Following the UK Government’s recently announced social distancing measures aimed at tackling the COVID-19 outbreak, the organisers of the UK’s Liverpool Sound City have taken the decision to postpone the 2020 event until September 25-27.
To help artists who have had to cancel live shows, Sound City will launch a special live streaming platform and program called Guest House.
Guest House is a weekly live stream launching on Thursday, April 2 at 6pm. Episodes will feature five acts, each with a 30-minute program broadcast from their own homes.
It is an opportunity for bands and artists to showcase their festival sets as well as entertain fans from their bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, back gardens or bedrooms.
Guest House will also provide a new revenue stream for acts, as well as giving fans opportunities to support their favourite artists financially in various ways.
The platform will carry an introductory £4.99 subscription price, with 50% of revenue being shared with artists at the end of every month.
Acts will also be able to offer merch, new music, and any other special products their fans might enjoy during their slot, keeping 100% of direct sales.
More information about Guest House will be announced in the coming weeks.
“The idea for Guest House came as a response to the awful situation we find ourselves in. We hope it will allow bands to maintain desperately needed income, as well as encouraging fans to get even closer to the artists they love and continue to support them where possible at this unprecedented moment in time.”
Becky Ayres, Sound City
Sound City MD Becky Ayres said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for people all over the world. It’s important that medical advice around social distancing is heeded in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“We have therefore taken the decision to move Sound City 2020 from its original May dates to September 25 – 27, when we hope the situation will have improved.”
Ayres added: “The idea for Guest House came as a response to the awful situation we find ourselves in. We hope it will allow bands to maintain desperately needed income, as well as encouraging fans to get even closer to the artists they love and continue to support them where possible at this unprecedented moment in time.” Music Business Worldwide
