Not a shocking headline but worth just looking into how hard a hit live music is going to take in 2020 while streaming continues to chug along.
Layoffs are certain terrible to see, but considering over 110,000 people have died of Covid-19 in the United States, I cannot be shocked at the rescheduling of Coachella. Either way, after seeing how mutual aid groups are able to supply PPE, snacks, and water for folks going on these protests in New York City, I’ll expect the same level of preparedness of any music festival in 2021.
The only really interesting thing about this trend is that it took till right now for it to really take off. Certainly, Drake was helping pioneer this a few years back with his overly bloated albums but now that “Deluxe Edition” doesn’t mean anything but taking on additional b-sides, why not!
Michael Roberts’ continued assessment of this moment of crisis is that, unfortunately, we’re likely to be stuck in this gradual decline that is masked by rhetoric of a “reopened economy” and endless rising stock prices. If the world around continues to feel like it’s falling apart while those in power tell you it’s great, trust your gut.
Certainly, I can’t find any positive value in knowing that Len Blavatnik is only going to become richer off of this deal…yet I appreciate Tim’s rather brief summary of other major record label purchases. Helpful to see that.
I’ve been out protesting in New York City for over a week and this so far is the best articulation of what was happening in the streets. Personally, I’d like to write out my own account of these protests…but let me first catch up on a bit of sleep.