The State of Live Music

I really miss going to concerts.  I’ve been waiting with baited breath to see when they’ll return, and i’m beginning to see some signs of life.  In the meantime, there have been a whole host of options for seeing streaming concerts.  They’re everywhere, and difficult to keep up with!  There’s also talk of this being a new normal:

Though the post-streaming music industry has been difficult for professional musicians at nearly all levels, the emergence of Couch Tour as a potentially viable income source might be one of the few positive developments in recent years. For now, it may be the perfect activity for a homebound age, both socially present and physically distant. But long after audiences return to venues, the future of Couch Tour will be something to watch."

(Via The Never-Ending Couch Tour: How Livestreams and Social Media Have Already Transformed Live Music | Pitchfork.)

While most of these performance are just of artists and their instruments in front of a camera, some artists are showing a little more creativity.  One example are the “Personal Concerts” that Joe Pug has been offering.

 

 

Big Head Todd & the Monsters have been doing virtual tours, supporting local communities.

 

 

But virtual concerts just aren’t the same.  I’m sure by now you’ve heard of some of these Drive In concerts happening.  One artist making some noise in the streaming space is also looking at the Drive In model as well.

"Marc Rebillet, the electronic artist and YouTuber also known as 'Loop Daddy,' is embarking on what is being called the first-ever drive-in concert tour, taking place in drive-in movie theatres in the U.S. starting in June.

The shows aim to resemble the classic drive-in movie experience by showcasing short films instead of featuring traditional opening acts, with a portion of proceeds donated to GlobalGiving Coronavirus Relief Fund."

(Via Pollstar | Marc Rebillet's 'Drive-In Concert Tour' To Hit Multiple Cities, Kicking Off In June.)

 

 But, things are starting to transition out of the virtual.  Music Box just started to announce the return of some dinner concerts coming in a couple weeks.

 

 

Whether or not the public is ready to jam out in public with Carlos Jones, or laugh with Veranda L’Ni in person, in the same room, is another story.  We’ll see where this goes next...