If you’re like me, you have been excited about and have been tuning in to these music live streams, specifically on Instagram Live. I appreciate the joy within this uncertain reality because of DJ sets like DJ D-Nice’s #ClubQuarantine livestream party. Plus, with the social distancing that’s been enforced to slow down the effect of COVID-19, the live streams keep me close to others, still a part of society.

Like most of us, creatives have seen a deep decline in their income with concerts canceled indefinitely and music streams declining. With a month of staying at home and no clear end to it in sight, a lot of creatives are occupying their time and generating some income by doing live streams. Some of them are going on daily (which is a good and bad thing). It’s almost hard to keep up with all of the entertaining and informative streams that are happening. However, there are a few that have kept my attention or are coming soon. Most of them are solely on Instagram Live. Check them out below (and, if you can, tip them for their craft):

Erykah Badu

Quarantine concert series | stream.baduworldmarket.com

When Erykah Badu announced that she and her band were doing an interactive quarantine concert series from her house, I squealed in excitement. I was even more excited that she decided to charge for it — $1 and $2, respectively. There have been two concerts so far, both at least two hours each, that were different in theme. She hasn’t mentioned what the theme of the next concert will be, but there’s a big possibility that the concert will be as great as the first two. Keep a look out on her social media pages (@erykahbadu on Instagram and @fatbellybella on Twitter) for the date and time of the next one.

Score|Swayze

#InsideTheRappersStudio | Instagram Live

Baltimore emcee and curator Score|Swayze recently started an interview series called #InsideTheRappersStudio. Chats about music releases, creativity, culture and more happen with each hour-long interview. If you want to hear more about independent creatives from the Baltimore and DMV music scene, this is one series to check out. Check out Swayze’s Instagram page for updated dates and times as the weeks continue.

9th Wonder

Fasss Auntie Lounge | Instagram Live

9th Wonder has been providing different DJ sets (that will either make you bop your head, two step, sweat, or maybe all of the above) multiple times a week. The Fasss Auntie Lounge name surfaced during the first week of his sets. Keep an eye out on his Instagram page for dates and times.

Questlove

DJ sets, Questlove Supreme | various platforms

Questlove has been blessing us with two different types of content during the pandemic. The drummer and co-founder of the legendary Roots crew does DJ sets, but they have been clearly defined and meticulously curated based on different moods, artists and more, with donating options. If you want a music history lesson while enjoying the music, his set is one to watch. His shows are streamed via YouTube and Twitch (via The Roots), as well as Instagram and Twitter/Periscope (via his personal page), usually at 9 PM EST. He has also been live-streaming the Questlove Supreme podcast via The Roots’ YouTube page (linked above).

Aneesa Strings

Concert series | Instagram Live

The bassist and singer-songwriter with the deep, rich voice has been doing concerts for the past 3 weeks. Filled with soulful interpretations of R&B and jazz classics and performances of her own songs, Aneesa, the #QuarantineQueen, gives you an intimate vibe for your Saturday nights. Check out her performances via Instagram Live on Saturdays at 10 PM EST.

YouKnowIGotSoul

Live interviews | Instagram Live

The R&B-curated site YouKnowIGotSoul has always been heavy with good content, but they’ve really done amazing with their brief Instagram Live interviews recently. Their previous guests during this pandemic have included Tank, Bryan-Michael Cox, Johntá Austin, and more. Keep an eye out on their Instagram page for the announcements of more guests as well as the dates and times.

AV Sessions

Virtual open mic | Instagram Live

Singer-songwriter, musician and curator Alex Vaughn (who has been in one of our playlists!) created a monthly open mic and collaborative performance experience for artists in the DMV. The AV Sessions, usually hosted on the third Wednesday of the month at Pie Shop in Northeast DC, will be held virtually via Instagram Live. Check out the open mic on April 15th at 8 PM EST through their Instagram.

One MusicFest

At The Crib Fest | Instagram Live

The One Music Fest team (shout out to Yusuf Muhammad who does programming!) curated a virtual music playlist experience through live performances. Occurring on Instagram Live, At The Crib Fest will include artists such as Funsho, Ade’, India Shawn, Chill Moody, Skyzoo and more. Each artist has his/her own set that you can check out via their own personal Instagram accounts (listed on the flyer). At The Crib Fest will be held on April 18th from 12-7 PM EST.

Verzuz

Artist battle | Instagram Live

My Twitter timeline lights up when these producer and songwriter battles ensue on Instagram Live. Started and curated by the first producers of the battle, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, past battles included songwriters Johntá Austin and NeYo, T-Pain and Lil Jon, as well as producers Hit-Boy and Boi-1da, and, most recently, DJ Premier and RZA. If you come there for the music, definitely stay for the commentary within the Instagram Live, especially in the chat. Legends arrive and jokes ensue amongst the 100 thousand-plus Instagram Live viewers the battles bring in. Check out more information on the next battle (between Teddy Riley and Babyface, hopefully!) via the Verzuz Instagram page.

9 Music-Based Livestreams To Watch During The Pandemic