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Violent Soho,
Amyl and the Sniffers,
Hatchie & more
reflect on the impact of
COVID-19
on the music industry

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Joji and Charlie Collins // Photo credit Jess Gleeson

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As a part of the ABC’s Australia Talks project, Double J spoke to Australian musicians and behind-the-scenes music industry workers about the impact of COVID-19 on their livelihoods.

Artists like Hatchie, Amyl and the Sniffers, Violent Soho, Charlie Collins and more have shared their stories on what life looks like for them, what they’ve lost, and how much. While industry workers – like booking agents, artist managers, and production companies – weigh in on whether enough is being done to support them.

“It’s changed our lives immeasurably,” artist Tracy McNeil says.

“I [had] just signed to a label, just got that backing and support, and it was like all systems go. I finally stepped off the platform, letting go of the day job and the safety net. And then: boom. It’s gone.”

While the pandemic has disrupted every part of life, it has hit particularly hard for people whose income – not to mention mental wellbeing and sense of self — is tied directly to live music, an activity all but extinguished during most of 2020 and with every new lockdown. 

The financial losses are significant and the mental health impacts are ongoing, as the industry grieves over what has been lost.

Head to the Double J website to read their stories.

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Listen to Double J via the triple j app, digital radio, on Channel 200 on your digital TV and online at doublej.net.au

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