As I’m sure you’re all aware, COVID-19 has been a huge hit for musicians.  I always figured I was pretty safe because I play with many different bands, including my own, and teach a few different groups.  By diversifying, I thought I was reasonably secure because if I happened to lose one gig it would only be a small part of my total income.  This is about the only thing that could take all that away in an instant, and it has done that for myself and countless other musicians.  Now in a time of crisis, self employed people like me are forced to worry not only about the spread of the disease itself – ourselves and the people around us getting sick – but also on a more immediate concern of how we’re going to pay our bills.  Luckily I’ve got some savings, but not knowing how long this will go on for, and how long it will take for music to bounce back when the disease is over, is the scary part.

If you’d like to support me during this time, you can buy a digital version of my recent live album “Alive & Loud” on BandCamp.  BandCamp is currently waiving their fees, allowing all revenue to go to the musicians who really need it.  This is a MUCH better way of supporting musicians in this time than streaming their music – each stream equals only a small fraction of a cent to the artist.  BandCamp allows me to sell my album for $7, and if you feel that you’d like to help me out more, you can pay what you want on top of that.. but no pressure! Every $7 helps!

Here is the BandCamp link:
https://nicklariviere.bandcamp.com/album/alive-and-loud

Thanks very much, I hope you’re all keeping safe and secure during this terrible time!
Nick