Music Industry In Ireland – Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert: "It's been very hard"

How has the impact of Covid-19 affected you and your business?
We have not worked in over a year - are in debt and have found it hard to stay motivated.

What is the worst aspect of it all for you?
The lack of any clear supports or prospect of clear dates for gigs to return.

Did you have to let staff go?
We have no staff but the three members of Kneecap have been left broke.

People with high rent or with large borrowings have been worst hit. How have you been?
It’s been very tough to get through.

Some people have been finding it hard to survive. Is that something you’ve encountered?
Yes

Music is a people business – how has the loss of contact with staff, colleagues or with others in the business affected you?
Yes, it has affected mental health.

Were you in a position to trying anything new or different?
Tried a live stream once, but it doesn’t suit high energy rap.

Mental health has been a huge issue for a lot of people involved in music. How has your experience been in that regard?
It’s been very hard

How important is it to you, to get back to work?
It’s everything right now...

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
Always try to be optimistic.

• 'Music Industry in Ireland: Where To Next?' is a special feature in the current issue of Hot Press, running to over 20 pages, featuring music industry professionals as well as artists including Moya Brennan, Jess Kav, Luka Bloom, Fia Moon, Gavin Glass, Mick Flannery, King Kong Company, Mary Coughlan, Rosie Carney and many more.