Axiomatic Theory on making music during the COVID-19 pandemic

The music industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Venues have closed and musicians have been left without gigs due to trading restrictions and industry shutdowns. This has resulted in limited opportunities for local musicians in the nation’s capital.

In line with Canberra’s Recovery Plan, venues closed in March until the territory’s progression to stage 2.2 restrictions in June. Even before the pandemic, Canberra’s music scene was struggling. And now many of the city’s main venues, including The Phoenix and Transit Bar, have either closed or are in recess. Local bands have fewer and fewer opportunities for playing live.

Axiomatic Theory is an up-and-coming progressive-metal band who released their debut album ‘Existential Flux’ during the pandemic. In this piece, they talk about the challenges of promoting their music and engaging with their fan-base throughout lockdown. With support for the live music industry now more important than ever, they’re calling on Canberrans to go out and watch local bands.