The pandemic has disrupted many industries, perhaps none as severely as live music.
International restrictions on travel and gatherings meant this year was mostly a write-off for live concerts and festivals.
Despite New Brunswick’s relatively successful pandemic response, the province was still subject to attendance restrictions and in-person distancing that prevented many venues and promoters from planning concerts.
Corey Bonnevie runs Monopolized Records in Saint John. He says the lack of social interaction had a deep impact on musicians.
“You’re not meeting new people. That’s a whole year or two that you’re not meeting new artists or new bands from outside of the province,” he said. “That’s a big reason to get involved in music.”