MUSIC IS LIFE!
Life on the road in the era of Covid.
What was the last live performance you attended? My last live performance was Designer Disguise at Tony V’s Garage in Everett, WA. It wasn’t even the whole band as Josh Wildhorn was on tour with his now former band, Dragged Under. It was also the last show I took my oldest son, Julian. It was a great show! Knowing some of the band members makes for a much better experience. I always head to the “merch” tables for each band, a lot of times before the show starts. I know that merch is the life blood of any band so even if I’ve never heard of them before, I buy something.
I have mentioned several times how blown away I am by the groundswell of support and organizing that sprung from the music community during the “Covid” era. I am part of several online communities that are working together to get professional artists paid, played and pushing forward. Now that life is opening up a little more and shows are being scheduled, I hope the lessons and opportunities we’ve had during this time continue to grow and shape the music industry.
I feel “live” streaming events are one of the most important things to come out of Covid for musicians. No longer do you need a full band to play a “show”. No more excuses for not being “discovered” because you can’t get a venue to book your project. Much like how tech has made it possible to be your own record company, the webcam and going “live’ on social media has made booking your perfect show effortless. I have helped several artists add “live” shows to their plan where one couldn’t exist before. And now with NFT’s and other digital “products” exploding, the possibilities are truly endless.
So, how do you make a streamed live show feel and provide the same result as an in-person live show? Planning, vision, accessibility.
What do people get out of a live show?
- Date night
- Visual connection to the band
- Audible connection to the band. I watch how they play my fav songs-but lets face it, it’s usually so loud you can’t hear any definition, however the shear power of the sound is intoxicating
- Chance to meet the band (see my last blog)
- Chance to meet others, likeminded and open to connect
- Bragging rights
- etc……
With that in mind, I give you my brief guide to make an online live performance as impactful as an in-person one. All you have to do is incorporate things into your performance that allow your audience to have the same experiences.
Date night
- Offer VIP tickets to the event that include a shout out to your sig other
- Offer to Write/dedicate a song for someone as a “request”
- Offer discounts for groups/couples
Visual connection to the band
- Roaming camera for behind the scenes/pre-show shenanigans
- Sell “front row” tickets- have someone set up an iPhone/dedicated video and be an avatar for guest
- Set up lights and FX in your space. Possible digital FX etc during show
Audible connection to the band.
- This can be easier or harder than a live show-consult a professional
Chance to meet the band
- Meet and greet after show tickets/giveaway/fan club
- VIP personal shout out from band member
- Live Merch table link.
Chance to meet others, likeminded and open to connect
- Chat and networking rooms/events before and after
Bragging rights
- Offer exclusive content
- Signed CD’s
- Set lists
- Commemorative tickets
- Band scrap/lyric book
- Fan submitted social media posts played before and after
You don’t have to be or hire an event planner but if you have some people that can assist in the production, you’re golden. While you’re planning, make sure to always think like a fan. What would you like to have at a live event? Do that.
Next time:
How I am handling being a creative with ADHD