Wolfstorm

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I recently spoke to Nia John, the lead singer of the South Wales rock cover band Wolf Storm. She explains what it was like being in a band through the pandemic, how music will change when concerts are allowed again, and venues prioritising "bigger" artists.

"When live music is allowed again, I think live music will change depending on the venues, and what government restrictions are in place. It will also affect how many people can go to a concert at one time, and the prices will be different too"

I asked Nia how she was affected as a music artist by the pandemic and her response was "We had to stop gigging. The band couldn't meet up to rehearse and we were quite uncertain about our future as a band when we lost two members. However, we adapted to meeting and rehearsing online"

"I think a lot will change when live music starts back up again, there will be more outdoor concerts to start but I think when everyone is vaccinated indoor concerts will be considered again"

"At the moment we only have three gigs booked from three venues who are excited to have us play when they are allowed. Venues have been good with communication and public social media posts. We messaged a few, some respond and some don't, but in all fairness they don't know when live music can recommence or what they can facilitate until it comes from the government"

The last question I asked Nia was her opinion on venues prioritising "Bigger" artists when live music is allowed.
"If it opens up doors for the rest of us and live music as a whole then great. However, in terms of cover bands on the South Wales circuit, there should be fair opportunities for all. I think that the public will struggle to afford the "bigger" artists concerts as I think prices will be more expensive so the venues can become stable again"

It was great speaking to Nia, and I can't wait to see Wolf Storm perform live!

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The Rotanas

The Rotanas are a gritpop group from Cardiff, South Wales. Much like many other music artists the pandemic has affected them in both positive and negative ways.

"We hugely benefited because it's given us a chance to slow down and write new material which we really needed. We needed time to discover ourselves and mature musically and the pandemic has given us time to do so.

"Hopefully attendance will go up across the board for bands at a grassroots level and not just for the first week that gigs are allowed back but at a sustained level for years to come. Going to gigs is really good for you too, so it's a no brainer!

I think gigs will be really emotional. Hopefully the industry as whole profits from people's newfound love and appreciation for the return of artists to techies to roadies to photographers"
Many artists have found it quite difficult to book gigs, especially as venues will look to prioritise the "bigger" acts and try to make their profits back.

"Not as such for us no because I think we had stuff that's carried over, but I can appreciate that it must be very difficult for bands just starting out because everything's getting rescheduled. If any bands that have started out during the pandemic and are finding it hard, drop us a message and we might be able to get some bands on support.

"The jealousy of seeing some bands get priority I think is firepower that should be used for good. Use that emotion to your advantage and punch above your weight. That's what we have always done"

Foxxglove

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Foxxglove is a singer/songwriter from Wales. She spoke to me about her experience as a music artist throughout the Pandemic and how she has been able to book gigs for when concerts are allowed to go ahead again.

"Like everyone else, the Pandemic had quite a negative impact on me as an artist. Before I was gigging at least once or twice a month which is the main source of income for many DIY artists like myself, playing gigs is one of the most effective ways of earning money and meeting new people in the industry and getting new fans.

I had to adjust being online more and making the best out of social media to help reach new people and create content that would keep people engaged.

I've learnt a lot from it all though and I think a lot of us adjusted quite quickly to this new way of living and there's been lots of support.

"I think the main thing will probably be the fact that it will still be sitting down and less people in the venues, at least for a little while. But overall, I think it's going to be so good and I can't wait to get back to it"
Throughout the pandemic many artists have found it difficult to book gigs due to the uncertainty and restrictions that has been put on concerts.

"I applied for a couple of festivals, one for which I'll be performing at in October if it can go ahead.

I haven't tried too much though as I just assumed that gigs weren't allowed to happen with the restrictions. I have been asked to play gigs though, some have been online and pre-recorded and others are for when venues are open again and gigs are able to go ahead"