By Melissa Peralta, Editor-in-Chief
On May 9, DJ Porter Robinson hosted a 14-hour virtual EDM festival called Secret Sky where viewers had the option to donate money to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. The festival generated over $115,000, all of which was put into the fund.
Half a million people from around the world gathered in the virtual audience to watch the 19 different acts on the setlist, whom Robinson said was a collection of some of his favorite artists in the genre. From pop-style EDM artists like Kizuna AI to the trance style of Robinson himself, there was some variation of EDM for every viewer.
The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund was created to support professional musicians affected by the pandemic. Because so many events have been canceled due to stay-in-place orders. With so many people under quarantine, musicians have gone out of work with really no end in sight. Albums and concerts have been postponed or canceled altogether so money is no longer funneling in for them.
Interim CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr. said, “Many people in the industry are now in crisis, not knowing what the future holds or having to deal with dire commercial realities. We are asking the entire industry to stand with us to support the musicians, artists and professionals who are the bedrock and the future of our music community.”
Robinson released a new song at the end of his set called “Look at the Sky,” one of three singles he has teased for his upcoming studio album “Nurture.” Since he hasn’t released any new albums under the “Porter Robinson” alias since 2014, many fans have been greatly anticipating the new album. The song has the traditional “Porter Robinson” feeling to it, in regards to the sounds and effects used within it. The lyrics, although not written for the situation the world faces presently, resonated with many fans.
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