In these extraordinary and uncertain times of COVID-19, with venues closed and live performance at a halt, NiteLife Exchange is reaching out and covering the effect the crisis is having on performing artists.
Singer, saxophonist and songwriter Danny Bacher, who the New York Times also identified as a “Musical Preservationist,” also has deep roots in theater. His dynamic performances have storytelling as their common thread and the message is always largely optimistic. Bacher has appeared internationally and in New York at Birdland, The Town Hall, The Blue Note, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center and more. has toured internationally. He’s released two CDs to date, Swing That Music (2016) and the recent Still Happy. He’s the recipient of the 2019 American Songbook Association Margaret Whiting Award honoring excellence and future potential in cabaret and live performance.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) asks Danny Bacher (DB) Six Questions:
NLE: Having gigs suddenly disappear is a dire circumstance for performing artists, especially musicians. What was your gut reaction to this reality? How have you adjusted to the new normal in that respect?
DB: I think, like most artists living in a gig-economy, the initial response is to panic, but obviously, that doesn’t help anything. Of course, it hurts us all, but I feel that the harder part is really the uncertainty of when things will return to some sense of normalcy. I already have done what I can to salvage some my larger scale events in April, and have had a lot of luck moving certain performances to later dates. The good thing is, people understand what we’re all going through right now, and are even more willing than usual to work with us musicians on looking for future dates to reschedule lost shows. I know it’s not a complete fix for immediate lost wages, but it certainly falls in the, “better late, than never” category.
NLE: Loss of income hits performing artists hard. What’s your advice to others in this position to make up for the deficit or at least cope with it?
DB: I suppose I sort of started to answer that in the previous statement, but I think, in addition to moving shows around, if possible, it’s also a really good idea to take this unprecedented time to keep in touch with our lists of fans and reach out to folks in doing what we performers do best…entertaining people. Right now we have this amazing opportunity of a captive audience! If we, as a human race are all sequestered in our homes, I feel it’s one of the best things to do. Share your gifts with people who need their spirits lifted. God knows, they’re not getting it from all the insane news right now. So…why not pay it forward! Spread some musical joy!
NLE: How do you spend your time now that touring and other performance opportunities are suspended?
DB: One of the positive twists that I have made from this situation, is that there is always so much one can do and so many creative projects to work on, that I really haven’t had time to get bored. Everyday I wake up with a list of little goals for myself. Sometimes I’m really motivated and get right up and started on these goals and projects, and some days it’s a little harder to get motivated. Either way, I think it’s these creative projects that are really helping me get through the monotony of the situation. I also recommend laughing as much as possible. We’ve been having a Mel Brooks movie marathon here. That certainly helps.
NLE: How much can music help folks get through the necessity to isolate? What specific music can help the most?
DB: I don’t think we realize how important music really is to peoples daily lives. It’s such a crucial part of everyone’s existence. And now, more than ever, people are turning to music for a sense of safety, familiarity, and comfort. I think that any kind of music that is coming from an authentic place is the most helpful. I’m not sure which genre of music is best. I feel that’s totally suggestive. For some it may be Charlie Parker, for someone else it may be Led Zeppelin, and for someone else it could be house music (sorry, I don’t know names of any house musicians).
NLE: What’s the knack for keeping optimistic and spirits up?
DB: Keep busy. Do things that make you happy. Grow a beard! Reach out to people you know and love. I can’t say how great that feels. Everyday I reach out to two or three friends or family members that I know are going it alone right now. I’m lucky to be stuck at home with my wife and my cat, but there are many folks that are in total isolation. I figured that has got to be tough, however, I’m surprised at how many people are getting by and making the best of things, but I know they certainly appreciate the check-ins. There is actually a surprising amount of folks staying upbeat. I think staying connected really does help. (Have I already mentioned having a Mel Brooks movie marathon?
NLE: How are you planning for your future? For the time when the crisis is over?
DB: I think it’s best to continue trying to book shows for future dates and continue to stay motivated all while keeping in mind that we’ll all get through this. When it’s over, it’ll have been something that we’ve shared on a global level together. I feel people will be very eager to return to a sense of normalcy after this. No one knows quite when it will end, but it WILL end, and then we’ll be able to get back to what we love doing and making a living at it, and hopefully sooner than later. In the meanwhile, let’s take stock and comfort in the fact that we, as a human race, although things feel very grim right now, we’re not witnessing the end of the world, but rather an instance of global solidarity and love for our fellow humans, and that is a beautiful feeling, indeed! And now… back to Mel Brooks!
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