Musicians around the world had to hang up their mics and instruments during the COVID-19 pandemic as venues and festivals shut down. Now, as vaccination levels increase, the music has started to return.

The live music industry lost an estimated $30 billion in 2020, according to industry publication Pollstar. Many festivals, including The Governors Ball in New York, have returned and are welcoming live audiences. But new precautions, including pushing the dates to later in the year and requiring vaccinations or frequent COVID-19 testing, show what the new normal for live events might be.

Musicians however are just happy that they can play gigs once again. Cheddar News senior reporter Michelle Castillio caught up with Laundry Day, Portugal. The Man, Forgivers, and Bankrol Hayden to find out what the pandemic music pause was like for them, how it fueled their creativity, and what they have planned for the future now that they can take the stage.