The music industry has felt the negative effects of the pandemic like many others. Countless artists had to cancel scheduled performances and production stalled while debuts and new releases were delayed. However, this hasn’t stopped the industry from trudging forward. In fact, artists have pushed the boundaries of their creativity and compassion in this unique moment. Through their music, they have shared their very own experienience. Some serve as reminders to be disciplined in keeping others and yourself safe. Some have dedicated their profits to charity and donations for crises related to COVID–19. Certainly, we wouldn’t have been able to survive this pandemic without our delivery service and medical professionals. But music has always helped us cope during stressful times, and this is no exception. Here is a playlist of some diamonds in the rough that wouldn’t have been created without the painful and collective experience of this pandemic.
"Better Days" – OneRepublic
Ryan Tedder, OneRepublic’s main vocalist and talented songwriter, wrote the chorus to Better Days nine months prior to the pandemic. When he realized the seriousness of the virus after the LA lockdown, he finished the rest of the song in hopes that it would bring comfort to those who needed it. The chorus of the song repeatedly reminds us, “May we never shed another tear today / ‘Cause oh, I know there’ll be better days.” Until September 2020, some of the profits from the streaming of the song will be donated to MusiCare’s COVID–19 Relief Fund to aid the livelihoods of artists that had been affected by the pandemic. They have also dedicated funds to the WHO COVID–19 Solidarity Response Fund through their music video, a collection of footage from their fans showing acts of kindness from home and the efforts of frontline workers. This song shows OneRepublic standing in solidarity with those suffering and sending out encouragement to those who need it.
"s o c i a l d i s t a n c i n g" – Honne
In this short and sweet song with only two verses and an outro, Honne says, “While the world’s in quarantine / I will see you in my dreams / It’s a fucked up reality / But stay the hell away from me.” His short song is a powerful reminder to continue social distancing despite its many inconveniences.
"illicit affairs" – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s most recent album, Folklore, was an unplanned release that surprised many of her fans around the world. On her Instagram, she said, “In isolation, my imagination has run wild and this album is the result, a collection of songs and stories that flowed like a stream of consciousness.” With its mesmerizing tune and beautifully written lyrics, a song that I particularly enjoyed from the album was "illicit affairs." Actually, two other songs from the album, "betty" and "cardigan," tell the same story from other perspectives. The new album truly lives up to its name: a masterpiece of storytelling. It’s definitely one of the better things that has happened to us during this pandemic.
"Quarantine" – Paul Kim
Paul Kim is one of Korea’s most recognized singers. Reminiscing on what used to be his daily life, he mentions that he didn’t realize normalcy had the power to be missed. He says that his workout of the day is making Dalgona (whipped) coffee, one of TikTok’s most popular lockdown trends. A light–hearted and relatable song with a catchy tune, you don’t really need to be able to understand Korean in order to fall in love with the song. Here is a fun fact: Dalgona is a Korean street food made out of molten sugar and baking soda, and mixing instant coffee with sugar and milk actually brings out a really similar taste!
"Level of Concern" – twenty one pilots
The USB drive on the cover of their single signifies Tyler and Josh’s efforts to collaborate despite being socially distanced. Their partially home–made music video shows them mailing the drive back and forth to each other. Pushing past these challenges, they have successfully released a song that speaks of their worries concerning this pandemic, showing their fans that they are not alone. The chorus of the song is one that seeks for assurance and comfort, saying, “And you could bring down my level of concern / Just need you to tell we’re alright, tell me we’re okay.” Part of the profits from the single were donated to Crew Nation, supporting those affected in the live performance industry during the pandemic.
"You Are The Champions" – Queen (feat. Adam Lambert)
We’ve all heard "We Are the Champions" before. Long after Queen disbanded, the group still continues its legacy. Adam Lambert and the surviving members of Queen revamped the song by changing “we” to “you” in the second chorus, addressing to the first responders of COVID–19 and many of those continuing to push through many of the devastating changes that the virus has brought to our lives. Donations to the WHO COVID–19 Solidarity Response Fund are possible through a link next to their music video on YouTube.
"Six Feet Apart" – Alec Benjamin
Every phrase in this song really hits home because it describes the longing for normal human interaction beautifully and accurately. In his verses, Alec talks of his loneliness and challenges to his mental health, communicating to his audience that they are not alone. The part where he expresses how we become painfully aware of our reality when we’re as close as we can be during social distancing rings true: “So, I miss you most at six feet apart / When you’re right outside my window / But can’t ride inside my car.”
