Interview: How Is The Coronavirus Outbreak Affecting The DIY Music Scene? We Speak to Australian Punks Glitoris and Tim Perry of The Windmill, Brixton

To begin with, our entire Slut Power Tour 2020 has been postponed. Luckily we got our first two Northern Territory shows in there. Needless to say it’s a lot of work to both book a tour and then un-book it, however it is what it is and theres not much anyone can do about it. Social isolation is being strongly recommended to contain the virus, so that’s what we’re doing. We really feel for all the venues, artists and everyone who has been put out of work and lost income due to the pandemic.

In the UK people were originally advised to avoid pubs, clubs and cinemas and these establishments have now been told to close.  What has the response been in Australia?

As of yesterday all ‘non-essential’ business services have been encouraged to close. This includes pubs and music venues (sad face!). Where’s the beer when you need one!

Has there been any support available to bands to help with the impact of these changes?

Funnily enough, the Government has offered zero support to musicians. That said, the PM did mention support to ‘sole traders’ put out of work. So that would depend on how you’re set up as an artist.

Have you been doing anything to keep in touch with fans that haven’t been able to attend live shows?

All the time! They have been extremely supportive in keeping their tickets and hanging at our bandcamp merch store. We really hope to do an online streamed concert, though even that is challenging as our drummer Scott lives interstate.

What can music fans do to support their favourite artists at this time?

If you’ve bought a ticket to a show, please hang onto it. Or donate it to someone. Sharing and purchasing music and merch is always appreciated and can really help artists 🙂

These are challenging and concerning times. Artists will struggle but are also resourceful creatures! Thank you to the Internet, we can stream concerts from our houses or wherever. Glitoris are going to take the opportunity to work on new material. The sense of community is palpable, we’re all here for each other and we will get through this. \*/

We also spoke with Tim Perry, booker at South London live music institution The Windmill, who have had to close their doors during the period of social distancing.