It’s been 10 months since the beginning of the pandemic. In a year filled with uncertainty and adaptation, the pandemic has changed the music industry.. 

By, Megan Ebreo

A time of stagnancy has been putting strain on artists and it’s affecting their well-being and their craft. For Toronto-based DJ artist, singer-songwriter Martina Kiridzija, commonly known as DJ GIMMEMAR, it’s impacted her identity as a creative. After releasing a homemade music video for her recently debuted song, Diamond in Your BED, she questioned whether or not it was worth releasing given the current climate. 

“I thought to myself, ‘does anyone really care to see a video of me singing about a love song? The same question has been circulating in my head all year – what’s the point and what difference does it make? I feel like that’s an ongoing question a lot of artists have had this year,” she said. 

(gimmemar/ Instagram)

For others, this time has been a series of questions searching for answers. Toronto R&B artist Kassandra Nunes, also known as Joyia, has been filled with questions given the current state of the industry. “How is this going to affect the health of the music industry? For emerging artists, what will the landscape be like? Will there be money from labels to support us emerging artists?” she said.

While GIMMEMAR has been struggling with creative identity during this period of pause, she has learned to not get caught up in moments of sadness from everything happening; that applies to her music as well. When she is hit by those moments, she says she builds her library, makes music or applies for grants. 

Although she tries to plan ahead, she acknowledges that “it’s really hard right now. You have to catch things in the moment and embrace it for that time.” 

Artists are doing what they can to stay busy and maintain an income. For GIMMEMAR, work has been inconsistent since the pandemic hit.

She was able to land a couple gigs at The Cadillac Lounge in Parkdale during the summer, but that wasn’t enough financially for GIMMEMAR, so she took a job as a receptionist for more income.

(gimmemar/ Instagram)

“I haven’t had a “”job job”” in five years because I’ve been working for myself as a DJ. It’s a big shock to work for someone else and not doing my own thing,” she said.

Engaging with audiences has been an ongoing struggle and artists are relying on social media platforms to connect with their audiences, through Facebook, Instagram lives and Zoom Interviews. Toronto folk-indie-acoustic artist Shanika Maria, or ShnShn, has had to think about ways of reengaging audiences. The Black queer singer-songwriter’s latest album, Structura, has challenged her to utilize online platforms to the fullest and to focus on creating visually appealing content. 

“I released the album under a new name, ShnShn. I had to create a new Instagram, new Facebook. I had to figure out how to engage with audiences in a time where everyone is very fatigued by a lot of content,” Maria said. 

On a positive note, artists are using this time to refresh and revitalize through introspection. GIMMEMAR has been reflecting on her passion for music and her purpose in life. 

“I think there’s a positive to everything, even in the little shitty things that can be perceived as negative. I’ve been taking time to look within and dig deeper as to why I want to create music and share it with people and why I want to be seen and recognized for my art,” she said. 

Routines have also changed for music artists in the industry. While some have lost momentum, others have been using this time to thrive. Joyia has spent time in quarantine productively by refining her time management and songwriting skills, which she said “opened up this creative avenue” that she hadn’t been using to her greatest potential. 

“When you look at everything you want to do within the industry, you can’t just count on sporadic moments of creativity. You have to find a way to train your brain to be consistent,” she said.

(joyiasound/ Instagram)

Others are using this time to develop new musical skills, like Shanika Maria who has been taking up singing lessons. She’s proud to be honing her skills while also lifting up the community. “I think having those singing lessons and being able to support another member within the music community with money, while also focusing on my craft, is super important. I’ve found a space that’s allowed me to work on my craft while also creating community, even if it’s virtual,” she said.

(sh_n_sh_n_/ Instagram)

As the pandemic continues, creative industries and art help ease much uncertainty and anxiety we all feel right now. As artists inherently recognize, music fuels our souls and keeps us connected, especially during rough times like these. 

“I think this year people especially need music. We need films and art to take us either to an escape world from something we’re currently feeling or even just to maintain the highs and lows of our day to day lives,” said GIMMEMAR. 

We are all waiting for the day live shows and tours thrive again, but for now, let us support the music community and recognize the incredible impact their craft has on all of us.