The music industry has been heavily disturbed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but all the events and concert can be restarted thanks to the solutions found by the event organizers, bands, artist or record labels.
Today we are talking about this subject with Andra Rotariu (Management & Booking, Project Manager) from SWANBOY MUSIC, one of the most promising Romanian record labels at the moment. She is also the manager of Ana Coman, Alexu and The Voices Inside and :Umbra.
Few days ago, SWANBOY MUSIC also began a new amazing initiative called ‘Ruta A5’. More details can be found here.
How can you describe the changes generated by the pandemic in SWANBOY’s activity?
The pandemic, especially the lockdown, was like a very sudden break for us. We had started the project at a fairly fast pace and somehow we had prepared our ground for a rather productive year in terms of releases and concerts. Once in a while I look at our retrospective post from the end of 2019 and, knowing how enthusiastically I had written it considering the plans for this year, I laughed.
What daily work activity did you miss the most during quarantine?
I could not say that we lacked a daily activity, but rather the trips for concerts. Even though most of us are tired of our country roads, when we couldn’t do them anymore, we really missed them because it’s kind of nice to spend so much time with the whole crew on the road.
It is said there are always good parts. What was the plus\were the pluses from this period without concerts?
Given that we started quite well with this project, it is normal to miss a few details along the way. The fact that we took this forced break determined us to be more careful, to work on our internal shortcomings and most importantly I think it brought us closer to the bands, and a close relationship between a band and crew can only lead to better results.
How does it feel to return to some normalcy?
Initially we couldn’t believe it when we had the first post-lockdown concert. It was unreal. But gradually I realised that in this period and the next it will be even harder than before for small\medium bands to still receive that vote of confidence from an venue and to give them a stage to try to give their best to be discovered. Even more, even the public is more skeptical of going out to an unknown concert. I don’t think the brunt is over, but at least interesting times await us.
You have released ”Ruta A5”, a new and ambitious project in the given conditions. Where did this idea come from?
The idea started precisely from the fact that we have band still in development that have new materials to release from spring and theoretically had nowhere to go. Releasing tracks\albums strictly online for a small band I don’t see how it could work if there isn’t a well-defined fan base. In a telephonic conversation with Alin Stefanescu (W3 4R3 NUM83R5) we somehow came up with the idea. On the principle where there are many the power increases and having the advantage that we have bands scattered around the country, we were able to start this project in which we adapt the tour paradigm for this strange period. The bands perform a local concert that will be broadcasted nationally via livestream. Here we really have to thank those from Expirat, Acaju, Faber and L’Autre Cafe for their trust.
The complete ”Ruta A5” program is:
30.08.2020 • Fine, It’s Pink • Acaju, Iasi
06.09.2020 • Kings Are Overrated • Faber.community, Timisoara
13.09.2020 • BlueVelvet • L’Autre Café, Cluj
20.09.2020 • Black Water & Sea Section • Expirat, Bucuresti
What can we expect from SWANBOY and the record label artists this fall?
Sincerely, adaptation to the given conditions. If before we had the plan made a few months before, now the situation is much more unstable. We can promise that it’s not in vain. 🙂
SWANBOY Spring Case was no longer held for obvious reasons. Should we expect a rescheduling?
We will do our best, but we can’t say a definite period for rescheduling now.
There are information about the fact that indoor concerts could resume on September 15. How do you see this?
We aren’t enthusiastic yet. It’s still hot outside, concerts can still be held on terraces, and no plan can be made without the new norm of events ahead. We are happy about this because we have been calmed of the fear of ”when the cold times come, what do we do?” but we are waiting for clearer information so that we can organize the events as responsibly as possible.
From your point of view, how were the restrictions, regarding the events, caused by the epidemic in our country managed?
At first, we could understand the restrictions, but they got a rather discriminatory nuance in our ”bubble” of artists and venues that only made our lives increasingly difficult in an unjustified way. I only saw events organised responsibly and I thought it was stupid that instead of implementing the laws given in problematic locations ( we all saw what happened in the ”VIP” clubs by the sea), the restrictions were tightened for the same ”suckers” who respected them anyway in locations that were not epidemiologically problematic.
There are still music lovers who are afraid to come to concerts. What message do you have for them?
Guys, we’re safe. I understand fear and dread, but we really take every step to keep you and us safe. Venues are responsible and strict for your safety, and as for us and the artists, let’s take it differently. Do you think that we do not take care of ourselves and for us? We try to make a living from this and if any member of a band\agency becomes infected, all events are off. We aren’t playing with this.
Do you have a message for the entire music industry in Romania after this period?
It will get better. Eventually. Hopefully.
For the latest news about SWANBOY MUSIC’s events, check them out on:
Interview by Radu Mihai
Interview translated by Laura Lucaci
Photo credits: SWANBOY MUSIC and Albert Dobrin
Rock Monsters Romania 
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