COVID-19 Impact on the Global Music Industry: A Case Study of Taiwan’s Resilience and Adaptation

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated unforeseen disruptions across industries, and the music sector was profoundly impacted. Pre-pandemic, music served as a global connector, transcending cultural boundaries through diverse genres and live events. However, the onset of COVID-19 triggered a cascade of adverse effects, disrupting traditional music activities, leading to event cancellations, financial instability, and a surge in online platform reliance for artists. Despite increased homebound time during lockdowns, both live events and music streaming experienced substantial declines, resulting in significant revenue losses for platforms like Spotify. Through literature review and case studies, this research analyzed pandemic-induced changes, emphasizing innovation strategies employed by artists and organizations to engage audiences, the local music scene's impact, and shifts in music consumption habits. The study underscores how the pandemic reshaped music consumption, the stark effects on the Taiwan music scene, and the industry's adaptation to digital platforms, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of artists amidst unprecedented challenges.