There used to be an expression (somewhat dated now, likely due to its also being somewhat sexist) about separating the men from the boys. The entertainment industry version of that could be something along the lines of separating the pros from the amateurs.
At a time when there are no live music bookings to be had anywhere out in public, those performers that can and should be labeled ‘pros’ are proving that it doesn’t matter where they’re asked to display their talents, they’re still going to treat it like a traditional live show.
It has done my heart good to see indie artists taking their craft so seriously during recent livestreams. The last three Wednesday nights (and concluding this Wednesday evening) I have hosted the “Now Hear This Entertainment” Virtual Music Series on Instagram Live (9pm Eastern Time on April 22nd). A total of 17 past guests from my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast have performed live from various locations around the country. All just for ten minutes each.
Yet, they have shown up as though they were there to do two hours and not just two original songs. Bravo, performers. Bravo.
In a situation where it would be easy to mail it in and just mute the TV long enough to lean over, grab the guitar, sing two songs, and then get back into the bowl of popcorn, these guys and gals have overprepared. It’s what a host wants and what an audience will benefit from.
While livestreaming looks like it’s going to be the way that performers and fans connect for live music for a little while still, here are some of the ways to really stand out that I’ve been on the front line with over the last three Wednesday nights:
• Performers have called me on the phone just to talk things through rather than be content with emails we’ve exchanged (yes, for “just” a ten-minute appearance)
• Handmade (yet professional looking, meaning, easy to read) signs have been made to provide information to viewers while the songs were being played. (A large part of this Series has been to get viewers to support these out-of-work performers, so virtual tip jar-type info is quickly conveyed on those signs.)
• Pro lighting has been strategically placed so as to add some aura to the room that a performer is in.
• Rather than play guitar and sing solo, one performer went so far as to gather the whole band to do the (again, just) two songs together as a group.
• Conscious of the sound quality, numerous performers set up a p.a. rather than just trust their smartphone to provide good audio from the room
At least three different artists even gave me an exclusive, performing new original songs that haven’t even been released yet, showing not only that they are very much still writing during the pandemic but appreciative of a platform to get their music out. I felt honored that they would use my broadcast to play those songs.
It should go without saying that none of them had “bedhead.” But it does all challenge you to evaluate how your livestreams are looking and what maybe you can do to step yours up and get more notice.
Talk about livestreams you’ve watched and/or performed for in our Facebook group!
Bruce
20 April 2020
By: Bruce Wawrzyniak