The Online Cream Will Rise to the Top – Production and Performance Counts

I wish that I didn’t have to write about this topic.  And I actually wouldn’t mind being proven wrong about this – sooner than later!  But for now, revisit what you’re doing online-performance-wise, and fine tune every aspect until it’s a well-oiled machine.

When you perform live in a traditional live music setting, you want the attendees to have a good experience, right?  You recognize that they’ve taken time to put themselves together, drive to a venue, devote their night to seeing you, and for that you want them to get enjoyment from it and, of course, buy your music and/or merchandise as well as stay engaged with you (i.e., email list, social media).

So, you need to create an equally memorable experience when you’re performing online – even if the attendees didn’t have to leave their house and likely aren’t dressing the same way they would’ve to go see your show in-person.

Why am I writing about performing online – especially only five weeks after I published a blog along similar lines?  As much as we’re all sick of hearing about it, the Coronavirus is not going away anytime soon.  Maybe some numbers will help you see it more clearly.

Here in Florida the numbers have gotten bad.  Real bad.  According to the Tampa Bay Times, the sunshine state “added nearly 3,500 new cases (yesterday).  In just ten days, infections tracked by the state Department of Health have more than doubled.  If recent trends hold, Florida will surpass 100,000 today.”

While it has been encouraging to see live music starting back up as restaurants and similar establishments have reopened – albeit at reduced capacity – it’s not to say that everything is better.  Three notable music venues in the greater Tampa Bay area that were to reopen this past weekend ended up taking a pass and will stay closed, all because of Covid-19 reasons.

Just under two weeks ago a truly alarming statistic was reported by NPR, who said that 90% of independent clubs, festivals, and other music venues could close – permanently.

So, if you thought that Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Instagram Live, and other livestreaming platforms were just band-aids to get you through the pandemic that you thought was over (or ending), think again.

By this point everyone has heard of Dr. Anthony Fauci.  He and well-respected medical professionals like him are not issuing an optimistic forecast for the rest of the calendar year, never mind the start of 2021.

So again, check your broadband connection, your hardware, and your software.  Look at your home “stage.”

I had a guest on “Now Hear This Entertainment” tell me recently that they’re planning to make online performances a standard part of their regular schedule even if/when things do open back up.  Don’t be naïve and think you can just wait it out and that lots of venues will be throwing their doors open and their arms to welcome you back.

Tweet at me to @NHT_tweets with your thoughts.  Alternatively, use Facebook, LinkedIn, or even email to continue the conversation.