Lesser known musicians turn to social media to earn lost wages

Independent musicians like Doug and Telisha Williams have lost a majority of their income after canceling bookings and tours to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. The couple purchased a house in March, but days later, the coronavirus shutdown began. They are putting on performances online now and asking for contributions from viewers.

Section:Gallery

Thu., April 16, 2020

Doug and Telisha Williams, married musicians who perform together as the Wild Ponies, perform at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Nashville, Tenn. The couple became proud homeowners of a fixer upper in March. But in a matter of days, up to 85% of their income was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic. So now, like many other independent musicians, they’ve turned to social media and the Internet to make up their lost wages.

Laura Schneider Associated Press
Doug and Telisha Williams, married musicians who perform together as the Wild Ponies, are photographed at The Russell in Nashville, Tenn. The couple purchased their first home in March. But in a matter of days, up to 85% of their income was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic. So now, like many other independent musicians, they’ve turned to social media and the Internet to make up their lost wages.

Laura Schneider Associated Press
Doug and Telisha Williams, married musicians who perform together as the Wild Ponies, pose for a portrait in November 2019, at the Gardens of Babylon in Nashville, Tenn. The couple became proud homeowners of a fixer upper in March. But in a matter of days, up to 85% of their income was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic. So now, like many other independent musicians, they’ve turned to social media and the Internet to make up their lost wages.

Laura Schneider Associated Press