Discover 7 Benefits of Live Streaming as an Artist/Band
7 Benefits of Live Streaming for Artists and Bands
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Live streaming and virtual performances have risen dramatically since the onset of the pandemic last year.
However, it is still a pretty underutilized resource for a majority of artists and bands.
True, live venues are reopening around the world and starting to schedule a scattering of shows.
Also, festivals are starting to reorganize and are seeking to fill out their performance rosters.
However, artists can not lose sight of the tremendous benefits of conducting live streaming performances or virtual concerts.
Even when the live music industry makes a complete return, it is important for artists to supplement their in-person gigs with virtual performances.
Below we outline at least 7 core benefits of maintaining a live streaming presence for artists.
1. Create a remote community and fanbase around your music.
By nature, most artists develop a local fanbase first.
This is particularly true when it comes to live performances as the local and surrounding area tends to be their main stomping grounds.
Setting up live streaming performances opens up your shows to a global audience that would have otherwise not been able to see you perform live.
Yes, you can post clips from an in-person show to social media and/or YouTube as an alternative.
However, many music fans prefer the spontaneity and exclusivity of catching a performance live while its happening.
2. Grow your brand
By being able to reach a global audience with your virtual shows, you are actively building and growing your brand at a rate that may likely outpace your physical shows.
Viewers of your live streams will be able to engage with your content immediately.
They can view all your social media information, access your music on streaming platforms, contribute money to you and purchase merchandise all in one click.
3. Stream to multiple platforms at one time increasing social media presence.
Artists who have a varied audience across multiple platforms benefit from live streaming because it provides an opportunity to perform one virtual event for them all simultaneously.
A web-based application such as Restream (link below) gives you the ability to broadcast live across multiple platforms like Facebook, IG, Twitch etc. at once.
By virtue of connecting with your fans across multiple sites, you are naturally increasing your social media presence within the different platforms.
4. Gain exposure to more music listeners.
This is an obvious one.
The more people who view your live streams and become familiar with your music, you are exposing your music to a larger pool of potential fans and supporters.
5. Stay active even during gaps in physical live shows.
Let’s face it.
It’s not easy for many artists to secure live gigs, particularly, in areas where live venues may be limited in number.
Also, venues may be less willing to take a chance on artists with a smaller fanbase.
Lastly, you just may not be ready or prepared to do a full on in-person performance.
In any of these scenarios it is vital to stay active and maintain visibility.
Scheduling some virtual performances in between a gap in scheduled shows or just as a promotional tool is something artists should heavily consider.
6. Maintain performance sharpness and readiness.
There was a term I heard growing up. “Use it or lose it!”
This can apply to any function that once was routine and automatic which then becomes a bit awkward and less familiar because it hasn’t been done for a certain period of time.
Performing is no different as a great performance is driven by a number of factors.
They include fluid spontaneity, ad libbing and banter with the crowd, timing (particularly important when performing with a band), vocal precision etc.
Just listing these few important factors in a great performance, it is crucial to stay sharp and ready when it comes to your live show.
I know…there is a thing called practice!
But nothing can duplicate the experience or accountability of performing for an audience whether physically or virtually.
That is why it is crucial to maintain sharpness when it comes to your live shows.
Scheduling a virtual concert in between physical gigs can be a tremendous resource in keeping you on point performance wise.
7. Allows for more experimentation that can be utilized to enhance live shows in-person
Have you ever had something different you wanted to try in-show but felt hesitant about it?
A live streaming show affords you the opportunity to give it a shot and experiment in a less demanding environment.
You can whip out that guitar solo you’ve been working on; drop a freestyle verse; debut an unreleased track… You get the point!
Depending on the vibe and reaction, you may want to now incorporate it into your in-person shows.
How many of you are already actively live streaming?
Are you interested but don’t quite know how to set it up?
Let us know in the comments section.
Also look out for our upcoming comprehensive guide on how to live stream!
Live Streaming Resources
See below to access live streaming resources and software.
THE FIRST ICON AGENCY LLC is a multimedia entertainment company that produces and publishes content in the music, sports and fitness industries. First Icon provides services in artist bookings, representation, music administration, digital marketing and promotions and playlist curation/placement. Based in New York City, The First Icon Agency takes a global approach in producing our content and representing our talent. It's where we developed the motto, "This is the place where innovation speaks for itself". #innovationspeaks