The live music and performing industry was among the last to begin recovery after the first NSW COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 saw performances and concerts banned.
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Now, it is among the first to be affected by the current Greater Sydney lockdown and heavy regional NSW restrictions, with travel limitations and a 50 per cent seating capacity for venues and concerts in place.
Despite the COVID-19 induced turmoil across the industry, Central Western artists are looking to the positives.
Dubbo band Killing Time member Joel Kerr said opportunities for bands playing original music are limited at the best of times, and COVID-19 has only made it more difficult.
"We have only played twice this year but they were great shows and after last year the fragility of opportunities to perform is definitely not taken for granted," he said.
"In March we played at Dubbo's music festival Under Western Skies. For the event organisers this was a real gamble to put together after having to cancel the previous years event one week out, so we felt very lucky and privileged to all those who made that possible, and gave local bands like ours an opportunity to play alongside well known acts from around NSW."
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"Our last gig was just a few weeks prior to the most recent lock down so we were lucky with the timing there.
"We have a couple of shows lined up for October, but anything could happen. I have a day job and I appreciate there are many not as fortunate, so if my band misses out on performing it's not really something I should complain about. People's health comes first but also minimising the impact on livelihoods, if that means some short term sacrifices, I'm good with that.
I think during COVID-times the double standards have been well documented where large sporting events having been supported while our music events have been cancelled.
- Joel Kerr
"In recent years, even prior to COVID-19, I feel the arts really hasn't received the support and respect it deserves. The arts contribute significantly to the economy, but more than that, it is fundamental in a healthy community for all the values it brings with it.
"I think during COVID-times the double standards have been well documented where large sporting events having been supported while our music events have been cancelled.
"In Dubbo we have felt very supported by our local community groups. Organisation's like SOMAD (Songwriters and Original Musicians Dubbo), which is not for profit and driven by enthusiastic music loving creatives. They have helped with providing opportunities, like Under Western Skies, for bands like ours to have a platform for performing original music."
Kerr said one lesson he has taken from living life during a pandemic is to take nothing for granted, whether it is performing live music, being allowed to dance or to simply have a beer while standing.
"I look forward to our next gig, it's a real privilege to play music to people but the reality is it can be canceled at any moment to protect the community and I totally agree with that," he said.
Bathurst artist Dave Webb said the recent COVID-19 breakout in NSW had cost him 10 to 15 gigs already.
"The recent COVID breakouts have definitely taken a toll on my career," he said.
"I have lost 10-15 gigs so far this time around, and as a full time working musician and family man this makes it tough to get through each week financially. The few gigs that have managed to be on have been both good and difficult. People are frustrated with the restrictions and can sometimes make for an uncomfortable environment.
"However, I have been fortunate enough to have some fans come along and offer tremendous support, as well as make some new fans and friends. If the restrictions tighten, I think it will only make things harder. Even now venues are quiet and are beginning to look at what needs to happen."
Lockdown is hard on everyone, but I do feel like this mental health area has been completely overlooked...
- Dave Webb
Similarly, Webb says he has been lucky, describing the Central West as an amazing and supporting community.
"I feel like we as musicians find it harder to deal with the loss of income as the support for the arts isn't as easy to come by.
"I do think that the mental health of musicians should be another focused area for support. We are creatives and we don't thrive so well when we aren't being heard.
"Lockdown is hard on everyone, but I do feel like this mental health area has been completely overlooked.
"The last lockdown was the driver I needed. It sucked, but it did leave me with the mindset if this is life now, what is important. Because of this I am more passionate and driven than ever, and it helped me navigate my career in new and exciting ways. This time I am trying to harness that same positive energy."
It's a similar story for Orange artist Darren Smith. Even though the seven-day lockdown for Orange finished on Tuesday, it still resulted in him losing an upcoming gig due to the uncertainty of extensions and the possibility of new rules.
"I am fortunate to have a role in an "essential service" in health care so I am lucky I don't have to rely on gigs to survive," he said. "I have however had at least two cancelled gigs over the last three weeks."
Smith said he's not sure restrictions can get any tighter than they already are.
"I have come to the conclusion that you have to be prepared for any eventuality. Whether it be last minute cancellations or playing in a bubble in a full bio suit, you have to adapt and overcome.
"I feel performers, venues and all the other associated staff like sound engineers, technicians and humble roadies have been missed by all the support packages.
I am fortunate to have another source of income, so I hope that performers that need it are seeking the support they need
- Darren Smith
"Again, I am fortunate to have another source of income, so I hope that performers that need it are seeking the support they need. There are organisations such as MusicNSW in the Central West catching up with appropriate support."
Smith said his biggest tip is to use the 'down time' wisely and positively.
"Write some new original material, delve into the world to home recording and up-skill into video editing. Release a lockdown CD. Avoid falling into a negative mindset," he said.
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