The music industry has been hit hard in the recent weeks since States and Federal governments have urged and mandated citizens to remain in their homes. Protecting the country from quickening the spread of COVID-19 has canceled tours, festivals, and performances for months to come. The impact is not only felt but the artists and performers but anyone associated with the industry. As a result, thousands of people who rely on these “Gig” paychecks are out of work. But there is no better proof that the community of artists in Nashville is a truly supportive one. Performers have turned to live streaming to fundraise not only for themselves but for their friends and colleagues. Jordy Searcy, a well known Nashville singer-songwriter has been holding various performances from the inside of his band benefiting others who are struggling financially in this climate. Other artists are utilizing the streaming services of social media platforms such as Instagram simply to connect with fans and urging them to buy their merchandise as a way of support.
On Wednesday night, I had the privilege of witnessing one of these live streams in person. I took a behind the scenes look at the fun, creativity, and spontaneity that came with streaming an intimate performance for fans. The Brook and the Bluff were supposed to resume touring this week after a two-week break from their spring run, starting in Missouri and returning to Nashville for a hometown performance at Mercy Lounge, that had already been jeopardized by the Tornado that ripped through parts of town earlier in the month. However, due to the development of the COVID-19 virus, all tour dates in March and April had to be rescheduled. The Band, comprised of Joseph Settine (Vocals), Alec Bolton (guitar), John Canada (Drums), and Fred Lankford (Bass), took to Instagram with a shortened, stripped-down version of their live show. Playing from their living room, they showed off their quirkier side by entering from all different angles to the tune of Highway to the Danger Zone. With the final member, Lankford, rising from behind the couch to retrieve his stand up bass. The four-piece greeted their fans and kept on eye on comments coming in from every type of fan. Words of support to exclamations of gratitude could be virtually “heard” throughout the entire 40 min set. After playing their biggest hit to date, Halfway Up, they took a poll for requests and talked about how the quarantine orders were affecting them and their colleagues in the music industry. They ended with the finale of Here Comes the Sun (The Beatles) explaining that even those these times are uncertain now there is light at the end of the tunnel. Fans commented their feelings, one even pronouncing the tears shed during the emotional tune. Bolton had not even finished the final chords of the song before comments came rolling for “One more song!” and “Encore!” The Brook and Bluff played one final song and signed off for the night, with the final viewer count at over 2,400, the largest audience they had ever played for.
After the show is evident just how much the band had had. Laughing with each other they took a selfie to post for their fans and continued to respond to comments, keeping the connection going even after they finished playing. But this is not new to the band who after every show makes a point to go to the merch table to chat with showgoers, sign autographs and sell their own merch. They just figured out how to do it digitally.
Photographs by Caroline Voisine @Voisinevision