Austin News

If local Austin officials don’t lend significant aid to musicians and music venues, live performances could completely shut down, according to a popular Austin-based international musician.

“We will lose our music venues, small local businesses and our community will be hurt,” said musician Alesia Lani, a former model. “It breaks my heart to watch the music scene just change.”

Although the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting shutdown has negatively affected the local music scene financially, Lani told Austin News that it’s had a positive impact on her mind and music.

“Live performances, of course, are hurt but it’s the new normal we are adapting to and as musicians and creatives, we’ve got to adapt to survive,” she said in an interview.

In addition to winning awards, Lani has recorded two albums and has performed with funkmaster George Clinton, the Ohio Players as well as rock band Guns N' Roses. More recently, she shared the spotlight with Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, Childish Gambino and Billie Eilish.

Coronavirus cases in Texas began to surge in June.

Currently, the Texas Department of Health Services reports 716,207 confirmed cases and 14,984 fatalities statewide as of Sept. 22. 

As a result of the coronavirus, Lani and other musicians are relying on philanthropy.

“The music grant extended to the music scene is such a great help for anyone who was accepted,” said Lani.

Lani's website currently states “No upcoming shows." If music venues do close, Lani says she will be very sad.

“I’ll never get a chance to enjoy and appreciate them anymore,” said Lani, who has played at festivals such as South By Southwest, Toronto's Indie Week Fest, the 2019 Austin City Limits Festival and Jai Thep.

When asked about the more than $200 million that the city of Austin has earmarked to expand the convention center, Lani said making the funds available to artists and music venues will be more helpful than a center expansion.

“That’s not thoughtful at all,” she said. “How can we benefit from a convention center expansion in Austin when we are known for our live music? Help save the music.”