Published By: Orna Ghosh

The Virtual Concert Revolution: How 2021 Redefined Live Music in the Digital Age?

Music helps redefine our lives at every point. 

Due to the global pandemic, live music saw a tremendous transformation, compelling the entertainment sector to adjust to new problems. As physical performances got postponed or scaled back, musicians and promoters turned to technology to reinvent the live music experience. The advent of virtual concerts revolutionised how viewers interact with and enjoy live performances in the digital age.

  1. Livestream Concerts have gained popularity over time. During the pandemic, it has become the desired platform for musicians and bands to engage with their fans. Musicians performed live from their homes or studios and streamed them to followers' screens around the world using a variety of platforms, including social media. This change helped performers to stay in touch with their listeners and promote intimacy and a sense of community despite physical separation.
  2. Virtual concerts increase global reach and accessibility. Fans of traditional concerts frequently encountered geographical restrictions, like travel costs and issues with ticket availability. Contrarily, online performances allowed music lovers in various locations and time zones to have experience. Audiences expanded, and a more welcoming environment was created for music lovers, thanks to this democratisation of access.
  3. Virtual concerts enhanced production and immersive experiences. To improve the virtual concert experience, artists and organisers started investing in top-notch audiovisual setups, interactive elements, and immersive technologies. These technological advancements, such as 360-degree cameras and augmented reality components, allowed concertgoers to view performances from various angles, enhancing the virtual experience and making it more dynamic and engaging.
  4. Hybrid concerts have gained popularity over time. The virtual concert revolution continued as the world started to reopen. Instead, a hybrid strategy incorporating the finest aspects of live and virtual concerts evolved. It allowed performers to take the stage at actual locations while simultaneously live-streaming the event to a large audience worldwide. The reach and economic potential for artists and organisers increased because of this structure, which catered to local attendance and online admirers.
  5. Virtual concerts helped monetise NFTs. Initially, virtual music shows were free or donation-based. However, as the genre developed, artists began to look into new sources of income. Virtual concerts with tickets have become popular, allowing viewers to access the live show or an on-demand recording by purchasing digital passes. Additionally, the emergence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) helps artists to produce unique, limited-edition digital collectables linked to their virtual concerts, opening up a new avenue for audience engagement and monetisation.
In conclusion, the insights discovered during this crucial year will probably influence live music for many years as the music business develops.