Live Music Goes Viral

A Florida band makes it work while not working.

As the COVID-19 pandemic controls the airwaves and the minds of millions of Americans, one resilient community is coming together to bring a sense of normalcy amid the chaos: musicians. The live performance industry practically vanished overnight amid social distancing guidelines, the closure of performance spaces, and the cancellation of multiple music festivals. Many live industry workers are not predicting a pre- coronavirus atmosphere until 2022. But musicians, both big and small, are finding new ways to connect with their audiences. Josh Miles, 27, lead singer and guitarist for J. M. and the Sweets, is a Palm Beach, Florida–based musician who is not letting COVID-19 ruin his connection with his fans. Josh Miles, 2019 (Courtesy of Oliver J. Stewart) “I did two Facebook Live performances recently for relief efforts and they were fun and were thrown for a good reason, but I missed the connection I’d typically have with a live audience,” Miles said. The proceeds of one of the concerts went to help a local business pay their staff during the pandemic. “I think now more than ever smaller musicians have to stick together and really help each other out. Whether it’s doing live concerts online to reach people or finding a way to make new music together safely, I think it’s important that we keep making music because this will all be over one day, and we will go back to our gigs,” he said.

Miles describes his sound as an “eclectic blend of soul.” He draws inspiration from artists like D’Angelo and Prince, who well proceed any sound of the 2000s. Miles has been making music for the last seven years, and his band formed around the same time. Subscribers, click here to read the full magazine. Not a subscriber? Click here to become a Patriot member today and receive access to The American Spectator in print and online! Before COVID-19, Miles had regular weekly gigs at local bars and restaurants that were hot spots for a diverse crowd. On any given night Miles and his ban...