THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSIC
The journey of a new and upcoming musician is not easy, this difficulty is magnified when the artist is of a younger generation. This is partly because of their supposed lack of experience. I get it – younger artists haven’t been in the industry as long due to their age so they’re less experienced as some older artists, but how are they meant to gain experience when it’s tricky in most places to get booked? The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t helped in making their journey as a musician any easier either.
We can all agree that coronavirus has thrown many spanners into the works of our lives. Granted, some more than others. Despite this we have adapted and are overcoming the difficulties that are thrown our way – a perfect example of this would be with the music industry. Despite the money loss that unfortunately fell upon venues and musicians alike, most found a way to overcome this. Virtual shows and festivals that began to pop up were wholeheartedly supported by fans and regulars, acting as an example of this adapting. Although, there is no doubt in my mind that nothing beats the real thing and the thrill of live music that we’ve come to miss. I hope we will all be back at our favourite venues with our favourite artists soon. But until then, musicians and artists have had and are having it hard, young ones especially.
They are our next generation of entertainers and a lot of them are giving up or their talents are being undiscovered due to the challenges. I interviewed Ellie Stainsby who is finding her footing in the music industry to see how much the pandemic, and her age especially, have impacted her music.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your relation to the music industry?
My name is Ellie Stainsby-Grenville and I’m 16. I’ve been singing for about 6 years and been doing gigs for around three at places like the Royal Concert Hall, the Albert Hall, The Playhouse, and various other smaller venues
What made you start making and performing music?
I started with piano lessons at the age of 7, and my teacher encouraged me to try singing with it. I really enjoyed it so I carried on and ended up prioritising that over my piano. A couple years later, I started writing songs with my friend and that developed into me writing my own songs now!
How has your age impacted you in the music industry, if at all?
People view you differently when you’re a young performer, which definitely affects development in that field. You’re much less likely to be paid or promoted due to them thinking you lack experience even if that’s not true.
Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your music? How?
Not having gigs has been very weird, but it’s given me more time to concentrate on writing and producing my own music. I’ve also been doing online masterclasses with other musicians which has been quite inspiring, along with some livestreams to keep my hand in.
How do you think Covid-19 will affect the music industry and yourself in the future, particularly later generations?
I feel like people will appreciate artists and live music much more. As a musician, I feel like I’ll be able to write songs that represent me as a person better and help to express my ideals.
Listen to Ellie Stainsby on Soundcloud here and keep up with her on Insta, and FB.
Interview by Jazz Greener
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