The Positive Effects Covid Has Had on the Music Industry

At the height of the Covid-19 outbreak, it seems more and more of those in quarantine are beginning to itch from the lack of things to do. While much of the world population is now either hopeless and unemployed, stuck in the same household with people they don’t like, or getting fat from lack of movement and the free delivery takeaways — others have chosen to help the needy, pursue new fitness habits, or just generally try and adapt to a more sustainable way of life as a result of the crisis. 

Despite the ongoing uncertainty and pent up frustration from being cooped up against our free will, the widespread lockdown has had a different effect for many people, and acted more as a time of inspiration to get creative and reconnected — particularly for those who like music. 

According to the Rolling Stone, U.S. retailers have seen a considerable surge in sales for music making software, outboard gear, musical instruments, and other studio equipment like midi keyboards, drum machines and microphones in the past 3 weeks. 

Since the economic crisis was sparked in America in February, there have been over 13 million downloads of Garageband in that time. Ableton have also seen huge sales in their discounted 6-part online Live 10 Training Course, while Apple have extended their 90-day trial of Logic-X due to the trends between online users and music production-related searches. In addition, Waves are running a 40% discount on its entire plugin range when placing an order for $50 or more.

Music Stars Doing Their Bit

Big music names such as Travis Scott and John Williams have been making some heart-warming tributes to the doctors and nurses who’ve been helping to combat the virus so far, while other stars like Fiona Apple have begun releasing new albums and projects early to help raise money for health services, and keep certain clubs and venues alive. 

Artists like Paul Van Dyk and trance icon Ferry Corsten have been delivering audio visual live streams so fans can still enjoy their DJ sets from home. Considering thousands of musicians, bands, and singers have had all foreseeable tours cancelled, it’s great to see so many of them still engaging with fans and doing what they can to help. 

For those looking to explore other creative, musical hobbies to help you get through quarantine — such as learning to play an instrument or understanding music theory better — you can now also make use of several free online plugins, courses and apps, as well as live tutorials from the world’s top academies like London Music Masters. 

You can also find free masterclasses with iconic composers like the legendary Hans Zimmer, and get discounted violin lessons from famous Star Wars violinist, Harry Kerr.

Keep it Positive

It may be a long time before we’re out of the woods with this pandemic, particularly in the states. This is why it’s important to keep spreading positive messages during a time when the economy is at its most vulnerable. Urging us to make music with free education and online tools is a good way to do that, and one of the best ways to remind us all that life will continue beyond this crisis.

Different types of DJ equipment

DJ Headphoes

You can’t DJ properly if you can’t hear what you’re doing or gauge what the audience is hearing. This is why a top-class pair of headphones is essential in any DJ setup. There are hundreds of great headphones on the market, but what you need to factor in when buying is whether they will be in-ear or over-ear, the cup size, orientation, comfort, and durability, among other things.

Different types of DJ equipment

speakers

 If you haven’t got some already and need to add speakers to your shopping list, you’ll want to avoid cheap brands and opt for some which are powerful but suitable for your DJing environment. You wouldn’t go out and buy a huge PA system if you live in a cupboard under the stairs, and you wouldn’t invest in some tiny desk speakers if you are mixing in a large room with thick walls and high ceilings. A set of speakers that fit somewhere in the middle is best.

Different types of DJ equipment

DJ Software

If you’re looking to play solely digital, you’re going to want to invest in some good software. Some DJs who play from USB still do not use software, but the truth is, it can seriously help you stay organized. Software not only allows you to prepare your tracks into neat and tidy playlists, but it also detects the BPM and key of all your tunes, lets you set hot cues, make loops, mashups, and other really cool stuff that wouldn’t be possible if you simply stuck all your tunes on a USB stick or burned them to CD. If you’re just starting out as a DJ, there’s no question that using a high-quality software program will make mixing easier and your sets sound better.

Different types of DJ equipment

Controllers

 DJ controllers are highly convenient because they are an all-in-one setup that you can carry around with you, then plug in and play right off the bat. They also eliminate the need to spend thousands on individual pieces of gear. There are many different types of DJ controllers that are ideal for beginners, each with different functions, personalities, and more. Some are fantastic for multi-deck mixing, changing the volume, tempo, track settings, looping, panning, playing drum pads, and even scratching.

Different types of DJ equipment

mixers

For any analog DJ setup, a mixer is an essential bit of kit. Besides being used to make seamless transitions from one song to another, they also have a wide range of other functions. The crossfader can be used to make epic scratch performances, while the vertical sliders control the volume levels, panning, and can be used in conjunction with effects. They also act as a soundcard to process the music signal you’re sending out to your audience, and let you cue up your next track in your headphones while the current song is playing.

Different types of DJ equipment

Turntables

As mentioned, mixing on turntables is the classic way of DJing, and even some digital DJs still have a vinyl player or two in their repertoire. Turntables are ideal for those who want to get into scratching. They also allow you to switch between songs and albums, slow down tempos, alter the pitch, and do other creative tricks. While laptops and digital DJ setups are the most popular in this day in age, we still recommend learning how to mix on vinyl, even if you don’t plan to buy turntables or use them in your setup. The saying is true – if you can play on wax, you can play on anything.