Five online music events you can enjoy from home during this circuit breaker period

You’re probably staying home right now, growing bored as you patiently await the day you can hopefully start living life like you did pre-COVID-19.

Although it’s noble of all us to play our part and observe safe distancing measures from home, there’s no denying that staying indoors can get monotonous and for some, even dreadful.

Not to worry because here are five upcoming online music events that will be available via livestream to keep yourself entertained. Some even raise funds to give back to those affected by COVID-19.

You’re probably familiar with the music series MTV Unplugged, where artists typically perform their songs with acoustic instruments. This special edition, MTV: Unplugged at Home, will be a multi-platform digital experience that brings you and your favourite musicians together through this tough time.

Artists such as Alessia Cara and Yungblud have already performed stripped-down versions of their hits, but many more will be having their own showcase later on in the series.

Some names to anticipate are Bazzi, Monsta X, and FINNEAS. You can also expect to see regional acts who will be announced later on MTV’s international channels.

This new mini-concert series wants to enable fellow music enthusiasts to seek comfort in one another during this social distancing period.

You can catch these performances on TV or stream them on MTV’s Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Human to Human is a Facebook Live donation event that supports musicians, touring crew, as well as those working in the music industry who might have lost job opportunities or gotten sick due to COVID-19.

The event, happening on Apr 11, will feature the likes of Alec Benjamin, Tori Kelly, Grouplove and more.

As you enjoy the livestream performances by these talented musicians, you can also contribute via the Facebook Live donate function. All proceeds will go to the PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund, MusiCares and Sweet Relief.

The funds will be used to assist people in the music industry who are struggling to make ends meet during this COVID-19 season.

You can head to their website or their Facebook page to find out more and RSVP for the event!

On Apr 16, non-profit organisation Sound Mind, whose mission is to end the stigma surrounding mental health and illness through music, will be organising a COVID-19 mental health benefit concert.

The virtual concert will feature at-home performances by Alex The Astronaut, Ballroom Thieves, Jade Bird and many others. It will be hosted by comedian and author Chris Gethard.

Besides musical performances, the concert will also feature sharing sessions by mental health experts on how you can get through this safe distancing period.

Proceeds from this concert will support Backline, the music industry’s hub for mental health resources, in their COVID-19 mental health response programmes.

You can catch the concert on The Relix Channel on Youtube. If you wish to donate and support COVID-19 mental health programmes for the music community, you can do so on their website!

Jointly organised by Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the multi-hour digital special features artists, world leaders, and global health experts. The event was curated in collaboration with singer-songwriter and actress Lady Gaga.

The global broadcast aims to celebrate and show support for frontline healthcare workers, as well as the WHO. Doctors, nurses and families from around the world will be sharing real experiences and unique stories in their fight against COVID-19.

Popular musicians such as  Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and of course, Lady Gaga, will be making appearances in the broadcast to benefit the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

The fund supports local charities that provide basic necessities to those in need as well as equip frontline healthcare workers with medical equipment like masks and gowns.

You can sign up to be part of the event on their website and catch the virtual broadcast on Apr 18 through streaming services like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and many more.

While most music events and tours shows have already been cancelled or postponed, this music festival stays UnCancelled and has been broadcasting globally since Apr 2.

The virtual concert experience aims to help the musicians and venues whose income were affected amidst the COVID-19 shutdowns.

All musicians perform at their local venues and performances will be livestreamed on the platform StageIt. You will have to register for a StageIt account and load $5 into your account to access the stages. Virtual concert tickets for each show will be ‘pay what you want’, with the minimum being 10 cents.

You can even tip the artists during their show – your tip will show up in real time on the chat box!

Your tips and ticket purchases will directly support the musicians and venues along with the MusiCares Emergency Financial Assistance fund.

The guide available on their website will teach you how to enter the festival and attend the virtual shows without leaving your house.

UnCancelled Music Festival changes their lineup daily, just as a physical one would, so keep updated on their Instagram page!

There are many other artists who will be livestreaming performing from home, so it seems like we’ll be spoiled for choice this month.

If you have the free time to attend these virtual events (I’m sure you do), you could even Skype your friends and attend the same event to have some company.

In the meantime, stay at home and stay entertained, while shaking the COVID-19 blues away for a good cause.