Local entertainment in the post-COVID world is going to look at a lot differently, and some artists are concerned about what that will mean for the live music scene. 

Thomas Hutlet is a Red Deer born-and-raised musician with a strong appreciation for live music venues. He is one of the artists that is sharing concern for how entertainment will survive as businesses, venues and artists are able to bring entertainment forward.

As things begin to open slowly, Hutlet said he feels there is going to be some major changes, and unfortunate losses, within the live performance scene. 

“I think the hardest thing about it is that right now - and this has been going on the whole time (as venues and services closed), but especially now - there is a lot of talk about music venues shutting down all over Canada, which is sad. There are a lot of good venues, too,” he said. 

One of Red Deer’s most popular live music venues, The Vat, is an example of the places where musicians have loved to take the stage but might not be available when it’s time to re-open. 

“It doesn’t just affect the business owners, having to shut down, but also a lot of musicians and bands who love those venues. Some were almost like a shoo-in - you knew the place, you’d play there and had a good connection there and those places might be gone.”

Hutlet said he’s hopeful that people will step up to support the local venues and continue to show love to local musicians, comedians and other performers who rely on live shows to share their work. 

Back in April, Hutlet was one of many musicians to host an online concert for friends and fans, sharing some of his favourite covers and original songs via a Facebook live event. He said he knew people needed something uplifting, fun, and interactive and was surprised to see just how much his event was appreciated.

“I loved it because it was received even wider than I thought it would be, which is really cool. It was a cool feeling to see that a lot of people checked it out, and it was a lot of fun,” he said, adding that staying in has helped him write a few songs and use his creativity as an outlet for the stress and general uncertainty of the times. 

“It’s definitely been a bit of a motivator because there’s no excuse to not [get creative]. It’s more fun for me because I literally can’t do anything else right now other than write songs. It’s helped me in a way that at least it’s given me the option to write, especially if you’re not an essential worker or have nothing else to do. It’s been good like that.”

He said he believes a lot of other musicians and creators are in the same boat right now, but also understands that there are people who are struggling and not feeling up to being creative or posting new work. He said he hopes those who are able to will choose to do something positive with their music and make something uplifting for people during this time. 

“Personally, I felt it gave me some drive to do it, and I realize that people are going to want to hear new things once this is over, too.”

Hutlet’s biggest wish for central Albertans at this time is to be prepared to get out and support local venues, local musicians and to appreciate what that connection brings to all parties involved. To check out his music, you can click here.