Hollow note: M'sia's live music scene muffled as Covid-19 battle drags on

SPECIAL REPORT | As the world largely went under lockdown as countries attempted to do battle against the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, many concert halls and stages fell silent.

Instead, over the past few months, millions around the world tuned in to their screens, through virtual "windows" as celebrated singers, bands and other performers held online concerts.

Yet, to many, virtual performances cannot replace live concerts, nor can such performances remove the feeling of isolation felt by movement restrictions, even in Malaysia, which underwent almost two months of near lockdown with the movement control order (MCO) since March.

In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, music events have become impossible. Music bars in downtown Kuala Lumpur closed and the sound of buskers...