We got a fisheye lens. This made Lee happy. Picture totally unrelated.
This is a strange period of time for all of us. For those of you reading after the (hopefully imminent) end of COVID-19, the UK is currently on lockdown. This means no non-essential travel and, where possible, working from home. All bars, clubs, and venues have been closed. This means that theatre, sports, gigs, art exhibitions etc. have been either cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Whilst we can all individually hone musicianship and skills, we cannot rehearse or perform as a band even on livestream. It is, essentially, what an alternative world would be like without the arts industry. In this blog, hopefully the first of many, I am going to endeavour to explain the value of the arts industries, what they are going through during this present time, and how we can help.
During this time of global pandemic, it is evident that most, if not all, members of society are turning to the arts as a coping mechanism in a time of uncertainty. Children around the UK are creating rainbows and putting them up for other children to spot; sites offering online teaching of guitar and other instruments have become popular; people are watching livestreams of musicians such as Chris Martin and John Legend to pass the time. To me, this is a very clear sign that the arts are much more paramount than are given credit for in today's society. This is not to say I undermine the work of STEM subjects (scientists, engineers, doctors, computer-tech-whizzes, psychologists, etc.) as we can clearly see the resect deserved in particular by those working for the NHS. Nor am I discrediting those who play a key role in society and are usually underpaid and/or overworked (dustbin men, bus drivers, teachers, to name a few). I am not saying that the work of an artist is comparable to that of a nurse. What I have noticed, however, is a previous lack of respect and valuation of arts students and artists. Granted, without computer scientists and programmers these platforms would not exist, but purchases of accounts from companies such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime has shot up during quarantine. All these sites which are currently being relied upon so heavily would not exist if it were not for creative people who make films and film music. People are beginning now to learn the value of the arts. Speaking from the perspective of an arts university student, I wish dearly that this was reflected more proportionately in general life. As mentioned in the Guardian, English students have 20% less contact hours than the average Physics student (note: English students only get 12% contact hours total, on average). And yet, they still pay the same £9,250 as the sciences students. Yet without English Literature, we would have no novels, fewer plays, no press. Now although this may sound like it, this isn't just a rant about English contact hours. I chose my degree. My point is, only now are we all coming to appreciate the little things, and most of these things are in some way arts-based and recreational.
However, this way of life to which we have become so acclimatised is under threat. Coronavirus has damaged livelihoods across the world, and it has hit the self-employed and the arts industries hard. Many musicians are self-employed and have no formal contract and have now had tours, gigs, song releases, music videos axed. From personal experience, we are all students, and a student loan does not stretch to encompass the production of music. We pay for the creation of our songs through the money we get from playing gigs. This means if all gigs are cut, so is our new music. And we are amongst the fortunate ones; others have livelihoods based on moving from cheque to cheque. What's more, musicians are not the only ones struggling. Venues, music studios and sound engineers often rely on regular income - I know the studio we use is facing closure if this continues for only a few months.
Believe it or not, there is a point to this rambling complaint about the state of the world. My question now is so, what can we do to help? How can we attempt to ensure that the arts industries do not collapse entirely? This is a tough one. Obviously the clear answer is donation where possible. Failing that (as I know this is a financially challenging time for everyone), show your support in conscientious decisions of spending. You could buy a movie off Amazon Prime to watch one evening for £12, or you could donate that money to a crowdfunding musician playing a livestream, or a Patreon of an actor giving out tips and Q&As. Amazon won't sink, but the self-employed might. The small businesses might. When the curse has lifted, go and see their shows. Buy their merch. If they're playing at a pub, buy many, many drinks - they're more likely to be asked back. Show gratitude to that which you previously took for granted - whether it be art, music, journalism, sport, theatre, or anything else. There's no all-encompassing answer to the struggles of the arts at the moment, but I do believe that we are coming to an age where perhaps society will understand just how valuable our creative thinkers are.
By Becca Brown
List of musicians that would appreciate your support:
Abbie Gathard (local singer-songwriter's Facebook)
Stellina (a grassroots close harmony group)
Sumei Bao-Smith (singer's soundcloud)
Watertown Instagram (Frequent Free Livestreams)
ARTISTS NOTE:
If you are an arts company / artist of any kind and have a link to something you are putting on during quarantine (or just a donation page) email us at watertownband2000@gmail.com and I'll add you to the list below. Cheers!
My excitement for quarantine to be over and to play again (Photo: Mark Howie Photography)