Conversations with Missy: John Cowan
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There have been a lot of changes to the music industry due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. To put it mildly, Music City USA has basically shut the doors, leaving many artists without work. Thanks to social media, several artists have been able to maintain their ability to play music for fans via live stream platforms such as Facebook.
John Cowan (Doobie Brothers, New Grass Revival) recently held his first Facebook live stream event several months after the industry shut down. Watching him alongside a talented group of musicians perform live was a true blessing. It was definitely an exciting moment, to say the least. From the number of fans watching the performance to the wonderful comments they posted, Cowan's first live stream was a success.
After the live stream ended, I sat with Cowan to talk about his music and how his career has changed since the pandemic. Cowan shared the unpleasant truth that for the first time in his life, he has had to collect unemployment. What I think many of us did not realize when the country shut down was exactly how many people would truly suffer. The music industry was hit extremely hard, leaving fans distraught as they could no longer attend the concerts they had tickets for, and leaving virtually all musicians out of work as all shows were canceled. Thanks to technology, many artists were able to survive by performing acoustic shows on Facebook and receiving tips in a virtual tip jar, however, not all artists have had the same opportunities.
As we continued our conversation, Cowan also shared a fun story about meeting Gregory Porter as well as some exciting news that he would be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame with his fellow bandmates in New Grass Revival. This is definitely some much needed good news for a year that has left many artists feeling unsure about what to do next.
If you have not had a chance to watch Cowan's first Facebook live stream, please go to his Facebook page and watch it now. Remember to tip if you can, share it with your friends, and don't forget to stream his music and download it when possible. All of those things add up and make it possible for the artists to keep doing what they do best, play music for fans. ~Missy
About Missy Wolf
Co-Founder, Editor, Journalist & Vice President of the American Country Music AssociationFrom an early age I knew music and entertainment were in my blood. I have always been enamored with the idea of being in this industry, though I never wanted to be a front and center "Star". Taking the audience behind the scenes for up close conversations with the artists they love is where I want to be. Life in lyrics has always been my style, so as my favorite country artist Wade Hayes sings, I am living my life and chasing my dreams! Conducting interviews, meeting talented people and sharing stories and adventure are my passion. My new favorite hashtag is #iaskyouanswer, so stay tuned for more interviews, articles and adventures!
