5 Tips For A Successful Live Stream
Author: Matt Garrison, Guest Contributor
Live music…remember the last show you attended in person? It may seem like an eternity for most, especially considering social distancing and self isolation restrictions, cancellations of tours and the temporary or permanent closures of venues thanks to the pandemic. Rules continue to change for group gatherings but that shouldn’t stop you from getting a dose of live music thanks to live streaming and virtual concerts. Sure the ambiance, acoustics and overall experience are not quite the same, but at least you don’t have to wait on long lines. The live music streaming surge has been amplified, as companies in the music industry adapt to stay relevant and involved. But what about musicians? With streaming being a newer concept for so many, we crafted a list of 5 tips to help musicians produce a successful live stream.
Expand Your Range - There are so many platforms to stream on and every person watching has their preference for which one to use. Facebook, Instagram and YouTube all offer live streaming options.
Hype - If you haven’t learned how to make social media posts yet, there’s no better time! There are numerous websites (some free) where you can create hype flyers and posters to share with your fans. Start sharing these flyers as posts a week or so before the show to get the momentum rolling. Produce a teaser video to engage your fans and social community.
Set the Mood - Think about when you go out to a club or performance space. Are there bare walls and cement floors? Nope! You need to create a welcoming environment for your watchers. Put up some lights, set up some plants, let your cat sleep in the background!
Preparation - Even though people are not in your living room, you still need to put on a show. Write a set list, think about what you want to say, talk to the camera. If you can see real time comments for those watching, interact with them. Just like in the real world, you need to connect with the audience.
Repetition Is Key - Things may go wrong in your first couple performance attempts. Maybe your iPad won’t stay up. Maybe YouTube won’t connect. Maybe you didn’t make the Facebook stream a public event. You learn as you go and after a couple times, you’ll get the hang of it. Also, keep expanding your repertoire. Take this time to learn new music, or write new arrangements. Each time you perform, let people know that new material is coming and they have to tune in next time to listen.
By utilizing these tips, you’ll be well on your way to producing a successful live music stream. From a business and marketing standpoint, live streaming can also allow you to reach new fans and music enthusiasts from around the world, whom you may not otherwise have had an opportunity to perform in front of. Spend the time to design and implement a strategy to maximize your reach, your message and engage your audience as if they’re sitting in the room with you. It’s an opportunity to personally connect with your audience on a whole new level.
About The Author
With confidence, lyricism, and a tonality that is suffused in warmth, saxophonist Matt Garrison fervently pursues the art-form of jazz as reflected in his own words, "I like to think that I am a translator of sorts. A jazz musician, in my opinion, is supposed to interpret the world around them and convert those situations and feelings into music." This is the essence of Garrison's voice and music. After taking an early interest in the saxophone in school, the spark was ignited Through hard work and determination, he excelled and went on to earn, both Bachelors and Masters degrees (including the Anthony Newman Award, given to one exceptional jazz major) at Purchase Conservatory of Music in Westchester New York where he studied with Javon Jackson, Ralph Lalama, Hal Galper, Todd Coolman, and Jon Faddis. An aspiring musician who is coming into his own, Garrison has gigged or recorded with various players of note--the late Dennis Irwin, Eliot Zigmund, Pete Malinverni, Adam Nussbaum, Gene Jackson, Sam Yahel, Jeff Hirshfield, Jon Cowherd, Andy Laverne--and was once in a band with trumpeter great, Ray Vega. Garrison continues to establish himself and thrive in a variety of settings and states, "I am never satisfied with stopping the search for a better way to express myself."