Learning To Play The Pandemic: Sound Vérité

In September Sound Vérité started an in person event called Things Fall Apart hosted at the ice house. The event was held on monday for three weeks, each week having a different group of artists.

The labels manager Jon Jon Scott was nervous at first to book any in person shows with all the risks involved. Once he saw a show done by one of his artists MMYYKK he saw a new opportunity. “I realised it was very manageable and definitely something I could do.” He Said .

MMYYKK was able to put on another show (MMYYKK MOODS) at Icehouse for his birthday. “It was different, but overall I think it went well, I miss it and I would definitely do it again.” MMYYKK said.

Things Fall Apart was up to both the audience and the Venue to make it a safe place to have a show. Masks were required at the event and Icehouse positioned tables outside to accommodate social distancing. ”I felt that the audience understood the situation, and the Icehouse did an amazing job with setting up tables and social distancing in a very organized way,” He Said .

The venue in particular has done a great job at being able to host a show, having everyone socially distant while still being able to have fun. “Icehouse really led the way throughout the summer , late until the fall, being one of the only places in town doing live shows, with audiences.” He Said .

Every artist that was going to play during things fall apart had already performed at other show during the pandemic so there weren't too many challenges there. “The only real concern was the weather since it was all outside.” He Said .

one Artidt from Sound Vérité, Lady Midnight thought the evernt went really had and was really run. she only faceed one real challenge dealing with equipment. a little tricky cause I have a band and we had to bring some of our own monitors, sounds was good for us that night though." She said.

One of the challenges that MMYYKK faced was with equipment. “We had to be careful not to share mic’s or to sanitize mics after use.” MMYYKK said. Along with equipment there was also a challenge with capacity. “some folks who paid to get in weren’t able to get a table because it filled up so quickly. But they were fine with sitting on the rocks or standing in the back.” MMYYKK Said.

Along with running Sound Vérité Jon Jon has also been a radio Dj for KFAI since 2018. Jon Jon describes the show as “a place where jazz, soul, reggae, hip-hop, local, world music & beats culture exist together.” He Said . Since the pandemic started Jon Jon has seen an increase in listeners.

Musicians have been one of the most impacted groups by the pandemic. With this, people are paying more attention to who is playing the pandemic and keeping the career alive “I have seen an increased attention to the artists who played, many getting spins at The Current, Radio K, KFAI & Jazz 88.FM.” He Said .

While Jon Jon and his artists were able to put on a in person show a lot of artists have had to move to virtual shows, Jon Jon is optimistic for what the futures hold for artists and their craft. “Virtual performances allow and force the artist to be creative in ways we’ve never seen, that will continue after COVID.”