FEATURE:
Aspect Ratios
IN THIS PHOTO: YUNGBLUD streamed a live gig from L.A. on Monday (16th March)
Will Live-Streamed Gigs Become More Common?
___________
AS the music world is quieter…
PHOTO CREDIT: @rebeca_calavera/Unsplash
in terms of new releases and positive developments, I have been thinking about what is happening regarding the coronavirus and a question that has been asked. As so many artists have had to postpone gigs and lose money. Artists around the world are affected by the outbreak and we are not sure how long things are going to last. Live streaming is a form of entertainment that has been around a while now. German concert venues have been emptied and many have watched performances via live streaming. It must be disheartening for artists and musicians to play to empty venues. There is something eerie when you learn that so many venues and public spaces are closing temporarily to avoid spreading the coronavirus. This leaves a big problem for artists who rely on public performance as their revenue. I have seen so many concerned people on social media asking whether they will be able to gig in the coming weeks, and they are not sure what they’ll do. Whilst people should buy merchandise and music from artists now more than ever, so many of us have to tighten our belts at a time when we are going to struggle. I think it is important that we support musicians around the world, but live-streamed gigs is an alternative to cancelling gigs. Already, we see videos of artists performing songs and then uploading them to the Internet.
PHOTO CREDIT: @gwundrig/Unsplash
Rather than there being this single-song performance, putting entire sets online would allow people to stay at home and watch gigs without the fear of being infected. From a musician’s point of view, not having that instant human reaction and being able to see the audience must be hard and very strange. The great thing about gigs and concerts is that they are about being together and watching this amazing event unfolding. Some claim that it is a bit too robotic and detached watching gigs rather than attending them. Seeing how so many people seem to view gigs through their phones these days, is there a big difference between the two?! I think artists are left vulnerable when they are unable to perform and travel, so there does need to be an alternative plan. Live streaming can never replicate the feeling of being at a gig, but it does give people a chance to see their favourite artists play when other events dictate their movements. Live streaming would be a cheaper method, as artists would charge less to watch the gigs; they can get more people watching compared to punters in a venue. I also think it would give people access to gigs who otherwise would not be able to go – they might be confined to their homes or suffer anxiety. People could donate a small amount of money to see the entire performance and, that way, we would all get a show and the artist would still make money.
PHOTO CREDIT: @neonbrand/Unsplash
Whilst the performance would not be as electric and the same as a gig, we watch music television and T.V. shows. I think the Government is unable to cover every person and sector affected by the coronavirus and, whilst we hope nothing like this ever happens again, there are no guarantees. On a smaller scale, bad weather and other events might mean cancelling a gig is the only option – rather than disappointing so many people, live streaming it would be a good compromise. Artists like YUNGBLUD have live-streamed to fans. There are other live-streamed events taking place, and there are pros to live streaming. This is a good way of offering artists a chance to earn money during pandemics like this one, but what of the future?! There are some who ask whether live-streamed gigs will be the norm soon enough. With venues still struggling to survive, I do think people should support them as much as possible. The coronavirus is a rare occurrence, so people should not be scared in the future. I do think live streaming is good as an addition to regular touring. Some artists might have to cancel a gig, but they are able to play from home. Also, with the rise in T.V. streaming and streamed music, it is inevitable that streamed gigs are going to make more of an impact. I would hate to see gigs becoming online-only, or things changing drastically. It is upsetting seeing artists anxious because they cannot perform live, so it is great we have technology that can link artists with fans. Once we get through the coronavirus, questions will be asked regarding live gigs and how artists can be compensated and survive should this happen again. Seeing how big a role live streaming will play will be very…
PHOTO CREDIT: @johnschno/Unsplash
INTERESTING to see.