Dear Fans and Music Lovers-
I'm writing this in regards to one of the newly-crowned pandemic by the World Health Organization, the infamous COVID-19 virus ("coronavirus"). It's been impacting so many things in our everyday lives that we haven't seen since the Spanish Influenza of 1918.
We've seen so much change in so little time. Schools across the primary and university level are shut down. Sports leagues are being cancelled. The stock market has taken a nosedive. The financial losses from sponsorships, TV rights, advertising and other monetary factors is unfathomable. In its own right, this could be considered one of the more moderate "recessions" we've had since 2008.
In terms of what I do and study, the music world has taken an equally big hit. Coachella has been rescheduled to October. Artists have postponed tours. Even South by Southwest, where some of my music friends were set to perform, has been cancelled entirely. For artists that are smaller and don't have a large audience and need this exposure and financial gain, these are the people that suffer the most damage. Artists tour for six to nine months a year, and that counts for a significant portion of their revenue. I cannot imagine how awful of a time this is for artists that had large North American or European tours lined up.
I want to recommend to everyone who supports small artists, please, go stream their music and buy their merch. Donate if they have Patreon. A small sum would make a big difference. Additionally, if you've purchased tickets to shows at local or community venues, donate the cost of your ticket to the venue instead of asking for a refund. They are also taking a financial hit right now, and would not be able to recoup the booking fees and operating costs without that financial support.
Now, for a bit of a rant. There's a miasma of fear over this damn country, and it kills me to see so many people so broken up by this virus and the aftermath. I want to live fear-free and not let any negative, racist or stereotypical beliefs about this swallow me whole. I hope you can bring yourself to do the same.
I don't want to misspeak on anyone's behalf, but I doubt that the majority of my demographic readers will be impacted. That is sheer conjecture, but the ages of 18-24 and 25-34 are the groups with the strongest immune systems. Last time I checked, I haven't seen any news stories where a "healthy, 25-year old tragically dies from the Coronavirus". It's mostly impacting those who are older and have compromised immune systems, or those who have undergone operations where they are more susceptible to catching it. Fear more for them, and not yourself. I'd like to mention that there's also a 97.3% survival rate for this virus. So the fear of dying from this is for naught. The main thing people don't know right now is the rate at which this virus is spreading; people we don't suspect to have it could really be carrying it. For as much as I dislike Donald Trump, he made the "right call" to declare a national emergency to reinvest federal funds to help get more information and testing kits to help this virus get contained. He still needs to do way, way more, and the way he’s handling it right now will thankfully give Democrats a little more leverage come November.
This week has moved at such a warp speed, and it's been really hard for so many (myself included) to understand what's just happened. in the meantime, we, as a nation, must not get anxious. Fear impacts people in different ways, but keep your head level. Be rational and respectful through it all.
Look at it his way: Eight to ten weeks ago, the virus was just starting to get national attention, and we are now completely in over our heads. We can’t look left or right without hearing this or that about the coronavirus. The truth of the matter is, we really don't know what could happen in the proceeding eight to ten weeks, and hopefully it will be done within the next four to six weeks if we take the right measures...
As basic as this may sound, we need to be alert and ahead of the game. And no, stocking up on a grocery store's entire supply of canned/boxed food, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes isn't the answer. Hell, just use some hot water, soap, and sing your ABC's twice. That'll save you more than anything.
This is a tough time for many; I do not want that to get discounted. If you’re going through something and need someone to talk to, my DMs (@bazzreviews) on Instagram, and email (bazzreviews@gmail.com) are always open.
I write this with all the love and support to everyone, musical or non-musical.
Be well, and stay safe-
Bazz
