
The Impact of Coronavirus in Art and Entertainment Industries
Imagine this: with a click, you can enjoy a full concert at home with other diehard fans immediately. In 2019, Coronavirus ravages the entire world and severely poisons the global economy. The entertainment industry became the brunt of this catastrophe. According to the Q2 report from Live Nation, one of the most famous global entertainment companies, the income from concerts had plummeted 95% owing to the pandemic. Because of Coronavirus, artists seek new ways for satisfy fans and make up for the income, which gives rise to these innovative business modes, including holding a livestream concert, releasing a surprising record, and hosting a show.


First, a great number of concerts came to a halt to keep social distance and reduce the risk of transmission, whereas some artists are taking matters into their own hands and organizing concerts for virtual audiences. From Travis Scott – who held a virtual concert along with the famous sandbox game Fortnite – to Dua lipa – who served the breathtaking performance on livestream for four consecutive days with other music legends, many artists have adapted and responded to the situation with impressive action, making it clear that one can practice social responsibility and still enjoy the process at the same time. Livestream concerts not merely narrow the gap between artists and fans, but provide concertgoers a whole new experience to immerse in music.
Second, thanks to the lockdown, singers poured all of vagaries, dreams, and fears into records, which is definitely an auditory feast for the public. They have more time to reflect on themselves and explore their inner world in isolation, directly leading their music in a brand-new direction. Several singers make their most critically acclaimed records during the pandemic lockdown. Take Charlie XCX, a well-known dance-pop singer for example. She released her fourth studio album how i’m feeling now last May, and she abandoned the dance-pop route that she gets used to for the past few years. Instead, this album is the fusion of pop songwriting and experimental electronic production, and shows the other sides of the Boom Clap singer. The artwork also garnered rave reviews from critics, praised for its “futuristic, unpredictable sound and penchant for an irresistible pop hook” (Megan, 2020). What makes it standout from others is that the album is made in a "do it yourself" collaborative process by Charlie and her fans within six weeks. Through the process, Charlie is not merely spawning the unique sound in her music career, but also strengthening the bonds between singers and fans.
Moreover, since many government officials declared that lock down the city in case of transmission, several artists decided to host the show by either interacting with fans to kill time or raising money for the healthcare workers. They livestream their daily life and answer questions to the public on social media. For instance, Miley Cyrus has been doing her part to keep her fans' and followers' spirits up as they practice social distancing with her new Instagram Live show, Bright Minded. On the other hand, Lady Gaga called on several celebrities from different fields to participate in the One World: Together at Home concert to raise money for healthcare workers. Despite the fact that the pandemic has disrupted everyone’s plan, many singers are willing to take social responsibility and help people in need.
Although coronavirus has caused the serious hindrance to the artists and their loyal fans, performers have spared no efforts to satisfy their supporters. They held livestream concerts, served brand-new records and hosted shows to help those in needs. It is obvious that we cannot meet our favorite artists in person in the next few years. Nonetheless, they go great lengths to come up with more innovative ways to face such difficult challenges. Coronavirus makes significant changes in art and entertainment industries. Meanwhile, it infuses us to figure out the new possibilities in these fields.


References:
Warrender M. Charlie XCX- how i’m feeling now.
https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/charli-xcx-how-im-feeling-now
Sources:
Nesvig, Kara. Miley Cyrus Releases "Bright Minded" Instagram Show Theme Song, 2020
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061202
UN NEWS. Lady Gaga curating global event to boost healthcare workers on coronavirus front line, 2020
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/miley-cyrus-bright-minded-instagram-show-theme-song