Covid-19 hit the entertainment industry hard. But thankfully Duncan Laurence has persevered and on May 13 released his first EP “Worlds on Fire”. It has five songs including his winning song from Tel Aviv. After that he participated in Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light, where he sang “Someone Else”, which now counts over 1,000,000 streams.
For his next move Duncan has booked a special livestream concert at Het Scheepvaartmuseum — the National Maritime Museum of The Netherlands. The concert serves at least three important purposes. It’s going to entertain his fans during these difficult times. It’s going to help support his band, whose personal incomes have taken a hit by all the cancellations. And, most importantly in the wake of the death of George Floyd, it’s going to lead to a significant donation to the Black Lives Matter organisation, which works to fight racism.
On Friday Duncan uploaded the following statement to his Instagram Stories, laying out what the concert is all about and the important motivations behind it.
“Since last year, I’ve been given a platform through my music and the ability to choose how to use it. I’ve experienced how the power of music unified people throughout my lifetime. Music has carried me through these uncertain times and connected me to my fans who have chosen to walk together rather than alone.”
“Covid-19 has economically affected members of my band and my crew. I’m so happy to be able to provide work for them. Without them none of this would be possible. I am grateful to announce on the 18th of June, we have been given the opportunity to finally share hope through music. We will be live-streaming from a beautiful location
in Amsterdam.”
“I am not surprised to see the reactions of my fans as they use their voices to stand up against injustice. I am proud and honoured to stand with such considerate and empowering people. That is why I’m excited to announce that 50% of the profit will be given to the Black Lives Matter organization. Let’s take a stand against racism. Together we will spread love and make a change.”
Like many artists around the world, Duncan observed #BlackoutTuesday, where people in the music industry were asked not to release any new music on that day and to sit down and think about how they could work to fight against racism.
This act of charity shows his concern for his fans, and also for society at large. He also wrote on Instagram that he didn’t care about the amount of messages he’d received via DM telling him he shouldn’t post about the Black Lives Matter movement.
“This is my account, this is what I stand for,” he wrote. “I take action, I raise awareness, with love, with kindness, but above all with determination. If you don’t like it, you know where to find the unfollow button.”
Duncan Laurence Livestream Concert at Het Scheepvaartmuseum
Visit the Streamslive.nl web site to learn more about the concert on June the 18th.
Visit the #blacklivesmatter web site to learn more about the cause and to make a donation of your own.
Will you be attending the livestream event? Let us know down below!
Well Done Duncan !! You are great !! I can’t wait for the concert !!
We love to see more artists doing what is right. Thank you Duncan.