“Songs we need to hear during a Pandemic" (Online Swap)

Performances through Zoom

PMN Members may use this registration form to sign up to share a song or a poem during this online event.  All PMN members who register to perform will receive an e-mail message with a link to PMN's Zoom video conference account.  Everyone performs through their own computer connection. 

Eligibility to Perform

Performers in this swap must:

1. be PMN members in good standing* 
2. register using this form
3. have a computer with functioning video camera and microphone.**

* If you are not a PMN member, you may join here: https://www.peoplesmusic.org/join-PMN

** Using your computer's built in mic with Zoom's default audio settings is sufficient to participate and be heard.  The sound of a person singing normally comes across on Zoom somewhat better than a telephone.  However, Zoom's default audio compression filters cause the audio for musical instruments to be poor.  These filters are effective at eliminating background noise, but they also distort the frequencies of musical instruments.  Using a headset with a built in mic will focus the sound of your voice, because it puts the mic closer to your mouth, but it won't improve the audio quality of instruments.  It is possible to significantly improve the audio quality of both voice and instruments by using an external USB mic or a USB audio interface device.  Once you have the hardware in place, there is a setting in Zoom called "enable original sound", which removes Zoom's default audio compression.  Learning these tools helps improve the sound of your performance.  Please see here for a useful tutorial on changing the audio settings in Zoom for music. 

The Topic

In this video conference event, PMN members are invited to share songs or poems on the topic of “What we need to hear during a Pandemic".  We are looking for a broad range of pieces about the injustices that exacerbate the dangers of this pandemic.  For example, a healthcare system that prioritizes profits over people, the economic precarity of the working class, and the systemic incompetence and inhumanity of our government).  We’re also looking for songs about the crises that are upon us with or without a pandemic.  For example, racism, the climate crisis, patriarchy, the scourge of prisons, and more).  Finally, we’re looking for songs that brighten our lives in the stressful and uncertain times we're living through.

A Note on Selection

Every PMN member wishing to perform at this event is invited to register and to do so sooner than later.  Selection for the final performer list will give priority to new PMN members as well as PMN members who have not yet performed in one of our previous online swap events.  We plan to hold these song swap events regularly.  Anticipate more opportunities!

Broadcast through Facebook Live

PMN will broadcast the swap using Facebook Live. Anyone may tune in to the live braodcast at no cost, via PMN's Facebook Page, which is https://www.facebook.com/Peoples.Music.Network/

Directions for tuning in: Go to PMN's Facebook Page, and scroll down until you find the video post with the word “Live” in the upper right corner. Click to open it and un-mute the audio.  (Note: The livestream post won't pop up on the PMN page until 7:30pm (EST) on the night of the event.  If it is after 7:30pm EST and you don't see the livestream right away, keep scrolling further down until you see it.)

After the event, click on the “Videos” tab on the left side of the page to access a recording of the event.

Help Publicize!

Tell your friends how they can tune into this online musical event for progressive culture.  Share this event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2930051177086917/

(This is also the link where you can find the performer list, which becomes available by the morning of Wednesday, April 8.)