there.”
  • “Your Shares are super-helpful. Thanks!”
  • “I’ve only used HearItThere for event listings for my 2 bands : 2JAM Acoustic and Billy & the Shoemen.”
  • “When we have something to present, we will reach out. “
  • “Anything you can do is great”

*Most common response. 

Question 17: “If you are not sure what HearItThere.com can offer aside from event listings, please share your email below and we’ll reach out or email us at info@HearItThere.com with your questions. (Note: We will not sell or share your email.)”

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