Austin News

A front man for a longtime local band was set to have his best year ever, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, creating staggering losses for him and Austin's music industry.

Kevin Russell, front man for the famed band Shinyribs, told the Austin News by email that all businesses connected to the music industry have been affected.

"I was set to have my highest grossing year ever," Russell said. "The losses are financially devastating to me and the group of musicians and music professionals I employ to help me run my enterprise. Musicians, venues, managers, booking agents, sound engineers, accountants, lawyers, rehearsal studios, recording studios, bar staff and all of the businesses that rely on a thriving live music culture are threatened by the inability to conduct business as usual."

Russell said that without financial investment to the industry, the damage will be significant.

"Without a significant investment from the public sector, we will witness a mass extinction event of our world-famous live music culture--both here and in the state of Texas," he said. 

Austin already has seen losses of local businesses and music venues. Russell said this is more than lost tax revenue but a loss of community and culture.

"I am sorry for those we have lost," he said. "With each one is the loss of untapped potential and talent. Music venues are more than just businesses that generate tax revenue. Each one represents a community, a culture and a sense of belonging for those who frequent it. They are literally foundations of our collective identity as a city. With each one that disappears we lose intangible bonds that come from the gatherings themselves."

He likened the music venues to churches, and said, "These are like secular churches where sacraments of song and dance happen. Where joy is shared and cares are cast away. Where stories are tossed around. Souls are lost and found. Where mating rituals, fellowship and communal faith are redeemed on a nightly basis. It cannot be overstated how much this will alter the health, happiness and connective spiritual tissue of our town."

Russell believes Austin Mayor Steve Adler and city council have talked about the importance of the music scene to Austin but have not yet stepped up to the plate with a plan to save the industry. 

"So far they haven’t done enough," Russell said. "Venues are hurting. They have made clear that they need the help. There should be a comprehensive plan to save the soul of our city."

With Austin having $200 million in reserves for a future convention center expansion, Russell said the money should be tapped to help the hard-hit industries and workers during this pandemic. 

"I would like the city to use that money to help the venues first," said Russell. "If we save our venues we will at least have the garden to grow. I have faith the city will do the right thing."