There’s no manual for this: Kim Mitchell talks about promoting new music during COVID-19

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — How do you promote your new album when you can’t play to a live audience? It’s a situation Kim Mitchell and other touring musicians find themselves in due to the pandemic.

“I’m just doing what I can through this whole thing. There’s really been no manual, has there,” he says. “[I’m] just trying to stay positive, stay healthy, being careful when I go somewhere.”

The 67-year-old is about to put out The Big Fantasize, his first album in 13 years. However, he can’t tour behind it because of COVID-19.

“I’m kind of preparing myself, on one hand, that it will get better, and I will get out there and play, and hopefully other musicians [will too], but I’m also preparing myself that I may not,” he says.

“I know people are doing stuff online but there’s a real difference between looking at a screen and listening to a computer than a sweaty rock n’ roll room. [But] I would never want to put an audience in danger,” he says. “I know Live Nation has moved everything to ’21, but who’s to say is that still going to be a safe time to travel? So, until that is worked out, I can’t imagine anything happening.”

Mitchell admits while going out and playing live has always been his bread and butter, he thinks he will be okay financially.

“A folk singer by the name of Murray McLauchlan always told me, ‘Don’t expand the company too much.’ And my father always taught me to save too. So, I always put a little bit away,” he explains. “I’m glad I did because I can coast, hopefully, through this for a couple of years, if need be. I know there’s a lot of people [who] aren’t in the same category. There’s crew guys I work with, there’s other musicians, and we’ll just do what we can to get through this.”

2020 isn’t a complete downer for the classic rocker, however. Earlier this year, Mitchell got word he will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Mitchell is humbled to be joining the likes of Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, and Neil Young.

“It totally surprised me. It feels wonderful, but it did totally surprise me. I didn’t see it coming,” he admits.

Look for Mitchell’s latest single, “Wishes,” on streaming services now.