Lockdown diaries: Jake, musician usually on tour & performing concerts across Europe

It’s these small acts of kindness that help me survive as an artist, since my income evaporated due to the breakdown of the gig economy.

Jake was on tour in Germany and had just finished up his second of 50 concerts lined up across Europe. Now that’s all been canceled and he can’t book any new shows, not even for the winter months, because venues don’t know if they’ll ever open up again. The music industry and artists in general are suffering greatly, but there are a few (little) things we can do to help.

Jake Shane is a professional singer-songwriter and guitarist who makes his living performing concerts in Europe. He’s been living in Madrid for most of the last 7 years. You can check out Jake’s music on Bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. Songs, videos and social media links here. 

What was your life like just before the lockdown vs. today?

Much of my daily life is occupied by four main activities: writing songs, rehearsing them, booking concerts, and touring. I was on tour in Germany when I received news that Spain was going to shut down, having just finished the second of 50 shows I had planned for the first half of this year.

My remaining concerts for that and several subsequent tours were canceled. On top of that, I’m now finding that venues simply are not booking new concerts even for the winter months at the moment, because they don’t know if their business will ever open again. Fortunately, in Madrid I can still rehearse (sorry neighbors!) and write, at least now that I’ve adopted measures to help me make the most of this time at home (more on that below). 

How has the lockdown impacted your industry?

The music industry is suffering greatly, and artists are struggling to figure out how to monetize their music during this time when all touring is prohibited and most people already prefer Spotify to purchasing albums. In addition to streaming concerts online and giving lessons, artists are asking people to purchase our music digitally and setting up Patreon pages. Especially now, social media is king, and sharing artists’ music with your friends is an easy and free way to help. 

Have you noticed any acts of kindness or uplifting things recently?

I’ve had friends reach out to me and ask if they can help in any way which has been amazing. I’ve also made my online concerts donation-based with a link to a virtual tip jar and people from different parts of the world have been kind enough to contribute.

It’s these small acts of kindness that help me survive as an artist, since my income evaporated due to the breakdown of the gig economy. I hope touring will be permitted at some point this year but I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received during this tough time.

How are you coping?

I started not using the internet until 4pm! This one change sharpens my focus on writing, composing and reading, as well as reduces my stress levels and improves my mood dramatically. Usually I abide by a version of this rule, but found myself faltering during the first week and a half of the lockdown. I was glued to the screen, constantly checking for updates.

Waiting for the U.S. to suffer the same fate was like watching a ship sailing straight for Shipwreck Island and refusing to alter its course. I couldn’t concentrate on my work at all. So I returned to my tested method of limiting internet usage. I turn my phone and computer on airplane mode at night, which helps avoid taking a peek at messages in the morning. 

What goals are you hoping to achieve as our time in lockdown continues?

I’m working on new songs, deepening my knowledge of music theory, and figuring out how to make money with music from home. I’ve started giving songwriting and guitar lessons on Skype, and am trying to complete a certain number of instrumental songs before the lockdown is over.

What’s the first thing you’ll do once this lockdown is over?

Go camping. 

Have a listen to Jake’s April Song

Check out all Madrid lockdown diaries