This page will keep you up to date with events and gigs cancelled or moved in response to the pandemic, as well as venue closures, advice and useful links. 

IN times of darkness and uncertainty, music has always been a powerful and engaging artform, a source of comfort and familiarity when we most need it. As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds and an increasing number of cautionary measures are put in place to delay the spread of infection, it has become clear that the Scottish music industry will need our support more than ever.

With venues around the country coming to a sudden close and hundreds of shows being cancelled or postponed, the live music industry is undoubtedly going to be left in a perilous position. And while many of us are taking the appropriate measures to practice ‘social distancing’, it unfortunately means that venues, bars, promoters, sound engineers, musicians and other small businesses face weeks and potentially months of financial insecurity with very little government or insurance support.

Here at TENEMENT TV we are committed to supporting Scotland’s brilliant music scene – no matter what. Now is the time to engage with your local community, rally together and support those who need it.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can help artists and venues through these difficult times as well as some useful links and information for creatives affected by the outbreak in Scotland. We’ll also keep you updated with show cancellations and venue closures.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Make your voice heard.

A number of petitions are circling the internet in support of freelancers, the events industry and small businesses. Check them out below. 

Sign to include self-employed in statutory sick pay during Coronavirus HERE. 

Demand Boris Johnson issues a compulsory order to close to protect businesses during Emergency HERE. 

Sign for the government to offer economic assistance to the events industry during COVID-19 HERE. 

Buy music and merchandise. 

If you’ve been thinking about buying a band’s merchandise, vinyl, CDs or digital releases then now is the time to do it. Smaller artists will definitely be hit the hardest by cancelled gigs, festivals and subsequent loss of earnings. Check out artists’ official websites, socials and Bandcamp to make a purchase. Invest in music.

Stream your favourite artists 

Every little helps and getting those streaming numbers up is a good start. Over on our Spotify account, we’ve curated a massive TTV Scottish Music Scene Isolation Soundtrack. Featuring hundreds of tracks old and new, it’s the best place to discover your new favourite artist. Celebrate Scottish music and tune in here.

ADVICE AND USEFUL LINKS

We’ve put together some useful links and information on support for artists and creatives affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in Scotland.

Freelance

There are now more than five million self-employed people in the UK, accounting for over 15% of the workforce. While it is difficult to give detailed recommendations or to find accurate up-to-date information, we can flag this guide on Leapers which is full of practical details about keeping freelance work going while in a position of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources is a compilation of resources and websites that covers most areas of the creative industries (scroll down to International Resources (outside the United States) for the UK-relevant material)

IPSE, home for contractors and business professionals is also keeping an updated advice page. 

Creative Scotland

Importantly, Creative Scotland have announced that they will honour all funding awards that they have already made, whether or not the activity goes ahead or has to be cancelled. However, they are asking those creatives working on funded projects if they can explore the possibility of the projects being deferred for another year.

If you have a Creative Scotland application in for assessment, it’s being processed as normal. However they are currently communicating individually with applicants to make them aware that we will need to take current Scottish Government advice and guidelines around Covid-19 into account as part of the assessment of the financial and operational risks.

Find out more HERE. 

Help Musicians

Music charity Help Musicians have put together a guide offering advice to professional musicians and those working in the music industry. Check it out HERE. 

Scottish Enterprise

Those who are self-employed and who run small businesses have been encouraged to call a new helpline launched by Scottish Enterprise. They will be able to give specific advice those affected by COVID-19. The helpline will be open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm and the number is 0300 303 0660.

Musicians Union

Meanwhile, Musicians’ Union are offering regular email updates and information for musicians if you sign up HERE.

TTV is here to shine a light on great new music

If you would like to send TTV your new music to us, please get in touch at team@tenementtv.com.