The pandemic has led us to lose a lot of things, but one of the hardest-hit areas has been the performing arts – especially live music. With the exception of a few carefully orchestrated covid-safe gigs, for over a year there have been scant opportunities to see musicians play live and enjoy the unique atmosphere that brings.
In Oxford, award-winning independent audio production company Upcycled Sounds has come up with a creative solution to bring live music back to the city, using an iconic landmark to film performances that will be released online over the next few months. As well as winning awards for their sound and video production, Upcycled Sound are also heavily involved in organising and promoting local and live music events, and since they are Oxford-born and bred (based in Cowley Road) it’s no surprise that they’ve created this unique event.
The Covered Market is a famous Oxford landmark, a rabbit warren of independent shops and cafes that feels like a Camden away from Camden – with some added quirkiness. The market itself was also adversely affected by the lockdown as a close-quarters indoor venue where social distancing is nigh on impossible. Pairing it with live music draws attention to two struggling arenas, and the variety of musicians featured – ranging from R&B to violin – reflects the eclectic nature of the Covered Market and Oxford as a city. The market’s atmospheric, church-like high roofs and clashing perspectives make for a visually fascinating filming venue, and Upcycled Sounds’ expert production will make these videos artistic in themselves.
Each video portrays one performance to be released monthly on YouTube, creating a programme that lasts into September and gives a platform to some exciting new artists. Hopefully, both live music and the Covered Market will be back up and running in earnest by then, but this truly unique programme of live music will be an interesting legacy of the pandemic era.
The first performance will go live at 1pm tomorrow on YouTube, and will feature spoken word artist Alabaster de Plume.
