The Many Benefits of Performing Online

On the episode of “Now Hear This Entertainment” that will come out next Wednesday (on Dec. 14th) singer/songwriter Viktoria Tocca checks in from Sweden.  And while, yes, we do play a couple of – original! – Christmas songs from her EP, the conversation goes to an interesting teaching moment.

As you know by now, one of the aims of NHTE is to provide listeners who are singers, songwriters, artists, entertainers, with useful information that can immediately be applied to their burgeoning career – usually at very little cost, if any.

If you’ve listened to the show long enough, you’ve heard me talk with a guest from time to time about online performances.  Specifically, we’ve talked about platforms such as ConcertWindow.com and StageIt.com, although there are certainly others like them.  In fact, I remember as far back as Episode 14 when I talked to Liz Longley and her saying she was doing a show online.

What’s the benefit, you ask?  Well, first, let’s make that ‘benefits,’ plural.

On the Viktoria Tocca interview I suggest that if, say, Tuesday, is generally an ‘off’ night for you, meaning you usually don’t get booked to perform then, plan an online concert for an upcoming Tuesday so that you do get to play for people that night after all!  Of course another cool aspect of this is that you don’t even have to leave home.

Now, Viktoria relays some important advice, such as making sure you have a great internet upload connection and speed, and that you do your best to ensure good sound for the viewers.

I found it extremely interesting that she talked about starting off with your first handful of online shows being free for people to watch.  She said that it will help you build an audience on whichever of these websites you choose to perform on and that along the way you’ll be capturing those highly coveted email addresses so that later you can make contact knowing that the recipient has already shown interest in your music.  Plus, you could still earn money from tips that people can give online during the show.  So, if you hesitate because you hear ‘free’ and think, “I guess my cut of zero will be zero,” think again.

I also recommend these for songwriters because if you have a song that you want feedback on, viewers can provide such right there and then during your online performance.

For those of you who have a following beyond your local area, to the point where who knows when you’ll be able to be face-to-face with that audience, doing an online show solves that and the cool part is, they don’t have to share you with an in-person crowd such as when you broadcast via Facebook Live at a venue.  Each and every viewer will feel that you are talking and performing specifically to them.  No one has the upper hand because they’re seated right there at your gig.

Give it a try.  Perform online, gather some email addresses, pick up some extra cash on a night you’d otherwise be idle, and connect with your fans!