The lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” come to mind when reading through MRC Data’s fourth COVID-19 survey results.
During the ongoing coronavirus crisis, an artist needs to start swimming or sink like a stone, as Dylan sang. A virtual concert might be a poor substitute for a live show, but fans are increasingly interested in watching them.
And while Congress has heeded the call to support the unemployed and out-of-work, artists must reach the fans who can still afford to buy merchandise.
The good news for record labels: Consumers’ uptake of subscription services looks to remain steady through the pandemic era and into more prosperous times.