Almost every profession felt a deep impact from the lockdowns over the past 12 months, and one of the most affected is the music industry. A few lucky venues are holding on for the possibility of low capacity shows while some of the most beloved spots may never open their doors again. Artists unable to tour not only hurt the band (and supporting acts as well) but the crews as there were no more stages and lights to set up and take down. This is where “For The Crew” comes in – a fundraising streaming event on Saturday, March 6th to help raise money and awareness to try help out some of those crews during this time.
We caught up with Katie Cole, country singer/songwriter + touring musician with The Smashing Pumpkins, to talk about how the pandemic has affected her as an artist, her involvement with “For The Crew,” and what’s to come for Katie in 2021.
CN: With 2020 in the rearview mirror, and despite all the obstacles of the pandemic, how did the year finish up for you as an artist?
KC: I didn’t realize what an exceptional year I had until I started to create a “highlights” type post for social media last December. Then I was like …”whoa.” I played a few shows, hosted ten “Stage It” monthly themed concerts online, played a couple of online festivals, released a few singles and two pro videos for my music. I did social media takeover/concerts for several brand accounts like Sennheiser, Yamaha…and of course The Country Note! Hmm what else. Oh yeah, there’s a band called The Smashing Pumpkins that I normally tour with. They released a 20-track album that I not only sang on but helped with the BGV arrangements. I played a virtual show with TSP on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon!!!! All in all, it was a really productive year despite all the obstacles that 2020 threw at me (and everyone else). I took the approach to sit back and plan my moves with more caution and intention and tried to adapt when I needed to.
CN: To help out road crews with their financial losses due to COVID-19, the fundraising virtual concert “For The Crew” is set for Saturday, March 6 at 7pm ET. This is such a great idea to help out those who are the trunk of the tree of the music industry – for without them there is no live music. Can you tell us a little bit more about this streaming concert? How did this idea come about?
KC: My first call with organizer, Tommy Marz, was so great. He explained the concept of raising money for the crew. Many artists and musicians have the ‘luxury/ability/opportunity’ to pivot into other fields. Many of us have been forced to. But crews often work and live for touring. This is one industry that demands excellence and a team. Crews often jump from tour to tour and so on. Without touring, I can’t imagine how difficult this has been. So, I’m glad to be able to help out.
CN: Proceeds from tickets purchased will go to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which has financially helped members of the music industry with food, clothing, lodging, medical and other expenses that have come to a head due to sickness or loss of work. But their funds are fueled by donations, and this event could really help out a lot.
KC: Really great charity. Most people don’t realize that more than half of musicians in general are without health insurance. So when something happens medically or physically, there is literally no cushion or safety net. Sweet Relief allows those in the musician industry to request assistance when these situations arise. 2020 was a complete black hole for musicians and road crew and the pandemic is still preventing the majority of touring from happening globally. Money is needed now more than ever to help those in this industry.
CN: How did you get involved?
KC: I was brought in as the last artist on the bill. Jeff Schroeder from The Smashing Pumpkins invited me to take part and of course… I was like “yes, yes, I’m in!”.
CN: Any behind the scenes tidbits for the event that you can share?
KC: I may have a performance that I share with another person on the bill. I’ll give you a hint. His name starts with Jeff and ends in Schroeder.
CN: Will you be performing any of your original songs?
KC: Yes, mostly original material and one cover.
CN: What do you have coming up for 2021?
KC: I have a new single coming out March 5th called “I’m Gonna Love You.” I’m very excited about it. I’ve also been in the studio recording more music. I have another “Stage It” show slated for March 13th. I also just received news that I am an official artist showcasing for SXSW 2021 with thanks to Yamaha Guitars and Bluegrass Situation who are hosting my showcase. It’s so strange that I have a lot happening when I’m not touring. I really can’t wait to get out there again. But in the meantime, it’s great to be involved in events like this one coming up on March 6th supporting those who haven’t been as fortunate.
“For The Crew” is partnered with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and presented by NoCap.
To purchase tickets to “For The Crew” click here.
Pre-Save “I’m Gonna Love You” here.
For tickets to Katie Cole’s StageIt shows, click here.
For more information on Katie Cole, please visit her website at katiecoleofficial.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.