It is deeply ironic that I have primarily used this blog spot to keep Kiwi musicians names in the spotlight via live performances at gigs … cos right now with Covid there are no live gigs ………. Sure I have used this site for other purposes at times. I have written about relevant books or CDs, relevant issues, awards made to Kiwi musicians, new CDs and deaths of Kiwi musicians.

From the proper science out there I know lots about the transmission of Covid. I’m acutely aware that it is transmitted via droplets from an infected person who sneezes when in a space where that person is in close contact with others. This close contact generally needs to be over a long period. Music venues are close contact environments & almost always full or more than full. So I understand why music venues will be the last to open after social distancing regs are greatly relaxed.

Many musicians I have written about, whose websites I check often have not updated their sites recently. Though, through phone interviews or emailed interviews I do know of musicians who are re-mastering recordings they made in the 60s or 70s or who are writing autobiographies.

There are new platforms for music to be delivered these days. We watched a streaming performance from Memo recently. Lots of young musicians are hosting their own shows via mediums like the Facebook sites & last week the Ticketmaster newsletter had links to a large number of streaming shows for younger audiences.

I can’t imagine how it must be right now for musicians who are dependent on income from playing live. Assistance from organisations like Support Act can help some but that will be extremely limited.

Thank God we can still listen to music in old formats – vinyl, iPods & watch on line via well-established platforms like YouTube but there is nothing like the atmosphere & the feel of being at a show. I am longing for the day when they begin again & I won’t be alone in that longing.