As concerns about COVID-19 grow, London-based live music broadcasting platform Boiler Room has cancelled 40 of its upcoming events from now through summer. To keep audiences entertained while its famed dance parties are on hiatus, the music platform has revealed plans for a new live series that will see artists and DJs broadcasting from inside their homes.
In an effort to keep the music flowing, BR will launch the broadcast as a "way to remain connected while apart." While the shows will be viewable free of charge, organizers have set up an option to donate to a weekly-featured charity, suggesting viewers give "what you might spend on a night out."
In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, Boiler Room issued the following statement about the new service, launching later this week:
Amid the pandemic, our number one priority is protecting our artists and audiences as well as all the BTS crew, from sound engineers to door staff from camera operators to security.⠀
As a result, we are postponing or cancelling over 40 upcoming shows between now and the summer. This includes our first-ever festival in Johannesburg which will be rescheduled for later in the year. We will reevaluate the situation as it unfolds.⠀
This week, Boiler Room will launch a new live series under lockdown and isolation. These broadcasts will stream from artists' homes and private spaces, direct to our audience and without the need for interaction with production teams — as we practice social distancing to remove risk from our programming.⠀ ⠀
Alongside a programme of re-ups from our archives, these transmissions are a way to remain connected while apart.⠀ ⠀
Each show will give you the option to donate. This week, funds raised are going to Global FoodBanking Network, whose global work providing emergency food and support to people locked in poverty is crucial at this time. Next week, funds will go to a different charity; feel free to send us suggestions in the chatroom, where we will also be sharing other causes to support.⠀ ⠀
Please give if you can afford to — for example, what you might spend on a night out. ⠀ ⠀
Coronavirus has exposed the fragility of underground and independent music. Artists, labels, record shops, festivals and other creative small businesses are at great threat. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to support each other and the most vulnerable around us.⠀
So far, the platform has not announced which artists will be involved with the project. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.
See Boiler Room's announcement below.
In an effort to keep the music flowing, BR will launch the broadcast as a "way to remain connected while apart." While the shows will be viewable free of charge, organizers have set up an option to donate to a weekly-featured charity, suggesting viewers give "what you might spend on a night out."
In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, Boiler Room issued the following statement about the new service, launching later this week:
Amid the pandemic, our number one priority is protecting our artists and audiences as well as all the BTS crew, from sound engineers to door staff from camera operators to security.⠀
As a result, we are postponing or cancelling over 40 upcoming shows between now and the summer. This includes our first-ever festival in Johannesburg which will be rescheduled for later in the year. We will reevaluate the situation as it unfolds.⠀
This week, Boiler Room will launch a new live series under lockdown and isolation. These broadcasts will stream from artists' homes and private spaces, direct to our audience and without the need for interaction with production teams — as we practice social distancing to remove risk from our programming.⠀ ⠀
Alongside a programme of re-ups from our archives, these transmissions are a way to remain connected while apart.⠀ ⠀
Each show will give you the option to donate. This week, funds raised are going to Global FoodBanking Network, whose global work providing emergency food and support to people locked in poverty is crucial at this time. Next week, funds will go to a different charity; feel free to send us suggestions in the chatroom, where we will also be sharing other causes to support.⠀ ⠀
Please give if you can afford to — for example, what you might spend on a night out. ⠀ ⠀
Coronavirus has exposed the fragility of underground and independent music. Artists, labels, record shops, festivals and other creative small businesses are at great threat. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to support each other and the most vulnerable around us.⠀
So far, the platform has not announced which artists will be involved with the project. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.
See Boiler Room's announcement below.
