The Canadian streaming king seems to be immune to COV19. The Weeknd is looking to have an explosive week despite around the clock media coverage on the pandemic. His new album After Hours (Republic) projected to move 400k+ units.

It worked for The Weeknd but it may not work for everybody. One may think it’s easy to go unnoticed when the media has grasped the public’s attention with social distancing and self-quarantine measures. For instance, French singer Thomas Dutronc, who has Iggy Pop on his new album has delayed the release.

Ok, to release or not to release? Established artists with expectations should probably wait until the seas calm down. They certainly won’t get the eyeballs they are looking for. Plus, people in times of a crisis tend want to venture into new territory and leave the familiar. Lesser known artists may benefit from a difficult time. A new artist tends to offer new solutions. New artists should continue to release new music now. Artists are living through history. This history will produce a new crop of artists that will spark generational change.